2022 Lucid Air Grand Touring AWD: A Detailed Review

Hey guys, let's dive deep into the 2022 Lucid Air Grand Touring AWD! This isn't just another electric car; it's a statement. Lucid Motors came out swinging with the Air, and the Grand Touring AWD model is a particularly compelling package that blends insane performance with luxurious comfort and impressive range. If you're looking for an electric sedan that can go toe-to-toe with the best from established luxury brands, and frankly, blow many of them out of the water, then you'll want to stick around. We're going to break down everything from its head-turning design to its mind-boggling acceleration, its sophisticated interior, and, of course, that all-important electric range. Lucid has positioned the Air as a true contender in the ultra-luxury EV space, and after spending time with the Grand Touring AWD, it's clear they've got a serious winner on their hands. Get ready for a comprehensive look at what makes this car so special, and whether it lives up to the hype. We'll cover the design, the performance, the interior, the tech, and the overall driving experience, giving you all the info you need to decide if this is the EV for you.

Exterior Design: Sleek, Aerodynamic, and Utterly Captivating

When you first see the 2022 Lucid Air Grand Touring AWD, the exterior design is the first thing that grabs you. It’s smooth, flowing, and incredibly aerodynamic. Lucid’s design language focuses on efficiency, and you can see that in every curve. The front fascia is clean, almost minimalist, with slim LED headlights that give it a distinctive, futuristic look. There's no traditional grille, of course, which is standard for EVs, but Lucid has integrated cooling vents subtly into the lower bumper. The overall profile is that of a long, sleek sedan, but with a more coupé-like roofline that tapers gracefully towards the rear. The proportions are excellent; it looks long and low, with a wheelbase that stretches out, promising a spacious interior. The wheels are aerodynamically designed, and the flush door handles retract when you approach, adding to the futuristic aesthetic. At the rear, you'll find a full-width LED taillight bar that’s a signature element of modern luxury cars, and it looks particularly striking at night. The design isn't just for looks; it's functional. The low drag coefficient is a key factor in the Air's impressive range and performance. Every line, every surface has been sculpted to cheat the wind. Even the side mirrors are designed to minimize drag. It’s a design that feels both timeless and aggressively modern, setting it apart from the more conventional designs of some competitors. It doesn't scream for attention with flashy spoilers or aggressive vents; instead, it relies on its elegant lines and sophisticated presence. The paint quality is also top-notch, reflecting the luxury positioning of the vehicle. You can see the attention to detail in the panel gaps and the overall fit and finish, which rivals or even surpasses many established luxury automakers. The charging port is cleverly integrated, and the overall impression is one of sophisticated engineering meeting high fashion. It’s a car that looks good from every angle, whether it’s parked or cruising down the highway.

Performance: Electrifying Speed and Unbelievable Range

Now, let's talk about what really makes the 2022 Lucid Air Grand Touring AWD stand out: its performance. And guys, it's absolutely electrifying. This car isn't just quick; it's insanely quick. With its dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup, you get a combined output of 819 horsepower. That's a colossal amount of power, translating into a 0-60 mph time of just 3.0 seconds. For a car of this size and luxury, that kind of acceleration is simply jaw-dropping. It’s the kind of power that presses you back into your seat and makes you grin like a kid. But the Grand Touring AWD isn't just about straight-line speed. The AWD system provides excellent traction and stability, making it confident in various driving conditions. The power delivery is smooth and immediate, as you'd expect from an electric powertrain, but Lucid has tuned it to feel refined and responsive, not jerky or overwhelming. The handling is surprisingly agile for a car of its weight, thanks to the sophisticated suspension system and the low center of gravity due to the battery pack. It corners with a composed feel, though it’s clearly biased towards comfort rather than outright sportiness. This isn't a track car, but it’s certainly enjoyable on a winding road. What truly elevates the Grand Touring AWD, however, is its incredible range. Lucid claims an EPA-estimated range of 516 miles on a single charge for the Grand Touring model. Fifty-sixteen miles! That's the longest range of any production EV to date, and it completely changes the game for electric vehicle usability. Road trips are no longer a logistical nightmare; they become genuinely feasible and enjoyable. You can drive for hours without range anxiety, making this a practical choice for long-distance travel. This exceptional range is a testament to Lucid's advanced battery technology, efficient powertrain, and that slippery aerodynamic design we talked about earlier. The charging speed is also impressive, with support for DC fast charging that can add up to 300 miles of range in about 20 minutes. So, when you do need to charge, it’s remarkably quick. The blend of blistering acceleration, composed handling, and groundbreaking range makes the Grand Touring AWD a powerhouse in the EV segment.

Interior and Comfort: A Sanctuary of Luxury and Space

Step inside the 2022 Lucid Air Grand Touring AWD, and you're immediately enveloped in a world of premium luxury and cutting-edge technology. Lucid has clearly put a massive emphasis on creating an interior that feels both spacious and opulent, and they’ve absolutely nailed it. The first thing you’ll notice is the sheer amount of interior space. Thanks to the EV platform, which allows for a flat floor and packaging efficiencies, the Air offers limo-like legroom in the rear, even for taller passengers. It feels significantly more open and airy than many traditional luxury sedans. The materials used throughout the cabin are top-tier: soft-touch leathers, real wood trim, polished metals, and high-quality plastics create a tactile and visually appealing environment. Lucid offers various interior themes, allowing for a high degree of personalization, but even the base configurations feel exceptionally premium. The seats are incredibly comfortable and supportive, offering multiple adjustments, heating, ventilation, and even massage functions in the front. They’re designed for long-distance comfort, which perfectly complements the car's extensive range. The driver’s cockpit is a masterclass in modern design. You get a curved, high-resolution driver display that seamlessly integrates into the dashboard, offering crisp graphics and intuitive controls. Complementing this is a large central touchscreen that controls most of the car’s infotainment and climate functions. Lucid’s interface is generally well-designed and responsive, though like any complex system, there can be a slight learning curve. The audio system is phenomenal, with high-end sound options that deliver an immersive listening experience. Storage is surprisingly generous, with a spacious frunk (front trunk) and a well-appointed main trunk, plus clever interior storage solutions like the “Swarovski-like” cup holders and a surprisingly cavernous center console. The glass roof stretches almost the entire length of the cabin, creating an open and airy feel, and it features electrochromic dimming to control sunlight. The ambient lighting system further enhances the mood, allowing you to customize the cabin’s atmosphere. Everything about the interior screams attention to detail and a commitment to providing a first-class experience for both drivers and passengers. It’s a space that’s as relaxing as it is technologically advanced, making every journey a pleasure.

Technology and Features: Smart, Intuitive, and Future-Forward

The 2022 Lucid Air Grand Touring AWD is packed with technology that aims to make your driving experience safer, more convenient, and more enjoyable. Lucid’s approach to technology is both innovative and user-friendly. The infotainment system is anchored by a large, high-resolution central touchscreen, which seamlessly integrates with a curved driver display. This setup provides access to navigation, media, climate control, and vehicle settings. The system is powered by Lucid’s proprietary software, which is designed to be intuitive and responsive. Voice commands are well-implemented, allowing you to control various functions without taking your hands off the wheel. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported, ensuring you can easily connect your smartphone. But the tech goes beyond just the infotainment screen. The Air features Lucid’s DreamDrive, an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) that offers features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. While it’s not a fully autonomous driving system, DreamDrive offers a significant level of driver support, making highway cruising and stop-and-go traffic less taxing. The system is designed to be forward-looking, with Lucid stating that it’s capable of over-the-air (OTA) updates that can unlock new features and improve existing ones over time, keeping the car feeling fresh and cutting-edge. The car also boasts a sophisticated charging management system, allowing you to monitor and schedule charging sessions. The keyless entry and start system is seamless, and the optional soft-close doors add a touch of luxury. The advanced climate control system with air purification ensures a comfortable and healthy cabin environment, regardless of outside conditions. The lighting system is also noteworthy, with dynamic LED headlights that adapt to steering inputs and a customizable ambient lighting system that can transform the cabin's mood. Lucid has also integrated unique features like the “Glass Canopy,” a panoramic glass roof with adjustable tinting, and clever storage solutions. The overall impression is that Lucid has thought of everything, integrating technology in a way that enhances the driving experience without being overly intrusive or complex. It’s a smart, sophisticated, and future-ready package that complements the car’s other strengths.

The Driving Experience: Effortless, Refined, and Exhilarating

Driving the 2022 Lucid Air Grand Touring AWD is an experience that can only be described as effortless, refined, and, at times, genuinely exhilarating. From the moment you pull away, the car’s inherent composure and power are evident. The instant torque from the dual electric motors makes acceleration immediate and smooth. Whether you’re merging onto a highway, overtaking slower traffic, or just accelerating away from a stoplight, the Air delivers power in a way that feels both potent and beautifully controlled. There’s no dramatic lurch or sudden jolt; it’s a seamless surge of acceleration that’s addictive. The ride quality is exceptional. Lucid has tuned the adaptive air suspension to prioritize comfort, and it truly shines. It glides over imperfections in the road, soaking up bumps and minimizing road noise to create a serene cabin environment. This makes it a fantastic car for long commutes or extended road trips. Despite its comfort-focused tuning, the Grand Touring AWD still handles itself well in corners. The steering is precise and well-weighted, providing good feedback, and the all-wheel-drive system ensures confident grip. While it’s not designed to be a sports sedan that carves up apexes, it feels stable and secure when you do push it a bit. The low center of gravity helps keep body roll in check, and the car feels planted and composed. Visibility is generally good, aided by the large glass areas and the surround-view camera system. The quietness of the cabin is remarkable, even at highway speeds. The only sounds you typically hear are the gentle hum of the tires and perhaps the premium audio system. This tranquility adds significantly to the overall luxury feel. One of the most liberating aspects of the driving experience is the unparalleled range. Knowing you can cover over 500 miles on a single charge means you can plan journeys without the constant worry of finding charging stations. This freedom transforms how you think about and use an electric vehicle. It feels like a true successor to gasoline-powered luxury sedans in terms of its long-distance capability. The combination of potent yet refined power, supreme ride comfort, quietness, and the sheer freedom offered by its range makes the Lucid Air Grand Touring AWD a truly special vehicle to drive. It manages to be both a performance machine and a relaxing sanctuary on wheels.

Conclusion: A New Benchmark in Luxury Electric Sedans

So, guys, what’s the final verdict on the 2022 Lucid Air Grand Touring AWD? In a word: impressive. Lucid Motors has not just entered the luxury EV market; they’ve set a new benchmark. The Grand Touring AWD model, in particular, offers a compelling blend of blistering performance, revolutionary range, opulent comfort, and cutting-edge technology. From its aerodynamically sculpted exterior that turns heads wherever it goes, to its spacious and luxurious interior that rivals the best from established German automakers, the Air Grand Touring AWD delivers on almost every front. The 819 horsepower and 3.0-second 0-60 mph time mean it’s a performance car in its own right, yet it achieves this while offering an astounding 516 miles of EPA-estimated range. This combination is simply unmatched in the current EV landscape. The driving experience is refined and comfortable, making it ideal for both daily commutes and epic road trips. The technology suite is advanced and forward-thinking, with over-the-air updates promising continuous improvement. While it comes with a premium price tag, as expected for a vehicle in this segment, the value proposition is undeniable when you consider the technology, performance, and range you receive. Lucid has proven that they are serious players, capable of building a car that can genuinely compete with, and often surpass, the established luxury brands. If you're in the market for a high-end electric sedan and value performance, luxury, and groundbreaking range, the 2022 Lucid Air Grand Touring AWD should absolutely be at the top of your list. It’s a remarkable achievement and a sign of great things to come from Lucid Motors.