Lucid Air vs Model S
Choosing between Lucid and Tesla often comes down to a specific pair of products. In the midsize luxury car class, that pair is the Lucid Air and the Model S. Think of these two as neighbors: the overlap is large and the gaps are few.
At a glance
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
Design & Size
- Lucid Air 195.9 in × 76.3 in × 55.5 in
- Model S 197.7 in × 77.3 in × 56.3 in
If you already know the size you like, the Lucid Air and the Model S should suit you equally.
Dimensions
| Spec | Lucid Air | Model S |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.9 in | 197.7 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 76.3 in | 77.3 in |
| Height | 55.5 in | 56.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 116.5 in | 116.5 in |
Engine & Performance
The engine & performance data here comes as names and types, not scores. Check the table to see what each one uses.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
The fuel economy & range section is even. Any gaps here are within the range you’d never notice. If fuel economy & range was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
There’s little to choose between them when it comes to space & practicality. Bottom line for space & practicality: it’s a wash.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Neither the Lucid Air nor the Model S has a real advantage in the off-road & towing category. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Safety & Tech
For safety & tech, the differences are in the specifics (component names and types), so the table is the place to look.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Lucid Air | Model S |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Battery electric | Battery electric |
| Engine | Single rear electric motor | Dual electric motors |
| Total system output | 430 hp | N/A (not specified) |
| Transmission | Single-speed direct drive | Single-speed direct drive |
| Drivetrain | RWD (AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Lucid Air | Model S |
|---|---|---|
| Electric range | 420 mi Longest electric range | 410 mi |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Lucid Air | Model S |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Lucid Air | Model S |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Lucid Air | Model S |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 17 in Biggest touchscreen |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | N/A (not specified) | Not available (Tesla software; no Apple CarPlay / Android Auto) |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Lucid Air | Model S |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.9 in | 197.7 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 76.3 in | 77.3 in |
| Height | 55.5 in | 56.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 116.5 in | 116.5 in |
Price
| Spec | Lucid Air | Model S |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $70,900 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Lucid Air or the Model S?
The Lucid Air and the Model S split the comparison (the things a spec sheet can’t capture for the Lucid Air, the things a spec sheet can’t capture for the Model S), so pick the strength you’ll use.
Which has better battery life, the Lucid Air or the Model S?
On paper, the Lucid Air and the Model S are evenly matched on battery, so expect similar endurance.
Is the Lucid Air bigger than the Model S?
Neither by much. The Lucid Air and the Model S have nearly identical dimensions.
Executive Summary
The Lucid Air from Lucid and the Model S from Tesla go after the same buyer. Here’s how I see them.
Put simply, the Lucid Air suits people who care about the things a spec sheet can’t capture, while the Model S suits people who put the things a spec sheet can’t capture first.
My pick: the Lucid Air for the things a spec sheet can’t capture, the Model S for the things a spec sheet can’t capture, and no wrong answer between them.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.