Lucid Air vs Tesla Model S: Luxury EV Showdown in 2025

Luxury EV buyers often narrow their search to the Tesla Model S Plaid and the high-tech Lucid Air. The Lucid Air dazzles with superior range (up to 512 miles), opulent interiors and refined ride quality, while Tesla counters with blistering acceleration and an unrivaled Supercharger network.

Design and Interior

Both sedans are sleek and aerodynamic, but the Lucid Air adopts a futuristic silhouette with a panoramic glass canopy and an ultra-low drag coefficient. The Model S is slightly longer and taller, prioritizing understated minimalism and hatchback practicality. Cargo space favors the Tesla in the rear trunk, though the Lucid’s larger front trunk and fold-flat rear seats yield more total capacity. Inside, the Lucid Air feels like a modern luxury sedan with high-quality materials and an airy atmosphere. Rear passengers enjoy more legroom than in the Model S. Tesla’s interior is still comfortable and tech-forward but lacks the opulence of the Lucid and is beginning to feel dated.

Performance and Range

A side-by-side spec comparison reveals key differences. The Lucid Air Pure starts at about $69,900 and uses a roughly 88 kWh battery to achieve about 420 miles of range, while the top-spec Sapphire delivers more than 1,200 horsepower and sprints to 60 mph in under two seconds. The Tesla Model S Plaid starts around $89,990, makes just over 1,000 horsepower and hits 60 mph in just over two seconds. The Lucid Air Grand Touring leads in efficiency, reaching 512 miles per charge. Charging speeds are similar: Lucid can add 200 miles in 12–17 minutes, slightly faster than Tesla’s 15 minutes, but Tesla’s Supercharger network is more ubiquitous.

Verdict

In 2025 the Lucid Air emerges as the range and luxury leader. Tesla retains an edge in charging convenience and still delivers incredible acceleration and a robust infotainment ecosystem. Buyers seeking the most lavish cabin and longest range should look to Lucid; those prioritizing real-world charging and self-driving features may prefer Tesla.