Comparison: Tesla Model S Plaid vs Lucid Air Sapphire
Tesla introduced the Model S Plaid in 2021, a groundbreaking EV featuring a tri-motor system and jaw-dropping performance. Lucid responded in 2023 with the Air Sapphire, its ultimate high-performance model, aiming to take the crown from Tesla.
Let’s dive in to see if Lucid succeeded in this ambitious challenge or if Tesla maintained its edge.
Table of Contents
Key Information
Price
Price differences are striking: the Tesla Model S Plaid starts at $89,990, while the Lucid Air Sapphire is priced at $249,000 — almost three times the cost of a Model S Plaid!
Exterior
The Model S Plaid and Lucid Air Sapphire have subtle exterior distinctions. The Plaid features red brake calipers and a rear lip spoiler for a sportier look, while the Sapphire introduces a unique "Sapphire Blue Metallic" color, center-lock rims, and its own lip spoiler.
Interior
The Model S Plaid offers a minimalist interior with three color options, sport seats, and a choice of steering wheel styles. In contrast, the Lucid Air Sapphire features sport seats with heating, cooling, and massage, plus Alcantara finishes on the steering wheel and other interior components.
Technology
While Tesla's Model S Plaid pioneered the tri-motor system and offers Full Self-Driving package as an option, it’s build on an older 400V architecture. The Lucid Air Sapphire counters with a 900V system for rapid charging, a tri-motor setup, carbon-ceramic brakes, and exceptional aerodynamics, featuring one of the world's lowest drag coefficients.
Range and Efficiency
With a larger battery capacity and better aerodynamics, Lucid achieves greater range than Tesla.
EPA Range
Tesla — 359 mi (578 km)
Lucid — 427 mi (687 km)
Battery Pack Capacity (Usable)
Tesla — 95 kWh
Lucid — 118 kWh
Charging
Although Lucid's 900V system and AC on-board charger are more advanced, Tesla offers similar charging times thanks to its smaller battery capacity.
On-Board Charger (AC)
Tesla — 11.5 kW
Lucid — 19.2 kW
DC Charging
Tesla — 250 kW
Lucid — 300 kW
Performance
Official data shows similar performance, but real-world tests reveal Lucid outpaces Tesla in acceleration.
0–60 mph (0–98 km/h)
Tesla — 2.0 s
Lucid — 1.9 s
Top speed
Tesla — 200 mph (322 km/h)
Lucid — 205 mph (330 km/h)
Dimensions
Both cars are nearly identical in dimensions, with exactly the same wheelbase size.
Length
Tesla — 197.7 in (5,021 mm)
Lucid — 197 in (5,005 mm)
Width
Tesla — 86.2 in (2,189 mm)
Lucid — 86.4 in (2,195 mm)
Wheelbase
Tesla — 116.5 in (2,960 mm)
Lucid — 116.5 in (2,960 mm)
Cargo and Towing
Tesla offers a more spacious trunk, while Lucid provides a huge frunk.
Cargo Volume (Trunk)
Tesla — 25 ft³ (709 l)
Lucid — 16.1 ft³ (456 l)
Cargo Volume (Frunk)
Tesla — 3.1 ft³ (89 l)
Lucid — 10 ft³ (283 l)
Verdict
With unmatched dynamics, range, and exclusivity, the Lucid Air Sapphire is a rare gem, but its $249,000 price restricts it to an elite market. Tesla Model S Plaid, at a fraction of the cost, offers nearly comparable acceleration, top speed, and charging times due to its smaller battery, despite its older 400V architecture. Deciding between the two depends on whether you value Lucid’s uniqueness enough to justify the price — or see it as a potential long-term collectible.
Before purchasing a pre-owned EV, regardless of whether it’s a Model S Plaid or Air Sapphire, it’s crucial to verify its history. Our partner GoodCar offers an easy and free service, providing a clear and reliable background check. Simply enter the VIN number or license plate, and in just a few seconds, you’ll receive all the details.
Discover our dedicated comparison tool to help you make the final decision between them, highlighting every subtle difference that could be the deciding factor.
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