Currently reading: 1000bhp Lucid Air electric saloon reaches 235mph in test

Chinese-backed American electric car maker's luxury saloon has up to 1000bhp and a Tesla-baiting price tag

The Lucid Air electric saloon, which made its public debut at the New York motor show last March, has reached 235mph in testing.

Shortly after the New York motor show, the Air hit an electronically-limited 217mph in testing (see footage below). It recently returned to a test track in Ohio, US, without the electronic speed limiter and with some tweaks to its air suspension, where Lucid claims it hit a steady 235mph.

The car is already available to pre-order in America, priced from $52,500 (about £43,000), but there's no word as to how much the car will cost in Britain as of yet.

The Tesla Model S rival produces 400bhp in its most basic single motor form, but power can be increased to 1000bhp with a twin-motor, four-wheel drive model. The most potent version has a 0-60mph time of 2.5sec.

As standard, the car has a range of 240 miles, but a 400-mile version is available as an option.

Lucid partnered with Samsung SDI for the supply of the car’s lithium ion battery cells, which, the company says, have class-leading energy density, power, lifespan and safety and don't fade after numerous charges. Samsung SDI also supplies the batteries that are used in the BMW i3 and i8.

The company is keen to display its optional executive seating with two reclining seats. The standard Air has five seats, but two individual, 'executive' rear seats are available.

Lucid also claims that the car’s air suspension with regenerative valve technology gives it the most comfortable ride in the class.

Lucid describes the Air as ‘autonomous ready’ and will fit the car with the necessary sensors to enable the car to become fully autonomous when technology and legislation allows.

Read about the Jaguar I-Pace here

The Air will be put into production in late 2018, with deliveries scheduled to begin soon after, although such a long gestation period will make Lucid’s list of rivals far longer than they are at present.

A deposit of around £2000 secures a regular Air, while one of 255 launch edition models is available with a £20,300 advance deposit. Lucid says that these examples will be well-optioned and will have exclusive, distinguishing features. Pre-orders are currently only available in the USA and Canada.

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Cobnapint 11 July 2017

OK, we get it, electric cars are fast....

But that's not what is stopping most people buying one.
'Range' is the issue, along with charging time. Why not have two battery packs, one on-load and one being charged while the vehicle is in motion and sod the top speed willy waving.
Peter Cavellini 11 July 2017

For the price of a five series........?!

What nonsense price,no way will it be that price,put a one in front of it then it makes sense,and, I like to see it succeed,about time Tesla had some competition.
scrap 11 July 2017

It all sounds too good to be

It all sounds too good to be true. Much like the Fisker Karma.