Lucid Gravity's Key Access Issues Hinder Its Potential as a Market Disruptor
Unlocking the Future? Not Always Smooth Sailing with the Lucid Gravity
Initial Encounter with Lucid's Key Fob Frustration
My initial encounter with a Lucid vehicle, the Air sedan, was quite impressive due to its exceptional quality and driving dynamics. However, this positive experience was somewhat marred by early software glitches, including a beautiful but complex and occasionally unresponsive interface, and a proximity key that struggled with timely vehicle recognition. Although these issues were eventually resolved for the Air, the launch of the new Lucid Gravity SUV has revealed that similar access problems persist, despite the introduction of a new key fob, an app, and a more traditional physical fob with buttons.
The Immediate Onset of Access Difficulties
The problems with the Gravity began almost immediately after the vehicle's delivery. Upon receiving the keys and moving the SUV a short distance, I attempted to lock it and then re-enter. The car's display indicated, \"No key detected. If the Key is present, shake gently to wake it.\" Repeated attempts to shake the key fob, varying in intensity, yielded no results. The vehicle remained unresponsive to the key's presence, preventing me from engaging drive or reverse, despite all other functions, like door locks and infotainment, working perfectly.
Lucid Gravity's Ambitions and Market Standing
The Lucid Gravity is a pivotal model for the brand. While the Lucid Air sedan is a remarkable engineering feat, large sedans struggle for market traction in today's SUV-dominated landscape. The Gravity aims to expand Lucid's market presence and boost sales by leveraging the Air's foundational technology and enhancing it for SUV application. With an impressive range of 450 miles and over 800 horsepower, the Gravity, particularly the Grand Touring model priced at $94,900 (or $116,000 with options), offers competitive value, especially considering the expected $80,000 starting price for the base Touring model, positioning it favorably against rivals like the Cadillac Vistiq and Escalade IQ.
Persistent Key Recognition Failures
Despite the vehicle's premium price point, the persistent key issues were disconcerting. After numerous failed attempts with the key fob, I tried using the NFC card provided, following the on-screen instructions to tap it on the wireless charging pad. This too proved ineffective, leaving the car in a "soft-locked" state – unlocked and functional in some aspects, but immobile. This ongoing cycle of trying different access methods, walking away to allow the car to reset, and hoping for a breakthrough, became a frustrating routine. On one occasion, it took approximately 40 minutes to finally get the vehicle into gear after a series of diagnostic checks by Lucid's PR team, a scenario that unfortunately recurred throughout the week.
A Widespread Issue Beyond Individual Experience
These key access problems are not isolated incidents. Other reviewers and owners have reported similar challenges. A colleague experienced analogous issues with a different Gravity model, albeit to a lesser extent, primarily involving the need to repeatedly shake the key and the non-functionality of the NFC card. Online forums and social media platforms are rife with complaints from Gravity owners describing vehicles failing to wake up or recognize keys, leaving them stranded. One particularly alarming account detailed an owner being left immobile in St. Louis due to these very issues, highlighting the severity and widespread nature of the problem.
Lucid's Response and Future Solutions
Upon inquiry, Lucid acknowledged that these key access issues are a \"known problem with some Gravitys\" and stated that an over-the-air (OTA) software update was in the works to address it. A subsequent update from version 3.3.1 to 3.3.2 did improve error messaging and system reliability to some extent; however, the core problem of key recognition and NFC card functionality remained unresolved for many users. Lucid has since indicated that a more comprehensive solution, involving an additional OTA update and a hardware fix for key fobs, will be rolled out to affected vehicles in the near future. While building advanced electric vehicles presents significant challenges, especially for newer manufacturers, such fundamental usability issues in a high-end vehicle can significantly damage brand perception. For Lucid, a company striving to establish itself, resolving these problems swiftly and definitively is crucial to prevent consumer distrust and ensure the Gravity fulfills its promise as a true game-changer in the EV market.