Lucid's electric range champ Air to launch in Europe later in 2022

BERLIN: In the US, it's currently breaking all range records, and soon it will also make it to Europe: Lucid plans to sell its electric luxury sedan Air in Europe in the second half of the year.

About a year after its launch in the US, the American newcomer Lucid plans to sell its luxury saloon from its first showroom in Munich, a spokesman for the company confirmed during test drives in Beverly Hills.

At prices estimated to start at around 100,000 euros, the nearly five-metre-long hatchback will then compete with vehicles such as the Tesla Model S, the Mercedes EQS and the Porsche Taycan and Audi E-tron GT twins.

In the US, Lucid is currently making headlines with the Dream Edition of the Air, which costs US$169,000. Limited to 520 units, the first-generation series can drive up to 837km on a standard cycle with its 118 kWh battery, according to the manufacturer.

And the output of the two motors, at 1,111hp, is also unmatched in this league. Lucid says the Air accelerates from a standstill to 100kph in 2.5 seconds and can reach an electronically limited top speed of 260kph.

This piece of electric luxury is also fast when it comes to charging and with a charging wattage of 300 kW, the Air can sap enough electricity for around 500km in about 20 minutes.

After the initial run, however, Lucid is now offering the Air in three not-quite-so-lush versions: According to the manufacturer, the base model Pure for around US$79,000 will come with a (still ample) 480hp engine and a range of 620km.

The Touring, which costs US$95,000, has two electric motors, 620hp and a range of up to 650km. For the future top model, the Grand Touring, costing the equivalent of US$139,000, Lucid has promised 800hp and a range of 830km.