Lucid begins testing Gravity prototype

Lucid Motor's Gravity crossover is heading into a new phase of development before its 2024 launch. The luxury three-row electric vehicle will begin testing in camouflage on U.S. roads, the automaker said.

New images reveal the Gravity's visual similarity to the highly aerodynamic Air sedan that's been on sale since late 2021. Lucid has promised to set records for range and efficiency with its first crossover.

The EV maker, which has said preorders for the Air are falling, is expected to open order books for the Gravity in the first half of this year. Pricing has not been announced. The Air starts at $89,050 with shipping.

"This luxury electric SUV will offer comfortable seating for up to seven adults and their gear, the driving dynamics of a sports car, and greater electric range than any SUV," Lucid said in a statement.

Derek Jenkins, Lucid's senior vice president of design, said last month that the Gravity would have an air suspension for optimal on-road and off-road performance. But the Gravity is not a road crawler, he added.

"People aren't going to want to go hardcore off-roading in this," Jenkins said on the MotoManTV YouTube channel. "That's not the focus."

The Gravity is likely to have similar powertrain and battery options as the Air, which offers up to 516 miles of range and 1,200 hp. A high-performance Air trim is expected this year with a $250,650 sticker price, including shipping.