At a swanky non-public soirée forward of this yr’s Pebble Seashore Concours d’Magnificence, Lucid Motors unveiled a brand new off-road idea based mostly on the absolutely electrical Gravity SUV. It’s dubbed, considerably unimaginatively, the Gravity X (or Cross).
As typical, the idea automotive seems to check the water as a lot as anything. To my eye, the Gravity seems to be significantly better all kitted out. So hopefully, buyer (and media) responses will wind up optimistic sufficient to induce Lucid on towards true manufacturing.
Lucid Gravity X Idea
In fact, the Lucid Gravity EV’s base specs begin out pretty spectacular. Relying on choices, this electrical three-row can pump out as much as 828 horsepower, handle 450 miles of vary, and hit a 0-60 dash in simply 3.4 seconds. All that in a really spacious automobile that gives loads of room for the entire household.
The tech-forward expertise additionally matches a number of the {industry}’s finest driving dynamics. I’ve actually by no means earlier than pushed a three-row that may sustain (or legitimately stroll away from) the world’s finest supercars.
A few of that vary and dealing with prowess could exit the window for the Gravity X, although. The idea has a suspension elevate with a wider monitor and all-terrain tires.
However the construct went even additional, with improved strategy and departure angles, MATERIAL skid plates, and tow hooks. Up high, a modular roof rack system contains built-in crossbars. So a roof field, as seen, or perhaps a rooftop tent would possibly now mount on high. Doing so will additional eat into potential vary, although, and the Gravity doesn’t really need way more storage given how effectively the inside packaging already maximizes storage quantity.
“We’re pleased with the Gravity, simply as it’s,” Derek Jenkins, SVP of Design and Model, informed GearJunkie on the award ramp at Pebble. “However I feel there was at all times this need to do some bit extra ruggedized automotive, one thing that did communicate to a little bit bit extra way of life and outdoorsiness. And I’d say this can be a fairly aggressive strategy.”
Gravity X Styling
To enhance the add-ons, Lucid debuted the Gravity X with the favored Stealth trim over a satin Astral Drift paint job. Brushed metals match the aesthetic, used for the brand new entrance and rear fascias to enhance the strategy and departure angles.
The inside has an Ojai upholstery scheme, orange piping, and microsuede, plus open-pore walnut wooden inlays. Badging on the plate and rocker trim hints on the Pebble Seashore debut, celebrating 74 years of the well-known concours.
The Gravity’s inside design and tech undoubtedly create a pleasant place to spend time. And I think about the enjoyable of folding the rear seats down flat, for a real overlanding platform from the manufacturing facility. Lucid has already confirmed an inside mattress for the Gravity, however the potential for storing gear and tents for floor tenting additionally involves thoughts.
Plus, the 8.1 cubic-foot frunk can maintain extra, and three 120V AC retailers all through assist digital equipment.
Off-Street Vary
Then once more, the thought of taking a real EV actually off the grid out onto trails nonetheless induces a little bit of nerves. The Gravity already weighs almost 6,000 kilos when geared up with three rows. And, the non-obligatory three-chamber air suspension of the Dynamic Dealing with bundle would possibly doubtlessly obtain some tuning to enhance articulation.
However that is nonetheless an unbiased entrance and rear suspension automobile. Even when I pushed the common “road” tires at a press launch earlier this yr by a severe beating with out failure. That was in a extra managed atmosphere, although Lucid’s traction management software program and suspension tuning additionally spectacular.
Inviting house owners to discover extra hardcore atmosphere with a bundle just like the Gravity X will put a number of stress on tires, even these staggered 265 mm and 275 mm Common Grabber all-terrains, as a result of they’re mounted on wheels that measure 20 and 21 inches in diameter, respectively.
And very true given the dual-motor powertrain’s gob-smacking output. To not point out inevitable vary nervousness, regardless of industry-leading efficiency, whereas getting away from civilization.
Different doubts come to thoughts, too. Will the off-road neighborhood embrace a possible Gravity X, which might undoubtedly find yourself effectively into six figures given the Grand Touring mannequin’s $94,900 beginning worth?
Odd Duckling at Automobile Week
Properly, it’s considerably hilarious to unveil an off-roader on the world’s most esteemed automotive occasion. On the identical floor the place seven- and eight-figure pre-war vehicles will duke it out for the calendar yr’s most prestigious restoration and preservation awards.
However Monterey Automobile Week way back grew to become large enterprise, and Lucid certain wants that bump in publicity among the many jet-set crowd. Knobbies and off-road goodies certain assist the enchantment.
Due to that slick aerodynamic aim of a 0.24 coefficient of drag, the Gravity does ship considerably minivan-esque styling. An impression that begins to evaporate with a number of the gear bolted on.
I requested Chief Engineer Eric Bach whether or not any {hardware} adjustments match into the idea’s improvement. He replied that: “Gravity is already fairly maximized by way of functionality. Nothing has modified from the basic architectural capabilities that now we have on each single gravity, really. What now we have on that is clearly a particular set of wheels and tires which can be extra rugged, extra off-roady. They provide you extra profile, extra grip, much less puncturability, much less vulnerability. After which rather a lot to additionally assist with the rake angles, strategy angles, and clearance to rocks. It’s ruggedized, basically, for nature.”
All for Present?
Official press supplies would possibly name the Gravity X extra of a design train. However Jenkins made it sound nearly like a certainty that a minimum of one thing on this related vein is on the best way. Robust hints included a forthcoming camp mode that enables for adjustment of the local weather management from the rear touchscreen. Plus, a extra form-fitting pad being developed for the rear cargo space with the rear rows folded.
Then once more, even when the Lucid Gravity X by no means reaches manufacturing fairly so kitted out, possibly this idea hints at what would possibly come when Lucid lastly unveils the subsequent two mid-size SUV platforms it plans to deliver us quickly. In a similar way to the extremely anticipated Rivian R2 and R3X, a rally-inspired variant and even fundamental off-road packages for these future choices appear more likely.
