Electric Cars

The Lucid Gravity, a highly anticipated electric SUV, recently underwent a real-world highway range assessment that yielded results significantly lower than its official 450-mile EPA rating. The test, conducted at a consistent speed of 70 mph, concluded with the vehicle covering 345 miles before its battery level dropped to 1%. This discrepancy has prompted an investigation by Lucid's engineers, who suggest a potential malfunction in the SUV's rear drive unit as the contributing factor.

Lucid Gravity's Highway Performance Under Scrutiny

In a comprehensive highway range test, the new Lucid Gravity Grand Touring SUV, celebrated for its ambitious 450-mile EPA range, delivered a performance that diverged from expectations. Tom Moloughney, a contributing editor, drove the vehicle at a steady 70 mph until its battery reached a critically low 1%. The SUV managed to cover 345 miles, registering an efficiency of 3.0 miles per kilowatt-hour, which is notably less than Lucid's projected 3.6 miles per kilowatt-hour. This result fell considerably short of its advertised range, sparking concerns among EV enthusiasts and potential buyers.

Following the test, Moloughney engaged with Lucid's engineering team, who reviewed the test data. Their preliminary analysis points to a possible issue with the vehicle's rear drive unit, which they believe may have adversely affected the range performance. Furthermore, the engineers indicated that the 0% battery reading at the test's conclusion was inaccurate, as the vehicle still retained approximately 6 kWh of usable battery capacity. This suggests an unusually large low-end buffer, potentially impacting the perceived range. Lucid has committed to providing another vehicle for a follow-up test, aiming to validate the SUV's true capabilities once any underlying technical issues are resolved. This development underscores the ongoing challenges in matching EPA estimates with actual driving conditions, especially for new electric vehicle models.

This incident with the Lucid Gravity underscores the critical importance of real-world testing for electric vehicles. While manufacturer claims and EPA ratings provide a baseline, they often don't fully capture the nuances of diverse driving conditions and vehicle-specific anomalies. For consumers, this highlights the need to consider independent tests and user experiences alongside official figures when evaluating an EV's practical range. For manufacturers like Lucid, it emphasizes the continuous need for rigorous quality control and transparent communication to build trust and ensure their innovative technology consistently meets high expectations in everyday use.

BMW's latest electric SUV, the iX3, has rapidly gained immense popularity, exceeding initial sales forecasts within its home market of Germany. The overwhelming demand, with over 3,000 orders received in just six weeks, has positioned the iX3 as a more sought-after vehicle than its traditional combustion-engine sibling, the X3. This early success underscores a significant shift in consumer preference towards electric mobility and presents both opportunities and challenges for the Bavarian automaker.

BMW iX3 Takes Germany by Storm, Global Rollout on the Horizon

In a remarkable turn of events for the automotive industry, BMW's recently launched iX3 electric SUV has achieved significant market traction in Germany. Within a mere six weeks of its introduction, the vehicle recorded an impressive figure of over 3,000 pre-orders, outselling the internal combustion engine X3 model in the same timeframe. This unexpected surge in demand has prompted BMW to expedite its production plans to ensure timely deliveries.

The iX3 is a product of BMW's innovative 'Neue Klasse' platform, assembled at a state-of-the-art facility in Debrecen, Hungary, which boasts an annual production capacity of 150,000 units. The European market anticipates the first deliveries in the spring of 2026, with customers in the United States expecting their vehicles to arrive later that summer. While initial US supply is likely to originate from the Hungarian plant, BMW is also establishing production capabilities in Mexico for the iX3, potentially influencing future distribution strategies.

The current flagship model, the dual-motor iX3 50 xDrive, delivers a robust 463 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.9 seconds. Equipped with a substantial 108-kilowatt-hour battery, it offers an outstanding WLTP range of 500 miles (805 km), making it a class leader in electric range across Europe.

Early impressions from a recent unveiling event in Romania highlighted the iX3's distinctive exterior design, which, despite requiring some adjustment, is ultimately appealing. The interior boasts a premium feel, surpassing the quality of some other recent BMW models. A standout feature is the unique wrap-around panoramic display beneath the windshield, offering an unparalleled driving experience. The vehicle's dynamic handling was also observed during vigorous testing in the Italian Alps, where a prototype iX3 demonstrated impressive agility and stability on challenging roads.

While US pricing details are yet to be finalized, the iX3 is projected to commence at over $60,000, including tariffs. In Germany, the starting price is €68,900 (approximately $80,300), with fully equipped versions potentially exceeding €80,000 (around $93,000).

The burgeoning success of the BMW iX3 illuminates a compelling trajectory for electric vehicles within the luxury SUV segment. The swift consumer adoption in Germany signals a clear endorsement of BMW's advanced electric powertrain technology and its commitment to sustainable mobility. As global markets prepare for its arrival, the iX3 is poised to be a significant player in accelerating the transition to electric cars, challenging established norms, and setting new benchmarks for performance, range, and driver engagement.