2026 Lucid Air Touring Review: Engineering Focused Electric Luxury Sedan Tested
The 2026 Lucid Air Touring sits below the Grand Touring in Lucid’s lineup and is positioned as a more affordable entry into the brand’s high-performance electric sedan range. While it cuts back on some luxury elements, it retains most of the core engineering that defines the Lucid Air platform.
This review focuses on construction, drivetrain, suspension, braking, interior usability, driving experience, and real-world impressions based directly on hands-on testing.
Platform, Construction, and Underside Engineering
The 2026 Lucid Air Touring is built on Lucid’s LEAP platform and places a strong emphasis on aerodynamics and lightweight materials.
Key construction highlights include:
Extensive aerodynamic shielding under the body
Large plastic rear diffuser integrated into the floor
Aluminum-intensive structure throughout
Minimal use of traditional sound-deadening cardboard underneath
Underbody details:
All-aluminum multi-link rear suspension
Adaptive rear dampers supplied by Bilstein
Aluminum knuckles and integral link suspension layout
Rear-facing rear anti-sway bar measuring approximately 20 mm
Stainless steel braided brake lines from factory
Physical jack pads for proper lift placement
Aerodynamic fins guiding airflow into the rear diffuser
The Touring trim retains the same serious aero focus as the Grand Touring, even at a lower price point.
Drivetrain and Powertrain Layout
The Lucid Air Touring is an all-wheel-drive electric sedan using a dual motor setup.
Drivetrain configuration:
One permanent magnet synchronous motor at the front
One permanent magnet synchronous motor at the rear
Motors are mechanically independent
No driveshaft connecting front and rear
Each motor features an internal open differential
Pre-gear reduction system with a 7:1 ratio
Total system output:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 620 hp |
| Torque | 885 lb-ft |
| Drive Type | Dual-motor AWD |
This configuration delivers extremely strong straight-line performance without the complexity of a traditional drivetrain.
Battery, Weight, and Steering
Battery and weight details:
92 kWh lithium-ion battery pack
18 battery modules
Integrated aluminum subframe
Vehicle weight approximately 5,090 lb
Steering system:
Electric assist rack and pinion
Mode-dependent steering feel
13:1 ratio on center
2.3 turns lock to lock
Nearly 40 ft turning radius
Despite the weight, the low battery placement helps keep the center of gravity low.
Suspension Setup and Front-End Hardware
Front suspension components:
All-aluminum double wishbone suspension
Aluminum damper fork
Adaptive Bilstein dampers
Large front anti-sway bar measuring approximately 32 mm
Additional underbody protection includes:
Reinforced aluminum skid plate under the front crossmember
Durable plastic shielding rather than fiberboard
Front splitter designed to take impact
This setup contributes heavily to the car’s composed ride and handling behavior.
Braking System and Wheel Setup
The Lucid Air Touring uses a powerful braking system assisted by regenerative braking.
Braking hardware:
| Location | Specification |
|---|---|
| Front Calipers | Six-piston |
| Front Rotors | 380 mm or 15 inches |
| Rear Calipers | Four-piston |
| Rear Rotors | 375 mm or 14.8 inches |
During braking tests, initial pedal response is very strong, with some ABS intervention noticeable due to the vehicle’s weight.
Wheel and tire setup on the tested vehicle:
Optional 20-inch wheels
Front: 20 x 8.5 inches with 245/40 R20 Michelin Pilot Sport EV
Rear: 20 x 9.5 inches with 265/40 R20 Michelin Pilot Sport EV
Gloss gunmetal finish with plastic aero inserts
Smaller 19-inch wheels are recommended for buyers prioritizing maximum driving range.
Exterior Functional Design Details
Functional exterior features include:
Working front bumper vents
Hidden hood vent positioned above the headlights
Front-facing human driver camera and forward-facing driver assistance camera
Carpeted rear inner fender liners
Aerodynamically shaped side skirts
The car avoids unnecessary decorative elements and keeps most design features functional.
Interior Seating and Comfort
Front seat highlights:
Multi-way power adjustable seats
Adjustable bolstering
Soft perforated leather upholstery
Heated and ventilated seats
Heated steering wheel
Integrated massage function
The massage system stands out as one of the best tested, delivering strong and effective feedback.
Seat adjustments are primarily controlled through the center touchscreen rather than physical switches.
Driving Modes and Performance
Driving modes available:
Smooth
Swift
Sprint
Traction control and regenerative braking settings are adjusted through the touchscreen menus. There are no paddle controls for regen adjustment.
Launch performance impressions:
Extremely quick acceleration
Feels nearly as dramatic as the Grand Touring
Strong torque delivery at all speeds
Launch mode engages through the screen
Despite being positioned as a lower trim, performance remains a highlight.
Handling and Ride Quality
Handling impressions:
Weight is well masked during cornering
Balanced chassis with strong grip
Tire widths are relatively narrow for vehicle weight
Suspension remains firm but comfortable in Sprint mode
Steering feel is slightly digital but predictable
Ride quality remains composed even over uneven road surfaces, and the car feels stable at speed.
Storage and Practicality
Front storage:
Large frunk comparable to a Lexus LC500 trunk
Deep storage area extending nearly a foot down
Washer fluid access under a small service cap
Clearly marked emergency power cut location
Rear storage:
Large clamshell-style trunk opening
Soft carpeting throughout
Side storage cubbies
12V outlet and additional compartments
Pass-through for skis
Storage usability is one of the strongest aspects of the Air Touring.
Rear Seat Experience
Rear seat features include:
Excellent legroom
Heated rear seats
Rear touchscreen for climate and seat control
Power sunshades
Knee vents integrated into B-pillars
Premium materials including wood trim and fabric inserts
Pass-through armrest with cup holders
The rear bench is relatively flat, prioritizing space over contouring.
Infotainment and Controls
Interior layout highlights:
Upper screen integrated into the gauge cluster
Lower touchscreen for climate and vehicle functions
Retractable lower screen for added storage
Theme-based UI customization
Physical volume roller
Simple steering wheel controls
Audio quality is excellent, with strong bass, clarity, and no noticeable cabin rattles.
Driver Assistance and Technology
The tested vehicle includes Lucid’s advanced driver assistance suite, branded as DreamDrive, offering:
Lane keep assist
Adaptive cruise control
Automated driving aids
Mirror fold and convenience features
Some driver assistance behavior, such as lane warnings at low speeds, can feel overly sensitive.
Range and Efficiency Observations
Real-world efficiency varies significantly based on driving style:
Aggressive driving: Around 2 miles per kWh
Careful driving: Over 4 miles per kWh
Energy usage is affected by features such as massage seats, HVAC, and audio system usage.
The lack of a clear remaining range display may confuse non-technical drivers.
Pricing and Value Assessment
Starting price:
Approximately $79,000
Tested vehicle price:
Just over $100,000 with options
At this price point, competition from Audi and other premium EV brands becomes strong, especially in terms of interior familiarity and user interface simplicity.
Final Verdict
The 2026 Lucid Air Touring is a technically impressive electric sedan that prioritizes engineering, performance, and driving experience over traditional luxury cues.
Strengths:
Outstanding acceleration
Excellent handling for its size
High-quality ride comfort
Exceptional storage solutions
Quiet and refined cabin
Areas that need improvement:
Over-reliance on touchscreen controls
Confusing range and energy displays
High option pricing relative to perceived value
For buyers who value engineering depth and performance over conventional luxury design, the Lucid Air Touring delivers a unique and engaging electric driving experience.
2026 Lucid Air Touring FAQs
What is the drivetrain setup of the 2026 Lucid Air Touring?
The 2026 Lucid Air Touring uses an all wheel drive dual motor layout. It has one permanent magnet synchronous electric motor at the front and one at the rear. Both motors are mechanically independent, with no driveshaft connecting them. Each motor has its own open type differential with a 7:1 gear reduction.
How much power does the Lucid Air Touring produce?
The combined system output of the 2026 Lucid Air Touring is 620 horsepower and 885 pound feet of torque. Despite being positioned below the Grand Touring, it remains extremely quick and delivers strong acceleration in all driving modes.
What battery does the Lucid Air Touring use?
The car is equipped with a 92 kWh battery pack made up of 18 modules. The battery sits low in the chassis and is supported by an aluminum subframe, which helps keep the center of gravity low and improves handling.
How heavy is the 2026 Lucid Air Touring?
The Lucid Air Touring weighs around 5,090 pounds. While that is a substantial figure, the car does a very good job of hiding its weight thanks to the low mounted battery and well tuned suspension.
What type of suspension does the Lucid Air Touring have?
It features an all aluminum suspension setup. The rear uses a multi link configuration with adaptive Bilstein dampers and aluminum knuckles. Up front, it has a double wishbone layout with aluminum components and a large front anti sway bar measuring roughly 32 mm.
How good are the brakes on the Lucid Air Touring?
Braking performance is strong and confidence inspiring. The front uses six piston calipers with 380 mm rotors, while the rear has four piston calipers with 375 mm rotors. Regenerative braking works alongside the friction brakes, although some ABS activity can be felt during very hard stops due to the vehicle’s weight.
Does the Lucid Air Touring have good storage space?
Yes, storage is one of its standout strengths. The front trunk is very large and deep, nearly a foot deeper than expected, and comparable in size to the trunk of a Lexus LC500. The rear trunk opens in a clamshell design and offers additional side cubbies, underfloor storage, and a pass through for long items.
What are the interior comfort highlights of the Lucid Air Touring?
The front seats are multi way adjustable with heating, ventilation, and a powerful massage function that stands out as one of the best in the segment. Rear passengers get heated seats, excellent legroom, their own touchscreen for climate control, power sunshades, and high quality materials throughout the cabin.
How does the Lucid Air Touring drive in real world conditions?
The driving experience is the biggest highlight. Acceleration is dramatic, handling is impressive for a car of this size, and the suspension balances comfort with firmness well. The steering feels slightly digital but predictable, and the car remains quiet even without heavy sound deadening materials underneath.
What is the starting price of the 2026 Lucid Air Touring?
The Lucid Air Touring starts at around $79,000. With optional equipment, the price can climb to just over $100,000, which places it in direct competition with premium electric sedans from brands like Audi.
