Lucid Gravity vs. Tesla Model X: Which $100k Electric SUV is the Right Choice?

The Six-Figure Question: Tesla's Tech or Lucid's Luxury?

So, you’re in the market for a top-tier electric SUV and you've narrowed it down to two titans: the tried-and-true Tesla Model X and the luxurious new challenger, the Lucid Gravity. Both command a price tag well over $100,000, making this a decision you don't want to take lightly. As Michael and Perry found out, choosing between them isn't just about specs on a page—it's about how they fit into your life.

Here at Elevate Motor Co., we spent quality time with both vehicles to help you understand the real-world trade-offs. Before you sign on the dotted line, let’s explore the gravity of the situation.

Range and Charging: A Tale of Two Philosophies

On paper, the Lucid Gravity seems to run away with the range crown, boasting an impressive 450-mile OEM rating compared to the Model X’s 352 miles. But as we know, real-world driving tells a different story.

Paper Specs vs. Real-World Miles

The Lucid Gravity, in real-world testing by Edmunds, clocked in around 388 miles. While that’s still fantastic, it’s a significant drop from the advertised number. Perry pointed out something crucial here: the more efficient an EV is, the more sensitive it is to variables like weather, wind, and driving style. Unlike a gas car that's already incredibly inefficient, small factors make a big impact on a finely-tuned EV. This isn't a flaw, but an important reality of owning a hyper-efficient machine.

The Charging Network Conundrum

Charging is where things get really interesting. The Lucid Gravity can theoretically charge at a blistering 400 kW, but there’s a catch: you need a 1000-volt charger (like a Tesla V4) to hit those speeds. On the much more common 500-volt Tesla V3 Superchargers, the Gravity actually charges slower than the Model X (around 220 kW vs. the Tesla’s 250 kW).

Here's the breakdown:

• Tesla Model X: Consistent 250 kW charging on its native network. For a limited time, the Lux package even includes free supercharging—a massive perk.
• Lucid Gravity: Higher peak speed potential, but slower on most of today's fast chargers. Although, it will hold 220kW for longer then the Model x. It’s future-proofed, but maybe not “right now-proofed.”

However, the Gravity strikes back at home. With its nearly 20 kW onboard AC charger (compared to the Model X's 11 kW), it can charge from empty to full in about five hours. For families with multiple EVs or those who need a quick top-up overnight, that’s a game-changing advantage.

Stepping Inside: A Battle of Luxury and Practicality

This is where the two vehicles feel like they’re from different planets. Your preference here will likely be the deciding factor.

First Impressions: Spartan Tech vs. Classic Comfort

The Lucid Gravity immediately feels like a traditional luxury vehicle. As Michael noted, you can smell the real, high-quality leather sourced from a tannery that works with Aston Martin. The cabin is exceptionally quiet, the massaging seats are a dream, and the presence of a few tactile buttons for climate and volume is a welcome touch for anyone tired of touchscreen-only controls. It feels polished, intentional, and incredibly premium.

The Model X, while an improvement over the Model 3/Y, still embodies Tesla's spartan, minimalist philosophy. It’s clean and futuristic, but some of the materials feel more plasticky. It's a tech-forward space that wows with its simplicity, but it doesn't coddle you in the same way the Lucid does.

The Family Test: Third Rows and Those Falcon Doors

For a family hauler, practicality is paramount. In our testing, the Lucid Gravity’s third row was the clear winner. At 5'9", Michael found it spacious and comfortable, with ample storage. The Model X’s third row felt cramped and claustrophobic in comparison.

And then there are the Falcon Wing doors. They are an undeniable party trick, but do you want a party trick every time you go to the grocery store? They prevent you from using a roof rack, a huge drawback for a “Sport Utility Vehicle”, and can be confusing for passengers. As Perry put it, they’re a spectacle that can get old fast. The Gravity’s conventional doors may give it a “minivan” look, but they are undeniably more practical for daily life.

The Brains of the Operation: Software and Self-Driving

If the interior is Lucid's territory, the software is Tesla's kingdom. There’s simply no competition here.

User Experience and The Power of the App

Tesla's software is seamless, intuitive, and deeply integrated. From the in-car navigation that perfectly routes you through Superchargers to the lightning-fast smartphone app that controls everything, the experience just works. Perry likened other infotainment systems to a clunky toy laptop, and it’s an apt comparison. The Lucid’s system is functional, but it feels like a tablet from a few years ago—a bit laggy and less thoughtfully designed.

These “little things,” like the car automatically turning on your heated seat when you turn the climate off, are what make living with a Tesla so effortless.

The Road Ahead: FSD vs. Dream Drive Pro

This is another landslide victory for Tesla. Full Self-Driving (FSD) aims for true door-to-door autonomous driving. Lucid’s Dream Drive Pro is a very competent Level 2 system, meaning it’s great for adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping on the highway, but it’s not in the same league.

More importantly, Tesla has a nearly insurmountable lead in data. With millions of cars on the road feeding its AI network every single day, its ability to learn and improve is something other companies just can't match right now.

Conclusion: Which SUV Is Right for You?

After spending time with both, it’s clear these vehicles serve two different masters. The choice isn't about which is “better,” but which is better for you.

• Choose the Lucid Gravity if: You value traditional luxury, superior build quality, a whisper-quiet ride, and a genuinely usable third row. It's for the driver who wants an electric vehicle that feels like a meticulously crafted luxury product first and a piece of technology second.
• Choose the Tesla Model X if: You prioritize cutting-edge software, the world's best charging infrastructure, and the promise of autonomous driving. It's a technology powerhouse that happens to be a very fast, practical family SUV.

Ultimately, deciding how to spend over $100,000 is a very significant choice. Do you invest in the tangible, present-day luxury of the Gravity, or the forward-looking technological promise of the Model X?

We’d love to hear your thoughts. Which one would you park in your garage? Let us know in the comments on YouTube!

For the full, in-depth discussion, check out our complete video comparison on YouTube. For more real-world EV reviews with a faith-based perspective, be sure to subscribe to the Elevate Motor Co. channel! Until next time, God bless.