2025 Lucid Air Review: Smaller Battery, Greater Efficiency

By Koutaibah

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The most efficient EV on the market just got leaner, longer-ranged, and more refined.

The 2025 Lucid Air Pure marks a bold evolution in the electric sedan segment. With a reduced battery size, improved range, and class-leading efficiency, Lucid Motors proves that less can indeed be more.

Lucid Air Pure Efficiency Update: Leading the Pack

Lucid has refined the Air Pure for 2025, introducing a smaller 84-kWh battery—down from 88 kWh—yet achieving even greater efficiency. On standard 19-inch wheels, the Air Pure now delivers an impressive EPA-rated 420 miles of range, up from 419 miles in 2024. That translates to 5.0 miles per kilowatt-hour (mi/kWh), currently making it the most efficient production vehicle available.

However, efficiency varies depending on configuration:

  • 19-inch wheels: 5.0 mi/kWh (420-mile range)
  • 20-inch wheels: 3.8 mi/kWh (372-mile range, down from 395 miles in 2024)
  • Charging losses considered: Overall efficiency drops to 4.3 mi/kWh

Real-World Road-Trip Performance

In MotorTrend’s Road-Trip Range Test (constant 70 mph using 95% battery):

  • 2025 Lucid Air Pure (20-inch wheels): 313 miles
  • 2024 Air Pure (same wheels): 330 miles
    Note: Both figures show a ~16% drop from their EPA ratings.

Compared to competitors:

  • 2024 BMW i5 eDrive40: 268 miles (84.4-kWh battery)

DC Fast Charging Advantage:
The Lucid Air Pure regains 148 miles of range in just 15 minutes, outpacing the BMW’s 135-mile gain in the same time.

2025 Lucid Air Back View

Performance Specs: Speed Meets Smoothness

Despite being the entry-level trim, the 2025 Lucid Air Pure doesn’t compromise on performance:

  • Motor Output: 430 hp / 406 lb-ft
  • 0–60 mph: 4.5 seconds
  • Quarter-Mile: 12.8 seconds @ 111.6 mph

It outpaces the BMW i5 eDrive40 by:

  • 0.6 seconds to 60 mph
  • 0.8 seconds in the quarter mile

On the track, this 4,592-pound EV sedan surprises with its athleticism:

  • Figure-eight lap: 24.5 seconds @ 0.80 g average
  • Braking (60-0 mph): 111 feet
  • Lateral acceleration: 0.95 g average

According to Road Test Editor Chris Walton:

“It feels like a well-sorted sport sedan that happens to be electric.”

Everyday Comfort, Family-Friendly Utility

The Air Pure excels as a daily driver and family car:

  • Spacious cabin: Generous rear legroom and ample cargo space
  • Ride quality: Cushioned and composed without feeling disconnected
  • Improved build quality: Tighter panel gaps and better-feeling interior controls
  • Noise levels: Wind noise is reduced vs. earlier models, though not yet class-leading

Tech and Usability: Room for Improvement

While the overall user experience is elevated, a few issues linger:

  • DreamDrive Pro: Lucid’s semi-autonomous system performs well on straights but falters on curved roads
  • Key fob & proximity sensor: Occasional detection failures remain unresolved

Lucid’s Vision: Efficiency Without Sacrifice

Former CEO Peter Rawlinson outlined a bold goal: achieving 6 mi/kWh with smaller battery packs. While that target hasn’t yet been reached, Lucid is inching closer with the 2025 Air Pure. For buyers seeking the most efficient electric car in 2025, the Air Pure, with 19-inch wheels, is the clear choice.

2025 Lucid Air Interior

2025 Lucid Air Pure Specs

SpecificationDetails
Base Price$71,400
Price As Tested$83,050
LayoutRear-wheel drive, 5-passenger sedan
MotorPermanent-magnet, 430 hp, 406 lb-ft
Transmission1-speed direct drive
Battery84-kWh NCM lithium-ion
Curb Weight4,592 lb (50/50 weight distribution)
Dimensions (L×W×H)195.9 x 76.2 x 55.4 in
Wheelbase116.5 in
TiresMichelin Pilot Sport EV LM1 (245/40ZR20)
EPA Efficiency (MPGe)132 city / 125 highway / 129 combined
EPA Range (20” wheels)372 miles
AvailabilityAvailable now

MotorTrend Test Results

  • 0–60 mph: 4.5 seconds
  • Quarter Mile: 12.8 sec @ 111.6 mph
  • Braking (60–0 mph): 111 feet
  • Lateral G: 0.95 g average
  • Figure-Eight Lap: 24.5 seconds @ 0.80 g average

Final Verdict: The Smart Buy in 2025 EVs

The 2025 Lucid Air Pure combines remarkable efficiency, respectable performance, and luxury-level comfort—all at a starting price that undercuts many less capable competitors. If you’re an enthusiast who’s ready to go electric without giving up driving enjoyment or practicality, this is the EV to beat.

Koutaibah

Automotive industry expert and editor of Vhiclo, specializing in car news, EV technology, and in-depth vehicle analysis. With years of experience in the field, Koutaibah provides trusted insights for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

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