Written by Cláudio Afonso | LinkedIn | X
In a recent interview on the podcast “The Luxury Item with Scott Kerr,” Peter Rawlinson, CEO and CTO of Lucid Motors, teased the brand’s upcoming SUV, Gravity.
Rawlinson expressed bold confidence in the new model, criticizing the current electric SUVs on the market by stating, “none of the electric SUVs available are very good.”
The chief executive reiterated that Gravity is scheduled to begin production later this year. The luxury SUV is designed with seven seats across three rows and aims for a 440-mile range.
“This car will have driving dynamics and performance that exceed a Lamborghini Urus,” Rawlinson remarked.
“You have the nobility and stature of a Range Rover, the interior space and legroom that surpass an Escalade, yet it’s only two inches longer than a Lucid Air, which is shorter than the Tesla Model S. This car combines attributes previously unheard of in the market.”
He emphasized the vehicle’s extraordinary practicality for an active lifestyle, highlighting its ability to accommodate mountain bikes, surfboards, and more. He also detailed the spaciousness of the seating, noting a demonstration where individuals as tall as six feet seven inches could comfortably fit in the front row, six feet six inches in the second row, and six feet four inches in the third row.
Rawlinson did not shy away from critiquing the competition.
“Yes, there are many EV SUVs out there, but none of them are very good. I’m sorry, they’re not. None of them have anything like the dynamic performance of Gravity. None of them have the range, the practicality, the interior space, or the compactness and versatility that Gravity offers.”
He also mentioned a unique feature of Gravity—a special optional cushion seat for the front trunk (frunk), allowing owners to enjoy scenic views from the front of their vehicle. “You can drive up to your favorite beauty spot and watch the sun going down from the fronk of your Gravity,” Rawlinson added.
In the same interview, Rawlinson voiced concerns about the advantages Chinese automakers enjoy due to substantial government support and lower labor costs.
“I really believe, first of all, in a free market economy. But I think we do need to recognize that there isn’t a level playing field in what could be a free market economy. Because the degree of government support and incentivization that the Chinese automakers receive is nothing like what we see in the West,” Rawlinson stated.
The chief executive emphasized the challenges posed by China’s lower labor rates, which make it difficult for Western companies to compete on cost. Despite these challenges, he expressed confidence in Lucid’s technological edge.
Written by Cláudio Afonso | LinkedIn | X
