Tesla’s Model S Plaid has long been considered the benchmark for electric performance sedans, known for its remarkable speed and capability, often defeating traditional gas-powered supercars in drag races. However, a new competitor from Lucid Motors, the $250,000 Air Sapphire, has raised the stakes, prompting a showdown to see if it can best the Tesla in a real-world performance test.
Edmunds Cars conducted the comparison, focusing on a U-styled drag race that not only measures straight-line acceleration but also challenges the vehicles’ braking and cornering abilities. This setup provided a more holistic view of the two sedans’ performance, testing not only their speed but also their agility and handling under pressure.
On paper, the two electric sedans are incredibly close in terms of performance. The Tesla Model S Plaid boasts a 1,020-horsepower output, while the Lucid Air Sapphire edges ahead with 1,234 horsepower, both vehicles featuring triple-motor configurations. Tesla claims a blistering 0-60 mph time of 1.99 seconds, while Lucid’s Air Sapphire promises an even quicker 1.83-second sprint.
In the drag race, the Lucid Air Sapphire emerged as the clear winner, completing the U-styled course in an impressive 27.9 seconds at a top speed of 163.3 mph. This performance not only secured a victory over the Tesla Model S Plaid but also set a new record for Edmunds, surpassing the previous benchmark of a $382,000 McLaren 765LT by 1.7 seconds.
The Tesla Model S Plaid, despite its formidable performance, completed the race in 29.8 seconds, securing fourth place in Edmunds’ leaderboard, just ahead of the Porsche 911 Turbo S, which clocked in at 30.8 seconds. While the Tesla’s time is strong, it ultimately could not keep up with the Lucid’s edge in both acceleration and handling.
The test results highlight the raw power and agility of the Lucid Air Sapphire, which appears to outshine the Tesla Model S Plaid in this particular race format. However, with the Tesla costing significantly less, it remains a formidable contender in the high-performance electric sedan market, providing a thrilling experience at a more accessible price point.
