The Luxury electric vehicle segment is dominated by one well-established name: the Tesla Model S. However, the market and industry are moving forward, and the venerable Model S has some competition. Some of the most exciting competition is from the sleek and refined Lucid Air. Still, how does the newcomer 2022 Lucid Air stack up against the well-established 2022 Tesla Model S in the luxury EV segment?

How much does a Tesla Model S cost in 2022?

Since Tesla raised its prices again in 2022, the Model S will cost you more than a new 2021 model did. A 2022 Tesla Model S Dual Motor Long Range now costs around $104,990, about $5,000 more than the previous pricing. However, the simply wild Tesla Model S Plaid managed to elude the price hikes, retaining its starting price of $135,990. Even without a starting price bump, the Model S Plaid is the second most expensive EV in the automaker’s lineup. 

How much is a 2022 Lucid Air?

The 2022 Lucid Air is a luxury EV with top-tier luxury car prices. According to TrueCar, the 2022 Air has a starting price of $78,900. However, you’ll have to spring for the Air Grand Touring if you want some serious range. The Grand Touring trim has a starting price of $140,500. Still, the Air Grand Touring offers an industry-defying 516-mile EV range and a very snappy 620 lb-ft of instant torque. 

However, if you want a Plaid-challenging Air, you’ll have to buy the Lucid Air Dream Edition Performance trim. According to Car and Driver, the Dream Edition Performance has a starting price (gulp) of $170,500, nearly $35,000 more than a comparable Plaid. Still, the Dream Edition Performance packs 1,111 horsepower and 1,025 lb-ft of torque.

Is the Tesla Model S worth buying?

The 2022 Tesla Model S has been the product of refinement year after year since 2012. Gone are many of the fit and finish complaints of earlier models. However, TrueCar reports that the latest Model S still lacks the interior material refinement that many other vehicles in the luxury car category boast. 

However, Tesla’s flagship sedan boasts long range, neck-snapping torque, and instant brand recognizability. Also, while TrueCar reports that the interior lacks material refinement, the Model S does feature elegant simplicity that modern luxury cars seem to value. 

Is the Lucid worth buying?

The Lucid Air is a serious contender to upstage Tesla’s California sweetheart sedan. The Grand Touring trim offers tremendous speed and power while maintaining a top-notch EV range. However, buying the Grand Touring is quite a bit more expensive than the well-established Tesla flagship. So unless you’ve got an extra $35,000 to spend on your electric luxury car, a Model S Long Range might suit you better. 

Of course, InsideEVs reports that Lucid recently cut its production expectations due to supply chain issues and material shortages. That means getting your hands on a 2022 Lucid Air might be more difficult than previously anticipated. Scroll down to the following article to read more about EVs.