Lucid Air Touring first drive: This model could be the one to splurge on
Another version of the Lucid Air is reaching reservation holders, so naturally, that means it was also time for me to get behind the wheel of it and test it for myself. My latest Lucid EV loan was with the Touring – the third in the lineup and second most affordable option behind the Air Pure. I’ve pushed the Air Dream Edition’s 1,111 horsepower out on the highways of Arizona and have driven the Air Grand Touring up the California coast, but the Touring might just offer the most bang for your buck.
The Touring was part of the original four models of the Air announced by Lucid Motors before production even began. That journey kicked off with the limited-run Dream Edition, followed by the Air Grand Touring.
Lucid has since introduced a Performance version of the Grand Touring, as well as a freaky fast tri-motor Air called Sapphire. I’m admittedly frothing at the mouth to experience the 2.6 second 0-60 mph the Sapphire is touting, but recently I had to “settle” for the Touring. Poor me.
That being said, I was not disappointed.
In fact, having driven two of the three higher-end models of the Lucid Air, I would now argue that the Touring is the best option, given the luxury and performance you still get but at a lower MSRP. Don’t get it twisted, though – this all-electric sedan still starts north of $100k, so a small segment of consumers will be in the market for one.
Still, if you’ve got the money, Touring is worth a look. Here are my thoughts.
The Air Touring stays true to Lucid’s design and performance
The Touring is a Lucid Air in every sense, from its sleek aerodynamic exterior to the strategic blend of touchscreens and physical buttons inside and meticulously curated textiles throughout.
As the second most affordable model currently available, the Touring is not the fastest, nor does it go the furthest – but it’s still a Lucid Air, where the specs still top nearly every other EV on the road, with unmatched efficiency to boot.
Let’s start with some pertinent specs just to give you a feel for what I was working with as I cruised up and down the winding roads of Palos Verdes in less-than-ideal weather this past week:
- Powertrain: Dual Permanent-Magnet Electric, All-Wheel Drive
- Power: 620 bhp
- Torque: 885 lb.-ft.
- Battery Capacity: 92 kWh
- Platform Architecture: 700V+
- DC Charge Rate: Up to 250 kW
- Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds
- EPA Est. Range: 425 miles (19″ wheels)
- Efficiency: 4.6 mi/kWh (19″ wheels)
No matter what model of the Lucid Air you’re in, the acceleration is an absolute thrill. Anything under 3.5 seconds is good in my book, but I’ve been spoiled in recent years with nasty all-electric speed, and I’m not going back to 4+ seconds, OK?
As I’ve mentioned countless times, I’m a huge proponent of stiff regenerative braking and love one-pedal driving. I don’t ever want to use the brake anymore, and the Lucid Air Touring allows for that. The American automaker has some of the best regen in the game, in my opinion. Not only does the EV come to a complete stop when you let off the accelerator, but it stays there.
If you’re into rolling when stopped, you can turn that setting on, but I personally have zero use for it. The design of the one-pedal driving doesn’t end at stop lights; its overall feel is easily the most comfortable and responsive I’ve come across in all my drives. A slight push of the ankle forward on the accelerator or backing off to create space is instant and seamless, adding welcomed joy to driving through the ebbs and flows of tenacious LA traffic.
The sedan drives as intuitively as you want without delay, like you almost become one with it as your muscular instincts move to push forward or slow down. I know that’s a lot of time spent talking about regenerative braking, but that was my biggest takeaway this go around, and it’s something you should absolutely seek out to experience for yourself, even if it’s just a test drive.
Onto the interior.
With my Air Touring, it was the first time I got to see Lucid’s Tahoe interior design, which is hands down my favorite to date. I don’t think it would fit every exterior color of the sedan, but its caramel sustainably sourced leather beautifully compliments the Infinite Black exterior and the darker materials of the front seat.
Spaceship cockpit up front, business lounge in the back: All the Lucid Airs feature this unique separation of passenger spaces using color and materials that deliver two separate spins on luxury.
Lucid has rolled out a few OTA updates since my last drive, so I found the overall software and UX a lot less buggy. I connected my phone via Bluetooth with ease but still had some trouble using the Tidal app and getting my music to begin playing again after I had exited the EV, locked it, and returned later. Minor issues.
Overall, the Lucid Air Touring was a joy to drive, despite Mother Nature’s best attempts to thwart my acceleration at any open opportunity. I found its performance miles beyond ample and didn’t really miss any of the additional bells and whistles present on higher-tier models of the sedan. For that reason, I feel like this may be the sweet spot for consumers interested in the Air.
I can’t say for certain, however, until I drive the Air Pure and get a chance to push Sapphire to its my limit. Those opportunities are sure to come this year, so stay tuned for the next one!
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Luxury is a tough concept to pin down, but being constantly connected to work, kids, and telemarketers ain’t it. Genesis gets it, and its latest ultra-luxe off-road concept ditches screens in favor of the view out the windshield – and it’s got enough off-road chops to promise two things about those views: they’re real, and they’re spectacular!
Genesis calls its new X Gran Equator concept an elegant overlander for the modern explorer that marries on-road sophistication with off-road resilience. Whatever they call it, the 4×4’s dashboard is delightfully free from sweeping touchscreens, mood lighting, and any hint of telephonic integration.
Indeed, the interior looked so much like something from the 90s that I double and triple-checked the date on the press release. But don’t take my word for it, check it for yourself.
It’s fantastic
If you zoom in, you can see screens in the instruments. High-definition roll and pitch displays, altimeters, and probably other outdoorsy, overland-y things that the sort of people who want to do that in what would surely be a very well-appointed six-figure SUV for a similarly very well-heeled buyer.
And that buyer? They wouldn’t miss the screen, because the screen doesn’t matter. The real show is out the front windshield – and if someone from the office calls to interrupt the vibe, you won’t even know. I know I’d pay extra for that … and I can’t imagine I’m alone.
This is how Genesis explains it:
Inside, the X Gran Equator Concept orchestrates contrast between analog architecture and digital technologies, crafting a space that feels both functional and evocative. At the center of the cabin is a four-circle display cluster on the center stack, inspired by the vintage camera dials. The interior design features contrasting colors and shapes, with a preference for geometric over organic elements. The dashboard’s linear architecture and absence of decorations focus the driver’s attention on the journey, while swiveling front seats and modular storage solutions enhance practicality.
Genesis didn’t provide pictures of those swiveling seats or modular storage compartments on this concept, but the X Gran Equator Concept will make its in-person debut April 18th at the Genesis booth during the 2025 New York International Auto Show.
After the show, the company will move the concept to a display at Genesis House New York in the Meatpacking District, where it will stay “in residence” until the end of July. If you’re out that way for either event, take a picture of it and tag Electrek on Instagram!
Genesis X Gran Equator photo gallery
SOURCE | IMAGES: Genesis.
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The new-for-2025 Honda P7 electric SUV officially went on sale earlier today with 469 hp and more than 650 km (403 miles) of range from its 89.8-kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery … and you won’t believe the price!
First shown as a concept at the launch of Honda’s Ye brand a year ago, today. Ye is a joint venture between Honda and local automakers Dongfeng, who build the brand’s S7 model, and GAC, which helped develop the mechanically similar P7 that just went on sale.
And, by “similar,” I mean really, really similar. The AWD version of the new Honda P7 offers up to 620 km (385 miles) of CLTC-rated range, while the RWD can go 650 km (403 miles), which are identical figures to the S7. Even the crossover’s dimensions, at 4,750 mm long, 1,930 mm wide, and 1,625 mm tall with a 2,930 mm wheelbase, are identical.
Even the interiors – which are fantastic, by the way, with an innovative mix of screens, buttons, and super-slick sideview monitors – are tough to tell apart.
Honda Ye EV interior(s)
So, how can you tell the P7 apart from its S7 sibling? The P7 has C-shaped lighting elements that are distinctive from the S7’s X-shaped lights. The end result is a face that reads a bit more “Honda” to me, but that may or may not be a good thing in the Chinese market.
Pricing for the new Honda P7 starts at 199,900 yuan (about $27,200) for the two wheel drive variant, and is also offered with all-wheel drive for 249,900 yuan (about $34,000, as I type this), complete with the sort of advanced ADAS features you have to pay good money to supervise here in the US. That pricing makes both P7 models significantly less expensive that the what the company thought would be the vehicle’s main competitor, the Tesla Model Y.
The world has changed a lot since then however – and whether or not the Model Y is still considered a serious rival remains to be seen.
If you’re in the mood to check out an all-electric Honda in the US, click here to set up a test drive and explore local deals on a new Prologue. In the meantime, I invite you to take a look at some of the press photos of the new P7, below, then let us know what you think in the comments.
P7 image gallery
SOURCE | IMAGES: Honda; via Paul Tan.
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Kia just pulled the cover off its all-new 2026 EV4 today at the New York International Auto Show, marking the automaker’s first global all-electric sedan.
With a sleek design and practical features, Kia is clearly aiming to offer a compelling, affordable alternative to the flood of electric SUVs on the market.
The Kia EV4, set to hit US roads in early 2026, will be available in three trims – Light, Wind, and the sportier GT-Line.
Exterior and interior
Built on Kia’s 400V Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV4 sedan sports a distinctive low, aerodynamic profile with a sporty fastback roofline. The front showcases vertical LED headlights paired with Kia’s signature Star Map lighting and a modernized version of Kia’s Tiger Face grille.
Around back, vertical taillights and a two-piece spoiler emphasize the sedan’s sporty stance. Buyers can choose between standard 17-inch aero wheels or the 19-inch wheels exclusive to the GT-Line trim.
Inside, Kia’s EV4 emphasizes comfort, convenience, and spaciousness. A modern, open cockpit features high-quality materials, a two-spoke steering wheel, and an available 64-color ambient lighting system. With ample passenger room and cargo space, the EV4 balances practicality with a sleek, contemporary feel.
Powertrain and performance
The EV4 comes with two battery options: a 58.3 kWh pack delivering about 235 miles of range (standard on the Light trim), or a larger 81.4 kWh pack good for around 330 miles (Wind and GT-Line trims). Both models feature a 150 kW front-mounted electric motor.
Charging won’t slow you down: Kia estimates a 10-to-80% DC fast charge takes just 29 minutes for the smaller battery and 31 minutes for the larger. The EV4 comes with a standard NACS charging port and is on the front passenger side.
This Kia sedan has a drag coefficient as low as 0.23 Cd. Its updated i-Pedal 3.0 system offers smooth one-pedal driving, even in reverse and adaptive regenerative braking. Additionally, Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability means your EV4 can power everyday devices like laptops or camping gear.
A tech-loaded interior
The EV4 features nearly 30 inches of combined widescreen displays. Personalization is easy, including themed interfaces and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Kia’s Digital Key 2.0 lets drivers manage locks, start the climate control remotely, and access other vehicle functions via smartphone. And Kia’s built-in AI Assistant ensures natural, responsive interactions, adding another convenience layer.
Comfort isn’t an afterthought, either. Dual-zone automatic climate control, available heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and acoustic windshield glass round out the premium feel.
Advanced driver-assist technology
The EV4 is equipped with Highway Driving Assist as standard, which automatically adjusts the vehicle’s set speed to match the posted speed limit (if initially set to the speed limit) and maintains distance from the vehicle in front.
Standard Hands-On Detection helps ensure drivers stay engaged by monitoring steering-wheel grip, enhancing safety on longer trips.
Other available features include Driver Attention Warning, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, and Lane Following Assist. Optional Remote Smart Parking Assist simplifies parking in tight spots.
Look for the Kia EV4 sedan to reach US dealers in early 2026.
Read more: Kia EV Day 2025 recap: EV4 is coming to US, plus an up-close look at the EV2 and PV5 [Video]
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