Lucid Motors, a California-based EV company, has released a couple of photos of its upcoming Gravity electric SUV being tested on public roads in the US. The pictures show the vehicle in a camouflaged form tooling around city streets. The Gravity is set to begin production in 2024 and its official debut, specification details, and reservation access are all expected any day now.

Lucid promises that the Gravity will offer a combination of spaciousness, performance, and driving range that is unprecedented, thanks to the company’s design and new propulsion technology. The first photos of the model in development don’t reveal much more than what Lucid had already shown last November. However, they do confirm that the front end of the vehicle will be very low and the vehicle itself will be quite tall, with an emphasis on aerodynamics.

The front-end treatment is similar to that of the Air, but the Gravity’s hood and hood line is higher, leading to an almost shoulder-high beltline that wraps around the entire vehicle. The rear photo shows that the vehicle may have a more rounded shape than the Project Gravity prototype that was shown a few years ago.

This design approach appears to have resulted in a tall, upright greenhouse that could potentially accommodate a third row of seats despite the smooth corners and softened roofline. Lucid has also confirmed that the Gravity will feature new-generation high-resolution Glass Cockpit displays and the next generation of the brand’s software-based user interface.

The Gravity is expected to be available in versions with dual-motor and tri-motor propulsion. There may also be single-motor rear-drive versions as well.  The vehicle will be offered with two or three rows of seats, accommodating five, six, or seven passengers. Lucid’s CEO and CTO, Peter Rawlinson, said in a recent release that the Lucid Air model redefined the sedan category and that Gravity is positioned to change the world of SUVs as the company’s technology continues to evolve and lead the market. Based on previous statements from Lucid, the Gravity may have the longest range of any electric SUV, with EPA ratings that could only be surpassed by the 516-mile Air Grand Touring.

Although several unlikely competitors, such as the Ram 1500 REV electric pickup, may achieve a range of 500 miles, Lucid is likely to retain its advantage in terms of fast-charging miles recovered on road trips. This is due to the company’s focus on efficiency and its proprietary propulsion technology, which could allow for the recovery of nearly 300 miles of range in just 20 minutes.

Lucid has also confirmed that the Gravity will be manufactured at its factory in Casa Grande, Arizona, alongside the Air. Pricing for the Lucid Air runs from $90-250K depending on options and trim levels, expect the Gravity to fall somewhere into that cost structure.

Electrified Mag’s Take:  Im starting to see Lucid Airs on the streets here in Riverside County and they look impressive.  Think of the Gravity as a tall boy version of the Air and you get the picture. These are very cool EVs bristling with high-tech and upscale designs. The driving range is particularly impressive as well.

Like Rivian, Lucid is a very compelling choice against a shallow bench of competitors. When the segment becomes crowded in the very near future, the charms of boutique automakers can begin to wear thin. When the Big Three, Korea Inc., Japan Inc., and Germany Inc. flood the EV SUV market, I can’t see a compelling argument for buying a $100k rig from a small startup that has many hurdles in front of it. The Fisker Karma comes to mind here.

People said that Tesla would never make it and we all know how that ended, but this is a very different EV marketplace in 2023. I wish Lucid all the best here as their products are nicely presented and have cool tech, but Im not optimistic about their future. If you think I’m wrong, tell me why in the comments.