USA EV Comparison: Lucid Air Sapphire vs Tesla Model S Plaid
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General Info
Both vehicles are currently in production and can be purchased new. The Lucid Air Sapphire (2023-…) has a starting price of $249000, compared to the Tesla Model S Plaid (2021-…), which starts at .
The Lucid Air Sapphire (2023-…) is a Sedan, whereas the Tesla Model S Plaid (2021-…) is a Liftback.
| Property | Lucid Air Sapphire | Tesla Model S Plaid |
|---|---|---|
| Years of Production | 2023-… | 2021-… |
| Current Status | Produced | Produced |
| Country of Manufacture | USA, Saudi Arabia | USA |
| Body Style | Sedan | Liftback |
| Market Availability | EU, USA | EU, USA |
| Price USA (New) | $249000 | - Price USA (New) |
| Price USA (Used) | - Price USA (Used) | $41545 |
| GCC Score | 8 | 7.7 |
Range and Efficiency
While the Lucid Air Sapphire (2023-…) offers a longer real-world range and a bigger battery, it is less energy-efficient than the Tesla Model S Plaid (2021-…).
| Property | Lucid Air Sapphire | Tesla Model S Plaid |
|---|---|---|
| Range (EPA) | 427 mi | 359 mi |
| Range (WLTP) | 435 mi | 373 mi |
| Range (GCC) | 388 mi | 329 mi |
| Battery Capacity (Nominal) | 120 kWh | 100 kWh |
| Battery Capacity (Usable) | 118 kWh | 95 kWh |
| Efficiency per 100 mi | 30.4 kWh/100 mi | 28.9 kWh/100 mi |
| Efficiency per kWh | 3.29 mi/kWh | 3.46 mi/kWh |
| Range and Efficiency Score | 8.7 | 8.4 |
Charging
The Lucid Air Sapphire (2023-…) features an advanced 900-volt architecture, whereas the Tesla Model S Plaid (2021-…) relies on a standard 400-volt system.
The Lucid Air Sapphire (2023-…) offers faster charging speeds at DC stations, reaching up to 300 kW, while the Tesla Model S Plaid (2021-…) maxes out at 250 kW.
The Lucid Air Sapphire (2023-…) features a more powerful on-board charger, supporting a maximum AC charging power of 19.2 kW, whereas the Tesla Model S Plaid (2021-…) is limited to 11.5 kW.
| Property | Lucid Air Sapphire | Tesla Model S Plaid |
|---|---|---|
| Max Charging Power (AC) | 19.2 kW | 11.5 kW |
| Max Charging Power (DC) | 300 kW | 250 kW |
| Architecture | 900 V | 400 V |
| Charge Port | CCS Type 1 | Tesla (NACS) |
| Charging Score | 10 | 7.5 |
Performance
Both vehicles are all-wheel drive.
The Lucid Air Sapphire (2023-…) boasts greater motor power and accelerates faster from 0 to 60 mph.
| Property | Lucid Air Sapphire | Tesla Model S Plaid |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Type | AWD | AWD |
| Motor Type | PMSM (front), 2 PMSM (rear) | PMSM (front), 2 PMSM (rear) |
| Motor Power (kW) | 908 kW | 760 kW |
| Motor Power (hp) | 1218 hp | 1020 hp |
| Motor Torque | 1431 lb-ft | 1047 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 1.9 s | 2 s |
| Top Speed | 205 mph | 200 mph |
| Performance Score | 8.7 | 8.5 |
Dimensions
The Lucid Air Sapphire (2023-…) and Tesla Model S Plaid (2021-…) are about the same size.
Both models have similar wheelbase lengths.
| Property | Lucid Air Sapphire | Tesla Model S Plaid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 197 in | 197.7 in |
| Width (with Mirrors) | 86.4 in | 86.2 in |
| Width (w/o Mirrors) | 78.3 in | 78.2 in |
| Height | 55.4 in | 56.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 116.5 in | 116.5 in |
Cargo and Towing
The Tesla Model S Plaid (2021-…) provides more cargo capacity, featuring both a larger trunk and more space with the rear seats folded.
Both models feature a convenient frunk (front trunk), providing additional storage space.
Neither vehicle is officially rated for towing in the US.
| Property | Lucid Air Sapphire | Tesla Model S Plaid |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Curb Weight | 5336 lb | 4776 lb |
| Cargo Volume (Trunk) | 16.1 ft3 | 25 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Max) | 22.1 ft3 | 61.4 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Frunk) | 10 ft3 | 3.1 ft3 |
| Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity |
| Cargo and Towing Score | 5.1 | 6.1 |