Lucid Gravity Vs. Tesla Model X: Electric SUV Battle

The Tesla Model X has been an electric SUV trailblazer since it first hit the market back in 2015. Not only does it offer impressive equipment and performance in either trim level it comes in, but it also achieves a strong 335-mile range in its most efficient form. It’s also priced well too, so it’s been one of the most attractive propositions available.

But now there’s a newcomer to the segment, and the upstart comes from EV brand Lucid, which has been taking aim at its rivals in recent months. Lucid wants to claim the segment with its new Gravity, which is set to begin delivery in early 2025. We’ve looked into how the two models compare to help you make the correct decision about which electric SUV to purchase.

This is an on-paper comparison based on the manufacturer-provided specs, facts, and figures.

Design: Angular vs. Curvy

The designs of both cars take on differing approaches, with the upcoming Gravity featuring a more angular and futuristic design than its Model X rival. The front ends of both are fairly similar in that they’re nice and smooth to help cut through the air effectively, though they go in different directions down the side and to the rear.

While the Model X continues the smooth and curvy theme all the way around, the Gravity utilizes a striking tapering effect that concludes at the rear of the vehicle. The lower part of the rear tapers upwards, while the extended roof spoiler angles downwards to give it a more aggressive and purposeful look than the Tesla.

One area the Model X does differ is in its door design. While both feature conventional front door arrangements, the Tesla utilizes a bespoke upward-opening design for its rear components. The vertical opening motion makes it easier for rear passengers to enter and exit, as well as giving more space for parents to strap their children in, for example. The Gravity uses conventional rear doors. Although beauty is in the eye of the beholder, it’s also worth noting that the Model X has been around in this same design for almost ten years; we think the Gravity has a more appealing design.

Powertrain: From Good To Better

While a less-powerful version of the 2025 Gravity is planned in the future, called the Touring, it isn’t set to come to market until late 2025/early 2026. For now, the Gravity Grand Touring comes with a more powerful version of Lucid’s dual-motor powertrain, which brings “over” 800 hp to the table. This places it between the Model X trims, which comes with two options right now. Granted, not all the specs have been released yet, so we’re comparing what we do have.

The standard AWD Model X gets a 670 hp dual-motor setup, while the performance-geared Model X Plaid variant gets a heavier but gruntier tri-motor powertrain. From a performance perspective, the Tesla Model X Plaid will be the best bet – unless Lucid presents a ‘Sapphire’ model at some point in the future, much like we’ve seen with the Air Sapphire here. Still, the Gracity Grand Touring is no slounch – 3.5 seconds to 60 mph for a heavy electric SUV is nothing to sniff at.

Charging and Range

In terms of efficiency, the Gravity is set to give the Model X a bloody nose. Lucid reckons its SUV should be able to travel 440 miles on a single charge (depending on “trims” and “configuration”), which puts it well over 100 miles ahead of the Model X, and 114 miles more than the Plaid.

The Gravity performs well in terms of charging speed too, as Lucid states that it should recover 200 miles of charge in only 15 minutes when using a DC fast charger. The Model X matches the Gravity in this regard, though you’ll be able to travel further in the Lucid before having to worry about charging it.

Interior and Tech: Minimalism Is The Name Of The Game

While both come with a handy range of equipment as standard, this has no bearing on whether they’re welcoming enough to be nice places to spend time in. Both Lucid and Tesla decided to go down the minimalist with the interiors of the Gravity and Model X, with very little in the way of buttons or switches used. This tends to be the most popular design language used nowadays, for better or worse. However, our hands-on experience with the entry-level Lucid Air shows that the brand is serious about quality:

By contrast, Tesla products have long been the subject of controversy surrounding quality and fit and finish. Still, both feature a sizable infotainment screen placed in the center of the front cabin compartment, as well as a digital driver gauge cluster. The Gravity’s is significantly larger though, and features Lucid’s Sanctuary and Spaces features. These can alter the images on the screens and the lighting in the cabin to create a more relaxing environment. Both interiors come in a range of colors and trims, so they can be geared towards the buyer’s needs.

Occupant Safety Tech Is A Key Attribute Of Both

Aside from the usual interior refinements, both come fully loaded with advanced occupant protection technology. Lucid’s DreamDrive setup includes lane protection and parking assistance, as well as sensors and cameras that look out for any possible hazards. The vehicle can then make alterations to its course to help keep its passengers out of trouble.

The Model X features its own version of all the tech the Gravity gets, but with the addition of fully-autonomous driving capability – if, and when, that arrives. The brand’s CEO has recently admitted that the current technology doesn’t support the Full Self Driving suite just yet. It would seem Lucid has the upper hand here, even though the car isn’t even in customer hands yet.

Pricing: Well Matched

The starting price of the Lucid Gravity Grand Touring will be $94,900 before options and destination, putting it right in the range of the Model X Plaid, which starts at $94,990. The cheaper model from Lucid is set to start at an MSRP of $79,900 – $90 short of what the base Model X costs. With the Lucid being ahead of the Model X on percevied range, potential interior quality and feautres, it’s only the Tesla’s performance that seemingly beats the Gravity.

These prices exclude any kind of destination fees though, and these can fluctuate depending on where you are located in the US. Both lower-end models are eligible for the US EV tax grant of $7,500, dropping their prices to around $74,000. Lucid offered a $7,500 discount on its 2024 Air sedan recently to make up for the fact it was too expensive to qualify, so it may do the same with its Gravity GT when it releases. Tesla currently offers no such deal with the Model X Plaid.

Conclusion: The Winner Is The One With Better Value

All in all, the Tesla Model X and Lucid Gravity are very well-matched in several ways. They have broadly similar equipment levels, price, and build quality (although Tesla has had to deal with controversy around this for a lot longer) while the styling is of course subjective. The upper-end Model X performs better than the Gravity in pure performance, but lacks somewhat in terms of efficiency.

Things are much closer in terms of performance with the lower-end versions of the cars, though the Gravity Touring will retain its significant range advantage when it hits the market in late 2025. Given they’re built more as family wagons than sports cars, the Gravity looks to edge the Tesla Model X in this regard due to its superior range.

Sources:
Tesla
,
Lucid Motors