The Lucid Gravity: A Star-Crossed Contender in the 2025 Luxury EV Arena
As we navigate the increasingly competitive landscape of 2025, where the automotive industry is in a full-throttle sprint towards electrification, few vehicles arrive with as much anticipation and intellectual curiosity as the Lucid Gravity. For over a decade, I’ve watched, driven, and dissected countless electric vehicles, from groundbreaking prototypes to mass-market staples. The Gravity, Lucid’s audacious foray into the premium electric SUV segment, isn’t just another entrant; it’s a statement. It aims to redefine what a three-row electric SUV can be: a blend of high-octane EV performance, revolutionary design, and sustainable luxury. Yet, like many ambitious disruptors, its journey from concept to consumer is proving to be a fascinating, albeit at times frustrating, study in the art of automotive innovation.
On paper, the Gravity is a marvel, a direct descendant of the critically acclaimed Lucid Air, which carved out a niche for itself as a groundbreaking luxury sedan. The expectation was that the Gravity would translate that innovative ethos into a more versatile, family-friendly package. And in many respects, it delivers. Its sheer presence evokes a sense of thoughtful design, a vehicle built not just to transport, but to provoke. But as the rubber hits the road – or, more accurately, as fingers hit the often-temperamental door handles – the Gravity reveals a duality that is both inspiring and, at times, incredibly vexing.
The First Contact: A User Experience Riddle
My extensive experience with EVs has taught me that the initial user interaction sets the tone. With the Gravity, that tone is less a symphony and more a perplexing riddle. Getting this magnificent machine to simply “start” feels like a test of patience, a digital gauntlet laid down by its creators. Whether I reached for the elegantly designed key fob, swiped the minimalist key card, or fumbled with the mobile app, the act of unlocking the doors was a wildly inconsistent affair. Sometimes it responded instantly, a silent welcome. Other times, it demanded multiple attempts, a silent rebellion against my intention to enter.
Once inside, the challenge continues. After a decade of reviewing vehicles where “push to start” has become an intuitive, almost reflexive action, the Gravity insists on a more arcane ritual. There seems to be no repeatable, intuitive method for convincing the vehicle to power on reliably. Having encountered similar, maddening inconsistencies with early iterations of the Lucid Air – a vehicle that, despite these quirks, won our Car of the Year honors in 2022 for its sheer brilliance – I find myself bewildered. How, after years of development and valuable lessons learned, does a brand committed to cutting-edge EV technology still struggle with such fundamental, table-stakes user interactions? This isn’t just a minor bug; it’s a foundational friction point that undermines the entire luxury electric vehicle experience before you even pull out of the driveway. For a vehicle positioned in the high-end electric car market, this level of basic usability flaw is simply unacceptable in 2025.
An Interior Masterclass, With Quirks
Beyond the initial tech hurdles, the Gravity’s interior packaging showcases Lucid’s genuine genius. This is where the “intellectual” aspect truly shines. As a three-row electric SUV, the Gravity leverages its dedicated EV platform to create an astonishing amount of interior volume within a surprisingly compact footprint. Whether configured with two or three rows, the cabin feels expansive, airy, and thoughtfully laid out. I’ve had colleagues ranging from just over five feet to nearly seven feet tall, and every single person found genuine comfort in every seat – a rare feat in any SUV, let alone an EV battling for trunk space with battery packs.
The second row, in particular, offers impressive legroom and adjustability, thanks to a motorized track that allows for significant fore-aft movement. This adjustability is key to maximizing either passenger comfort or cargo capacity. And speaking of cargo, the Gravity truly excels. Beyond the spacious rear cargo area, the capacious frunk (front trunk) and a clever sub-trunk under the main cargo floor provide an abundance of usable storage. It’s a testament to brilliant engineering and spatial optimization.
However, even these brilliant ideas sometimes devolve into minor practical annoyances. That motorized second-row track, while functional, occasionally feels like an afterthought. When the seats are folded, it exposes unsightly componentry and can easily become a debris trap. Similarly, a design flourish beneath the frosted glass center console lid, featuring a perfectly shaped tray for the key fob, turned into a minor entrapment device. On more than one occasion, a simple key tag – a common accessory – caused the lid to jam shut, requiring awkward manipulation to retrieve the fob. These aren’t deal-breakers, but they hint at a slight disconnect between elegant design concepts and real-world, everyday usability.
The steering wheel, too, presents a study in contrasts. Its unconventional shape initially raises eyebrows, but its tactile feel is genuinely pleasant, enhancing the driving experience. Yet, the dual control pads integrated into the wheel feel somewhat insubstantial, a jarring contrast to the otherwise sumptuous touchpoints found throughout the cabin. This small detail questions Lucid’s reputed attention to detail, which is paramount in the luxury EV market.
The Digital Divide: UI/UX Challenges
No modern vehicle, especially a premium EV, can exist without a robust digital interface. The Lucid Gravity features an expansive, curved upper touchscreen that serves as the nerve center for infotainment, navigation, and vehicle controls. While visually striking, I immediately noticed a subtle, jagged edge of pixels along its top curve – a minor aesthetic flaw, perhaps, but one that stands out in an otherwise meticulously crafted interior.
Lucid has attempted to strike a balance between physical buttons and digital controls, offering a few tactile switches for essential functions. However, the overall user interface (UI) still presents a steep learning curve. Navigation through menus, accessing specific settings, or even understanding the status of various advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) often feels more like deciphering hieroglyphs than intuitive interaction. Many times, I found myself questioning whether a feature was genuinely broken or if I was simply misunderstanding Lucid’s unique logic. For a vehicle aspiring to be at the forefront of automotive innovation 2025, this level of UI complexity is a significant hurdle. In an era where intuitive, seamless digital experiences are the norm on our smartphones, an electric vehicle user experience should not demand a dedicated study session. It detracts from the effortless luxury the brand otherwise promises.
The Performance Revelation: Where the Gravity Truly Soars
Then, you press the accelerator. And suddenly, many of the frustrations melt away, replaced by an intoxicating surge of electric SUV performance that almost defies belief. This is where the Gravity truly transcends its initial quirks and reminds you of Lucid’s undeniable prowess. Whether equipped with the “basic” 600-horsepower-ish powertrain and a sophisticated dual-chamber air suspension, or the utterly ballistic 828-hp, triple-chamber setup, the Gravity drives like nothing else in its class.
This isn’t just a fast SUV; it feels like a high-riding all-electric supercar. The engineers at Lucid have clearly imbued this vehicle with a level of dynamic precision that speaks to a deep understanding of chassis tuning and power delivery. The balance, control, and sheer brute force are astonishing. The Gravity corners with an eagerness and composure that belies its size and weight, driving through turns with the same beautiful linearity it exhibits in a straight line. Even in mundane scenarios – navigating city streets or cruising on the highway – the dynamic refinement is palpable. The ride quality is phenomenal, smoothing out imperfections with remarkable grace, while body control remains taut and composed, preventing any unwanted wallow or float. This is a vehicle designed by and for skilled drivers, and that expertise is evident in every curve and acceleration. For those seeking exhilarating EV performance, the Gravity delivers in spades, setting a new benchmark for electric SUV performance.
Charging Ahead: Range and Reality
In line with the Lucid Air, the Gravity comes equipped with the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, making it compatible with the rapidly expanding Tesla Supercharger network – a crucial advantage in 2025 for reducing range anxiety. It also stands out as one of the quickest-charging EVs we’ve tested, capable of replenishing significant range in remarkably short periods. This fast-charging capability is a non-negotiable feature for any serious long-range electric vehicle.
However, like many electrics across the board, the Gravity’s real-world range, while impressive, often falls short of its official ratings under diverse driving conditions and varying temperatures. This isn’t a unique Lucid problem but a common industry challenge, and it’s something experienced EV drivers account for. While its efficiency is still commendable for a vehicle of its size and power, prospective owners should temper expectations regarding the absolute maximum range they’ll consistently achieve in daily driving. This nuance is vital for a realistic understanding of EV charging solutions and ownership.
The Verdict: A Masterpiece in Search of Perfection
As we deliberated on the candidates for our annual awards, the Lucid Gravity sparked more fervent debate than almost any other vehicle. Its undeniable hardware brilliance – the stunning design, the unparalleled performance, the innovative packaging, and the ultra-fast charging – consistently clashed with its software and usability shortcomings. It’s a testament to the vehicle’s incredible potential that we spent so much time dissecting its flaws.
Ultimately, a vehicle this ambitious, one that aspires to set new standards in the premium EV segment, must achieve excellence across the board. The intoxicating theoretical brilliance of Lucid’s engineering, the promise of a truly revolutionary driving machine, is too often undermined by practical applications. After four years of development and several months on sale, these fundamental user experience issues are harder to forgive than they were in the Air’s early, more prototype-like days.
Lucid has undeniably crafted a masterpiece in aluminum and lithium, a testament to what’s possible when vision meets engineering prowess. Had they delivered the same level of polish and intuitive design in their code and user interface, the Gravity would not only redefine the luxury electric SUV landscape but might very well have driven off with every major accolade. It is a vehicle of profound contradictions: incredibly fast, undeniably luxurious, and yet, frustratingly flawed in its most basic interactions. It’s a reminder that in the exhilarating race toward the future of mobility, holistic excellence—where hardware and software sing in perfect harmony—is the ultimate prize.
The Road Ahead for Lucid and the Gravity
The Lucid Gravity stands as a powerful symbol of the current state of sustainable automotive design and high-performance EV development. It’s a car that demands your attention, rewards you with an unforgettable driving experience, but also asks for your patience and understanding regarding its digital learning curve. For enthusiasts who prioritize driving dynamics and cutting-edge design above all else, and who are willing to overlook some initial tech quirks, the Gravity offers an electrifying proposition.
In an era where the definition of luxury electric vehicle is rapidly evolving, the Gravity is a bold, beautiful, and sometimes bewildering glimpse into what’s possible. Its journey is far from over, and with crucial software updates, many of its current frustrations could be smoothed out. But for now, it serves as a powerful reminder that true innovation isn’t just about raw power or stunning aesthetics; it’s about delivering a seamless, intuitive, and ultimately joyful experience from the moment you approach the vehicle.
Considering a future-forward luxury SUV? The Lucid Gravity promises a driving experience unlike any other. We invite you to explore its unique blend of power, elegance, and innovative design for yourself. Discover if its unparalleled performance and spacious luxury can outweigh its current digital complexities. Engage with the future of premium electric motoring and form your own expert opinion on where the Gravity stands in the evolving narrative of luxury electric SUVs.
