As an engineering exercise, the Lucid Gravity is amazing. We’re talking about a three-row electric crossover that can run from zero-to-60 mph in as little as 3.4 seconds, boast up to 450 miles of range, throw down in the quarter-mile, be properly spacious on the inside, feature a roomy frunk and a big cargo area, and cost less than most of its immediate performance-luxury competition. No joke, we called it “The greatest three-row SUV ever.” On paper, it’s a slam-dunk. There’s just one thing that could be a turn-off to consumers: it kinda looks like a minivan.
Obviously, aerodynamic efficiency plays a huge role in determining an EV’s range, which is why Lucid shaped the Gravity to be as kind to the wind as a three-row crossover can be. However, pulling the base of the windshield forward to increase the rake of the glass does have the side effect of giving minivan vibes. I like minivans, but some people don’t. The market for ruggedized crossovers is so great that pretty much every manufacturer now offers some variation of a unibody family hauler in an Otterbox.
That’s where the Lucid Gravity X concept comes in, a show car designed to move Lucid’s crossover more towards Rivian’s turf. It still has the same 828-horsepower dual-motor setup, 120 kWh battery pack, and basic unibody as the Gravity Grand Touring, but the designers have done more than just make it look rugged and have engineered useful, functional touches for those who prefer to start their hikes way up the mountain.
Visually, it all starts up front with a chunky high-clearance valence with integrated recovery points. With thick cladding and a chunky silver accent emblazoned with the concept’s name, the face of the Gravity X certainly looks ready for business. Hood graphics complement the look, and that’s before we even go down the side of this machine.
Unsurprisingly, the cladding grows from this view as well, but so do the fender flares – considerably, I might add. That’s because Lucid has both widened the track and raised the ride height on the Gravity X concept to fit new six-spoke wheels and chunky all-terrain tires. Is there going to be a range hit? Almost certainly. Does it look cool? Yeah. Speaking of cool features that surely can’t be favorable for range, I’m liking the chunky roof rack with its integrated light bar. There’s definitely some smoothing going on here, but a part like this is always going to add drag.
Out back, it’s much the same story as up front, a high-clearance valence with silver accents and recovery points. There are two touches worth noting, however. Firstly, you really see the vents in the backs of the flares from this angle, which should evacuate air from the widened arches. Secondly, Lucid’s leaning into the way dark plastic extends all the way up to the bottom lip of the cargo opening on the regular Gravity, widening the expanse of plastic to make it even harder to scratch the paint when loading something heavy. It’s also worth mentioning how Lucid states that the Gravity X concept features skid plates, a vital addition to anything with a battery pack set for off-road use, considering how nervous insurers are around dented battery pack cases.
Moving to the interior, Lucid’s gone with a dark theme brightened by splashes of orange. Contrast stitching is standard enough, but the piping, seat belts, and door card inserts go a step further. Weirdly enough, I’m associating this colorway with the pre-facelift Ford Maverick XLT, but maybe that’s not the worst thematic link to have. It does have somewhat rugged connotations, doesn’t it?
Lucid claims that the Gravity X is simply a concept, but come on. The general appetite for creatine-fed crossovers is strong enough that it wouldn’t be surprising to see an eventual production model. Spiritually, it would be the closest thing to the Mitsubishi Delica Space Gear that we’d get in North America, although perhaps Lucid’s looking for a more SUV-like association. There’s just one hang-up I could see: Lucid is saying that “Gravity X” is pronounced “Gravity Cross.” Hmm.
Top graphic image: Lucid
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Well now I want a topographic wrap on the hood of my car, preferably some place I enjoy hiking.
Isn’t it spelt ‘valance’ when referring to a car’s lower bumper? I think ‘valence’ has to do with electrons or something. I dunno, I skipped college chemistry.
Do want! Well, not enough to refinance the house on a highly depreciating vehicle. Maybe if I win the lottery.
They’re meeting the market where it is. Make it stupid and worse at its intended function and it’ll be more popular.
As I was driving the twisty roads of the Smokies last week, it occurred to me that there are FAR more situations where I want my “adventure” vehicle to perform well on paved twisties (to get to the trailhead or put-in) than on the very rare gravel or dirt trail.
Obviously YMMV on location, but that realization just hit me last week for the first time.
Agreed. Where I am a gravel road or a well mowed field is the most off-road most people will ever do. My old crapcans handled it just fine. So does my EV. Don’t rip stuff up applies equally.
It’s a minivan dude.