Lucid’s Peter Rawlinson has openly criticized Tesla for losing its focus and its technological lead in the automotive industry. The former chief vehicle engineer of the Tesla Model S now believes Lucid now has the world’s most advanced automotive technology, showcased by the Lucid Air, which is quicker, more efficient and quicker to charge than Tesla’s top sedan.

In a recent interview with Liz Claman on Fox Business, Rawlinson said Lucid now has “the most advanced technology in the world.” He points to a version of the Air sedan having recently achieved a remarkable efficiency of 5 miles per kilowatt-hour, which he claims “no one is even close” to matching.

Making highly efficient vehicles is part of the company’s ethos, and the goal is to achieve 6.2 miles (10 kilometers) per kilowatt-hour, which he deems “the holy grail” of EV efficiency.

The upcoming Gravity SUV was also a big talking point in the interview. The Lucid boss made some bold claims about the Air’s upcoming taller sibling, which is built on a separate, dedicated SUV platform, so he says it’s not related to the sedan in the same way the Tesla Model X is related to the Model S. He even implies this makes the Model X not a “true” SUV but simply a larger Model S that sits higher off the ground.

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He also touted the Gravity’s excellent packaging, stating that even though it’s only about two inches longer than the Air in terms of total length, it has a lot more space inside. It can apparently fit basketball player-sized people behind one another in each of its three rows at the same time—that sounds amazing, and we would love to see a demonstration.

Providing an engaging driving experience in an EV is something most manufacturers are still struggling with, but Lucid is one of the few that seems to have dialed it in. The Air offers a stellar combination of power, fun and efficiency, and this sporty character will be carried over to the much more practical and capable Gravity, whose driving experience Rawlinson said will rival that of a Lamborghini Urus.

The quickest version will hit sixty from a standstill in 3.5 seconds, but if Lucid ever makes a Gravity Sapphire, it will surely dip below the three-second mark.

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It will offer “the stature of a Range Rover” and “the interior space of an Escalade.” Regarding the Gravity’s frunk, it has been designed to work as a bench where you can sit down, relax and admire the stunning vista that you just drove up to. You should be able to reach some reasonably remote spots thanks to the Gravity’s raised suspension, which is about two centimeters (almost an inch) taller than in the Air sedan.

Offering a lot of real-world range will be a key selling point for the Gravity, which promises to deliver up to 440 miles on one charge thanks to Lucid’s powertrain efficiency and a low drag coefficient of just 0.24 Cd. With its 900-volt architecture, it will be able to add 200 miles of range in just 15 minutes from a powerful enough Level 3 charging station.

It promises to not only be good at carrying people but also cargo, with a maximum payload of 1,500 pounds and a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.

Rawlinson was coy about announcing when the Gravity was going into production, but he did say it was going to happen by the end of the year. He also said the most affordable version of the Gravity will cost under $80,000, although if it’s like the Air, the vehicle will launch with the more expensive variants at first.

When it comes to luxury electric vehicles, Lucid Motors is setting a new standard in efficiency and performance. In a recent interview, the CEO of Lucid Motors, Peter Rawlinson, declared that no other company comes close to achieving the level of efficiency that Lucid has achieved with its Air sedan. Rawlinson also provided insights into the company’s upcoming Gravity SUV, which is expected to further showcase Lucid’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the electric vehicle market.

The Lucid Air sedan, which is set to enter production later this year, is being hailed as a game-changer in the electric vehicle industry. With a focus on efficiency, range, and performance, the Air boasts an impressive 517-mile range on a single charge – a figure that puts it ahead of competitors such as Tesla and Porsche. Rawlinson attributes this feat to the company’s in-house technology and engineering expertise, which have allowed them to optimize every aspect of the vehicle for maximum efficiency.

In the interview, Rawlinson emphasized that Lucid’s approach to efficiency goes beyond simply increasing battery capacity. The company’s focus on aerodynamics, thermal management, and powertrain efficiency has enabled them to achieve record-breaking results in terms of range and energy efficiency. Rawlinson stated, “No one else is even close to what we have achieved with the Air. We are setting a new benchmark for efficiency in the electric vehicle market.”

Looking ahead, Lucid Motors is preparing to launch its highly anticipated Gravity SUV, which is expected to build upon the success of the Air sedan. While details about the Gravity SUV are still limited, Rawlinson hinted at the vehicle’s potential to redefine the luxury SUV segment with its combination of performance, range, and cutting-edge technology. “The Gravity SUV will showcase our commitment to innovation and excellence in the electric vehicle market. It will be a game-changer in the SUV segment,” Rawlinson said.

With its focus on efficiency, performance, and innovation, Lucid Motors is positioning itself as a leader in the luxury electric vehicle market. The company’s upcoming Gravity SUV is expected to further solidify its reputation for pushing the boundaries of what is possible with electric vehicles. As Rawlinson put it, “No one else is even close to what we have achieved with the Air, and the Gravity SUV will take us to new heights in the electric vehicle market.”