Lucid Motors marked a significant milestone as the first production model of the Lucid Air Sapphire, boasting a staggering 1,234 horsepower, rolled off the assembly line at its facility in Casa Grande, Arizona. The announcement follows Lucid’s recent release of the final specifications for this electric performance sedan, with the promise of production commencing in September 2023, and customer deliveries just around the corner.
The Lucid Air Sapphire stands as the most potent variant within the Air lineup. Its formidable power comes from twin rear motors complemented by a single motor mounted on the front axle, delivering a jaw-dropping 1,430 pound-feet of torque. Sharing the same 118-kilowatt-hour battery as the Dream Edition, this powerhouse achieves an impressive EPA-estimated range of 427 miles and an efficiency rating of 3.61 miles per kilowatt-hour.
One of the first production #LucidAir Sapphire super sedans goes through ADAS system calibration at our AMP-1 manufacturing facility in Casa Grande, Arizona. Customer deliveries will begin soon. pic.twitter.com/oSTJbrSxl5
— Lucid Motors (@LucidMotors) September 29, 2023
The performance figures of the Lucid Air Sapphire are nothing short of astonishing. Lucid claims that this electric marvel can accelerate from a standstill to 60 miles per hour in a mere 1.89 seconds, reach 100 mph in just 3.84 seconds, and complete a quarter-mile sprint in a blistering 8.95 seconds. Its top speed clocks in at an exhilarating 205 mph. In a notable Hagerty drag race earlier this year, the Air Sapphire outperformed its formidable rival, the Tesla Model S Plaid, in a quarter-mile showdown.
While the Lucid Air lineup, with prices ranging from $82,000 (excluding taxes and fees) for the Pure variant to a premium $249,000 for the Sapphire, hasn’t witnessed blockbuster sales, there is positive momentum in year-over-year production numbers. Lucid reported producing 2,173 units in the second quarter of 2023, marking a substantial 204 percent increase compared to the same period in 2022. Moreover, customer deliveries in the same timeframe saw a robust 107 percent growth, with 1,404 units handed over to eager buyers. Lucid is anticipated to unveil its production and delivery figures for the third quarter in the near future.
With Lucid’s expansion strategy into new production bases, there’s optimism that sales will gain traction in the upcoming months. The company recently inaugurated its first overseas assembly plant, designated as Advanced Manufacturing Plant 2 (AMP-2), located in Saudi Arabia within the King Abdullah Economic City. In its initial phase, this facility is set to assemble 5,000 units, with ambitious plans to expand its capacity to a remarkable 155,000 units in the future.
