Lucid Air Build Quality Review: Real Improvements After $140k Delivery?

Inside Our $140k Lucid Air Delivery Experience

After our scathing review exposed critical flaws in early Lucid Air models, the company halted our original order—admitting it didn’t meet new quality standards. This $139,000 Grand Touring trim (now $154k) arrives under intense scrutiny. We unboxed it with protective films intact, testing Lucid’s promises of improved craftsmanship. For luxury EV shoppers comparing the Mercedes EQS or Tesla Model S, these real-world findings matter.

Why This Delivery Matters

Lucid enacted a "rigorous new fit and finish policy" directly after our prior video documented malfunctioning doors and software glitches. As Senior Editor Ryan Zummallen notes: "We essentially got our first car canceled—a clear sign Lucid takes criticism seriously." Our gray replacement (white would’ve delayed 6 months) features a 112kWh battery, 21-inch wheels, and 469-mile EPA range.

Build Quality: Tangible Progress, Persistent Flaws

Lucid’s revised standards show mixed results. After inspecting every panel with Edmunds’ signature rigor, we found:

The Improvements

Functional doors and soft-close mechanisms—a basic expectation missing in our last test
Reduced cabin rattles despite flexible trim pieces (e.g., dashboard sections shift but return flush)
No critical malfunctions during initial setup, unlike earlier units

Unresolved Issues

Inconsistent panel gaps: Trunk-to-quarter-panel spacing varies from 2mm to 6mm—visible without tools.
Material misalignments: Door seals protrude unevenly (felt when running fingers across surfaces).
Questionable details: Excess sound-deadening foam near door hinges and a pen-width gap at the A-pillar.

Editor’s Note: While gaps exceed Mercedes-Benz tolerances, Lucid prioritizes silence over precision. No creaks emerged during our 50-mile shakedown.

Ownership Experience: Setup, Storage & Charging

Frustrating First Contact

Connecting phones is seamless, but Lucid’s OS complicates basics:

No Apple CarPlay/Android Auto forces reliance on Bluetooth
Navigation glitches: Default settings hid nearby chargers until manually overridden
Lucid ID setup blocked home-address programming without account credentials

Packaging Wins

Frunk depth: 10.1 cubic feet expands when lifting the floor—swallowing two large suitcases
Trunk tunnels: Clever side compartments fit charging cables neatly
Included extras: Floor mats, branded water bottle, tote bag, and cleaning cloth

The 900V Charging Advantage

Lucid’s high-voltage system supports faster DC charging than Porsche Taycan or Hyundai Ioniq 5. With 3 years of free Electrify America access, we’ll test real-world 350kW peak speeds.

Long-Term Questions We’re Investigating

Can Range Match Claims?

Early Lucid Air models achieved 505 miles in Edmunds’ testing. We’ll validate efficiency via:

Controlled 70mph highway loops
Real-world urban commuting
Impact of 21-inch wheels on 28kWh/100mi efficiency

Will Materials Hold Up?

The "clinical" leather smell and flexible trim concern us. Over 20,000 miles, we’ll monitor:

White seat staining (already marked during delivery)
Touchscreen stability in its floating mount
Wood/metal/alcantara integrity through seasons

Your Lucid Air Pre-Delivery Checklist

Before accepting delivery:

Inspect panel gaps at trunk seams and doors
Test all soft-close mechanisms repeatedly
Verify charging cable inclusion in trunk tunnels
Check for software updates immediately
Document interior materials for future wear claims

The Verdict: Progress Made, Premium Price Demands More

Lucid has addressed catastrophic failures but still lags in luxury details. As Ryan Zummallen observed: "At $140,000, inconsistent gaps and basic tech hiccups undermine its Mercedes EQS ambitions." Our year-long test will reveal if this EV newcomer can mature into a true contender.

Your Turn: Which luxury EV priority matters most—cutting-edge tech or flawless build quality? Share your dealbreakers below!