Lucid Air Dream Edition Performance

Overview

The Lucid Air Dream Edition Performance was a limited-run, high-horsepower halo car, a real statement piece marking Lucid's grand entrance. This American-built luxury EV sedan, produced briefly between 2021 and 2022, aimed squarely at the top tier, blending staggering pace with opulent comfort. While primarily a US-market sensation, its specs are drool-worthy globally. Official European pricing for new or used examples is not specified in the data, reflecting its initial launch focus. Key highlights include its immense power and cutting-edge battery tech, setting a high bar for electric flagships.

What's New for 2022?

The 2022 Dream Edition Performance wasn't an update; it *was* the news – a launch special representing the pinnacle of Lucid's initial offering. As one of the first Airs to hit the streets, it showcased the brand's "everything-but-the-kitchen-sink" approach. This meant it came loaded with the most potent powertrain, the largest available battery at the time for the performance variant, and a full suite of Lucid’s advanced technology and luxurious appointments from day one. It set the benchmark for what the Air platform was truly capable of achieving.

Design & Exterior

The Dream Edition Performance is a proper head-turner, rocking a sleek, aerodynamic silhouette that screams future-luxe. Its smooth lines and signature Micro Lens Array headlights give it an unmistakable presence. Dimensions are suitably grand: 4975 mm long, 1936 mm wide (mirrors excluded), and a low-slung 1408 mm tall. This specific trim often boasted unique "Dream Edition" badging and exclusive 21-inch Aero Dream wheels, further distinguishing it as the top-dog launch model. It’s a masterclass in blending elegance with a hint of aggression, making it look fast even standing still.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the Dream Edition Performance and you're greeted by a cabin that's pure California cool mixed with serious luxury. Think sumptuous Nappa leather, sustainable wood accents, and an expansive glass canopy roof. Passenger space is generous. For your kit, there's a 456-litre boot, which expands to 627 litres with rear seats folded. But the party trick is the massive 283-litre frunk up front, giving you truly impressive total cargo flexibility. The tech-fest includes a stunning 34-inch Glass Cockpit display and a central Pilot Panel, with features like Apple CarPlay/Android Auto becoming available via updates.

Performance & Driving Experience

Hold on tight! The Dream Edition Performance unleashes a staggering 828 kW and 1390 Nm of torque from its dual PMSM motors, rocketing this all-wheel-drive super-sedan from 0-100 km/h in a neck-snapping 2.7 seconds. Top speed is a blistering 270 km/h. It’s not just about straight-line shove; the Air offers a sophisticated driving experience, blending that immense power with a composed, luxurious ride thanks to its adaptive damping. Multiple drive modes let you tailor the character, and its regenerative braking is impressively smooth and effective.

Range, Battery & Charging

This performance beast packs a mighty 118 kWh (usable) battery, delivering a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of an impressive 724 km – meaning fewer stops and more electrifying miles. Efficiency is a commendable 6.14 km/kWh. Juice it up via its CCS Type 2 port using the standard 22 kW on-board AC charger (a full top-up taking roughly 5-6 hours). For rapid pit-stops, its 900V architecture allows blistering DC fast charging up to 300 kW. Note, on 400V DC chargers, it's limited to 50 kW. Bi-directional charging capabilities were also featured.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Peace of mind comes standard, with the Lucid Air achieving a top 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating. The Dream Edition Performance is kitted out with Lucid’s comprehensive "DreamDrive Pro" advanced driver-assistance system. This includes a sophisticated sensor suite with LIDAR, supporting features like Highway Assist (adaptive cruise with lane centering), blind-spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, and automated parking. Many of these cutting-edge features were standard on this flagship trim, aiming to provide a semi-autonomous driving experience where permitted.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

While specific European warranty details for this US-focused launch model aren't provided, Lucid typically offers robust coverage in its primary markets. This generally includes a comprehensive vehicle warranty for around 4 years/80,000 km. The crucial high-voltage battery and powertrain components usually receive extended coverage, often around 8 years/160,000 km, with a guarantee against significant degradation (e.g., 70% capacity retention). Maintenance on EVs is typically lower, though Lucid’s advanced tech would benefit from specialist care. As a new brand, long-term reliability is still being established.