2026 Lucid Air Touring Review: Is This The One?

Life as a startup carmaker is undeniably challenging—just ask Lucid Motors. When GearTech first encountered the brand and its prototype Lucid Air sedan back in 2017, the company envisioned delivering the first vehicles to customers within a couple of years. However, as often happens, plans evolved. A funding shortfall paused development until late 2018, when Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund invested significantly. While this billion-dollar infusion enabled Lucid to construct a factory, it also alienated some initial supporters due to the funding source. The pandemic further delayed timelines, exacerbating supply chain issues. But the Air eventually launched, and has since been joined by the Gravity SUV, with a more affordable midsize SUV, the Earth, also in development. Sales more than doubled in 2025, and after a week with a 2026 Lucid Air Touring, it’s easy to see why.

Lucid Air: A Growing Lineup

The Air now boasts a diverse range of configurations. At the high end, the outrageously powerful Air Sapphire, priced just under a quarter of a million dollars, delivers acceleration that’s almost overwhelming. Conversely, the $70,900 Air Pure, a single-motor model, serves as the brand’s entry point and a remarkably capable EV. The market for luxury electric vehicles is becoming increasingly competitive, with models like the Mercedes EQS and BMW i7 vying for attention.

My previous Lucid test involved the Air Grand Touring almost three years ago. While impressive, that car felt somewhat unfinished, especially considering its $138,000 price tag. This time, I focused on the Air Touring, starting at $79,900, and the experience was significantly more refined.

Performance and Handling: A Modern McLaren?

The Touring features an all-wheel-drive powertrain that’s less potent than the Grand Touring, but “less powerful” is relative. With 620 hp (462 kW), it rivals the horsepower of the iconic McLaren F1 – a benchmark for many automotive enthusiasts. The Air Touring’s 885 lb-ft (1,160 Nm) of torque surpasses that of BMW’s 6.0-liter V12, although the electric sedan weighs approximately twice as much as the carbon fiber supercar (5,009 lbs / 2,272 kg). Remarkably, the Air Touring accelerates from 0 to 60 mph (98 km/h) in just 0.2 seconds slower than the McLaren, highlighting the advancements in acceleration technology over the past few decades.

Aerodynamics and Drive Modes

With a drag coefficient of just 0.197, the Air remains the most aerodynamic production car available. This contributes significantly to its efficiency and range. The car offers three drive modes: Sprint, Swift, and Smooth. Each mode retains your preferred regenerative braking setting when lifting off the accelerator. Unlike many EVs, Lucid doesn’t employ brake-by-wire; pressing the brake pedal always engages the friction brakes. Even with regenerative braking disabled, the car doesn’t coast freely due to its permanent magnet electric motors, a contrast to the electric powertrains developed by German manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz.

Range and Charging: Real-World Performance

Lucid’s efficiency is impressive. Equipped with 19-inch aero-efficient wheels, the Air Touring achieves an EPA-estimated range of 396 miles (673 km) from its 92 kWh battery pack. Real-world EV efficiency inevitably decreases in colder temperatures, and my January test drive coincided with particularly chilly weather, coupled with larger ($1,750) 20-inch wheels. Despite these factors, I averaged nearly 4 miles/kWh (15.5 kWh/100 km) on highway drives, dropping to around 3.5 miles/kWh (17.8 kWh/100 km) in city traffic.

Recharging the Air Touring demonstrated the maturity of the public DC fast-charging infrastructure. Lucid utilizes the ISO 15118 “plug and charge” protocol, eliminating the need for apps or complex procedures. Simply plug in the CCS1 cable, and the car automatically handles account and billing information. Charging from 27% to 80% with a preconditioned battery took 36 minutes, adding 53.3 kWh and providing an estimated 209 miles (336 km) of range. AC charging from 0-100% is estimated to take around 10 hours.

Interior and Comfort: A Luxurious Experience

I’m particularly drawn to the Air’s aesthetic when it’s not two-tone. The Stealth option ($1,750), combined with the dark Fathom Blue Metallic paint ($800) and blacked-out aero wheels, is visually appealing. The driver’s seat is equally inviting. The 34-inch display, once considered massive, now feels relatively restrained compared to the oversized screens in some newer EVs. Its lower profile contributes to this more subtle feel.

Display and Controls

The central display features a minimalist driver interface with touch-sensitive controls on either side. The left side manages lights, locks, wipers, and other functions – icons remain consistent but lack tactile feedback. The right side houses the infotainment screen, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay. CarPlay fills the irregularly shaped screen, but confines its usable area to a central rectangle.

The curved display floats above a textile-covered dash, with daylight visible between them enhancing the cabin’s spaciousness, even without a panoramic glass roof. A stowable touchscreen on the center console controls vehicle settings, climate, seats, and lighting, supplemented by physical controls for temperature and volume. While the overall ergonomics are good, the steeply raked A-pillar creates a noticeable blind spot for the driver.

Practicality and Technology

Despite its relatively low stance, the Air Touring is easy to enter and exit. The rear seat offers ample legroom, and the ride is smooth, ensuring passenger comfort. Optional ($3,750) massaging seats provide both vibration and kneading functions – among the best in the industry. The trunk offers a generous 22 cubic feet (623 L) of space, complemented by a 10 cubic foot (283 L) frunk, making the Air Touring a practical choice.

DreamDrive Pro and Future Updates

Our test vehicle was equipped with Lucid’s DreamDrive Pro advanced driver assistance system ($6,750), featuring a hands-free “level 2+” assist that requires driver attention but handles acceleration, braking, and steering. Using the turn signal initiates lane changes when safe, and I found it to be an effective system with an active driver monitoring system (using gaze-tracking to ensure driver engagement).

Lucid rolled out advanced features of DreamDrive Pro last summer and plans to evolve the system into a “level 3” partially automated system, allowing drivers to disengage completely at lower speeds. While this is still some time away – and level 3 systems are currently legal only in Nevada and California – the current level 2+ system leverages lidar, cameras, radar, and ultrasonics. The dash display effectively visualizes the vehicles the Air perceives when the system is active.

Final Verdict: Is the 2026 Lucid Air Touring "The One"?

The 2026 Air feels polished, a significant improvement over earlier models. Designed by a former Tesla engineer, the car aimed to surpass Tesla EVs in every aspect. While initial Airs may have fallen short in execution, the current models are now credible finished products, with noticeably improved fit and finish. The electric vehicle market is rapidly evolving, with competitors like the Tesla Model S, Porsche Taycan, and Audi e-tron GT offering compelling alternatives.

I’d seriously consider the Air alongside an equivalently priced Porsche Taycan if I were in the market for a luxury electric four-door, despite their distinct driving experiences. However, be aware that, like the Porsche, options can quickly inflate the price, and resale values can be surprisingly low. The Lucid Air Touring represents a significant step forward for Lucid Motors, offering a compelling blend of performance, luxury, and technology. It’s a strong contender in the burgeoning electric vehicle landscape.