The Lucid Air, a flagship luxury electric sedan, has significantly improved since its troubled launch, according to a long-term test by automotive publication Edmunds.
After three years and over 26,000 miles with a 2022 Grand Touring model, the outlet reports that ongoing over-the-air software updates have transformed the vehicle into the refined product it was originally intended to be. However, despite its improvements, the Lucid Air continues to face steep depreciation in the resale market.
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At the outset, Edmunds encountered numerous problems with the Air, describing it as one of the most problematic vehicles in their long-term fleet. The list of early issues included software glitches, malfunctioning systems, and quality control lapses such as a squeaky steering wheel, loose interior fittings, and a misaligned A-pillar trim. In addition, mechanical components like the hood latches and the driver’s door handle required replacement. These issues were indicative of the growing pains often associated with startup automakers.
Over the next three years, Lucid pushed more than 60 over-the-air software updates to the vehicle. These updates not only resolved user interface bugs but also made fundamental improvements to the driving dynamics by recalibrating systems like steering, suspension, and throttle response. Edmunds noted that what was once a car few on their staff wanted to drive has become a sought-after vehicle within their fleet, with noticeably better on-road behavior and system reliability.
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Improvements were not limited to handling and comfort. Real-world range tests conducted by Edmunds showed increasing performance across multiple runs. Initially achieving 425 miles on a single charge, later tests delivered 438 miles and then 465 miles.
While still below the EPA-rated 516-mile figure, the gains were notable—especially as they occurred before the vehicle’s high-voltage battery was replaced under warranty due to a coolant leak. This suggests that software played a key role in improving efficiency.
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Despite its enhanced performance, the Lucid Air has experienced significant value loss. Edmunds purchased the vehicle in early 2022 for approximately $140,000. Today, a comparable new model is priced around $20,000 less, and the used market valuation for their specific vehicle stands at roughly $57,000. This represents a depreciation of more than $3 per mile driven—one of the more dramatic declines in the luxury EV segment.