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At Munro & Associates, we’re no strangers to electric vehicle innovation, but the Lucid Air Sapphire review left us speechless. With its staggering 1234 horsepower tri-motor setup, cutting-edge torque vectoring, and carbon-ceramic stopping power, the Sapphire isn’t just Lucid’s flagship—it’s a redefinition of what a luxury performance EV sedan can be. Whether on track or tackling your daily commute, the Sapphire demonstrates that thrilling speed and composed comfort no longer live in separate worlds.
The Lucid Air Family: A Quick Walkthrough
Before diving into the Sapphire, it helps to understand the evolution of the Lucid Air lineup:
- Air Pure: Rear-wheel-drive, 400+ hp, and the most efficient in the series. Lightest and lowest-cost, it offers the purist driving experience.
- Air Touring: Dual-motor AWD and 400+ miles of range, it’s the well-rounded option for buyers who crave performance with practicality.
- Air Grand Touring: 800+ hp, over 500 miles of range, and lightning-fast charging. Ideal for road-trippers who refuse to compromise.
Each trim steps up in power, comfort, and utility—but the Sapphire is something else entirely.
Introducing Sapphire: The Flagship Performance Beast
Lucid set out to build not just the best EV sedan, but the best performance sedan—gas or electric. The Sapphire leverages the same foundational platform as its siblings, with enhancements that push it into hypercar territory.
Key Specs:
- Horsepower: 1234 hp (yes, really—easy to remember)
- 0–60 mph: As low as 1.7 seconds
- Top Speed: 205 mph
- Powertrain: Tri-motor (one front, two rear)
- Drive Modes: Smooth, Swift, Sapphire, Track (with sub-modes: Dragstrip, Hot Lap, Endurance)
The tri-motor setup allows for precision torque vectoring that actively adjusts grip at each wheel up to 1,000 times per second. It’s like having a Formula E pit crew hardwired into the chassis.
Engineering Masterclass: Chassis and Software Harmony
According to John Calliton, Vehicle Dynamics Manager at Lucid since 2016, Sapphire’s strength lies in the harmony between hardware and software. Nearly every part of the suspension system has been retuned or replaced: springs, bushings, bars, tires—all reworked.
Despite this, the ride remains supple. Thanks to the platform’s stiffness, engineers didn’t need overly stiff isolators. This results in a suspension that handles like a sports car but rides like a luxury cruiser.
“It’s the most stable vehicle I’ve ever driven at 200 mph,” said Calliton. That’s not just marketing hyperbole. The car maintains net downforce, an aerodynamic feat unheard of in sedans.
Revolutionary Torque Vectoring: Breaking Old Rules
Many EVs still rely on open or clutch-pack differentials—technologies rooted in combustion-era thinking. The Sapphire’s twin rear motors allow for completely decoupled torque delivery, making the driving experience not just faster, but smarter.
The custom-built Lucid traction control system talks to the torque vectoring software in real time. The result? The car points where you want it to go, even during high-speed cornering—defying what you’d expect from a sedan of this weight.
Professional drivers were shocked to discover they were quicker with Lucid’s system on than with full manual control. That’s how good the software is.
Interior Upgrades for Speed and Comfort
Performance doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. The Sapphire includes:
- Alcantara sport seats: Heavily bolstered with adjustable headrests—helmet-friendly but still heated, cooled, and massaging.
- Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel: Thinner, more responsive—built for enthusiasts.
- Sapphire-exclusive UI: Custom drive mode visuals, quick toggles for regen and stability settings, and performance condition monitoring.
Even daily drivers will find the interface intuitive and useful, not just flashy. From commuting to track days, the cockpit adapts to your needs.
Track-Ready Software Modes
Beyond standard modes like Smooth and Swift, Sapphire introduces Track Mode with sub-settings for:
- Dragstrip: Pre-conditions the battery and motors for maximum launch acceleration. Capable of sub-9 second quarter-mile times.
- Hot Lap: Unleashes up to 1000 hp for short bursts—perfect for setting lap records.
- Endurance: Optimized for longer stints on circuits like Laguna Seca or Sonoma.
Each setting tunes not just power but also cooling strategies, torque response, and traction/stability intervention—giving drivers full control or intelligent assistance when needed.
On the Road: Precision Meets Poise
Despite all its headline-grabbing stats, what struck us most during the drive was how approachable the Sapphire felt. Over manhole covers, the suspension soaked up imperfections with ease. In cornering, the feedback was crisp, precise, and confidence-inspiring.
“Even a typical driver like me feels safer in the Sapphire than in a standard car,” noted our host. That’s because when performance is this well-managed, capability becomes a tool—not a liability.
And let’s not forget the braking. The Sapphire uses some of the largest carbon ceramic brakes in the industry. Combined with its software-enhanced brake feel, stopping power is as predictable and linear as the acceleration is wild.
Everyday Usability
Despite being capable of 205 mph sprints and track records, the Sapphire is still a Lucid Air. That means:
- Quiet cabin for long drives
- Spacious, luxury-appointed interior
- Year-round drivability—even in snow with the right tires
- Competitive fast charging capabilities
As Calliton put it, “You’ll be tired before the battery runs out.”
Lucid Air Sapphire Review Takeaways
The Lucid Air Sapphire represents the apex of EV engineering. It seamlessly blends brute strength with finesse, offering one of the most complete driving experiences available today—EV or otherwise.
Whether you’re a motorsports enthusiast, a technology investor, or just an engineer hungry for innovation, the Sapphire’s integrated systems showcase what’s possible when design, software, and performance engineering work together from day one.
Explore More With Munro
Want to see it in action? Head over to Munro Live for our hands-on video review and teardown analysis. Or visit Munro & Associates for other EV teardowns and automotive insights, and to learn how our engineering experts help clients push boundaries in lean, cost-effective design.