Lucid Motors has Berichten zufolge secured an EPA-certified range of 450 miles for its new Gravity SUV, surpassing the company’s preliminary estimate of 440 miles, as mentioned before by the EV maker’s CEO, Peter Rawlinson. This achievement comes as Lucid begins production of the three-row luxury electric SUV at its Casa Grande, Arizona manufacturing facility.

The Gravity’s range certification positions it as a segment leader in the increasingly competitive electric SUV market. While the vehicle’s 450-mile range falls short of Lucid’s Air sedan, which delivers up to 512 miles depending on configuration, it substantially outperforms current market offerings from established manufacturers like Tesla, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz in the three-row SUV category.

During the production launch announcement, CEO Peter Rawlinson emphasized the Gravity’s resource efficiency, claiming it uses “half of earth’s precious resources compared to some competitors.” This statement aligns with Lucid’s focus on powertrain efficiency, though specific metrics supporting this claim await independent verification.

The Gravity represents several firsts for Lucid, including the company’s debut native NACS charging port, enabling direct access to Tesla’s Supercharger-Netz without an adapter. This strategic decision follows industry-wide adoption of Tesla’s charging standard throughout 2023 and early 2024.

Pricing remains a significant hurdle for mass-market adoption. The initial Grand Touring models, available for reservation since November 7, start at $94,900. More accessible Touring variants, beginning at $79,900, won’t reach customers until late 2025. Lucid has also revealed plans for a mid-sized SUV targeted at the $50,000 price point, scheduled for late 2026, suggesting a broader market strategy.

The production launch event at Lucid’s Arizona facility highlighted the Gravity’s distinctive features, including its three-row seating configuration and innovative frunk design that doubles as occasional seating when parked. These practical touches demonstrate Lucid’s effort to differentiate itself in the luxury EV space.

The timing of Gravity’s production launch and range certification comes as traditional luxury automakers accelerate their electric vehicle programs. Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi continue expanding their electric SUV lineups, while newer entrants like Rivian und VinFast target similar market segments with their own three-row offerings.

This development marks a crucial expansion of Lucid’s portfolio beyond the Air sedan, potentially broadening the company’s market reach in the growing electric luxury segment. However, production ramp-up execution and market reception at these price points will be critical factors in determining the Gravity’s commercial success.