Lucid Motors unveils Tesla Model S-rivalling, 746kW Lucid Air

Lucid Motors, a Chinese-owned electric vehicle startup, has unveiled its first model christened the Air.

With its sight set squarely on the Tesla Model S, the Lucid Air is powered by two electric motors, one driving the front wheels, while the other motivates the rear, generating a total output of 746kW (1,000hp). Range is a claimed 400 miles (644km) on a single charge, thanks to a 130kWh battery pack. A cheaper and smaller 100kWh battery is also on offer.

The company also claims the Air will dash from 0-96km/h in just 2.5 seconds – the exact same figure as the Tesla Model S P100D.

Draped over the electric drivetrain is a striking exterior with sleek LED headlights and vertical daytime running lights at the front, and an equally slender one-piece 3D taillight that stretches the width of the car.

Inside, the futuristic interior features a minimalist design with a vast expanse of digital display in front of the driver. Another giant Tesla-styled digital screen takes over the centre console.

Rear seat passengers lounge in a pair of reclining rear seats and get their own interactive display.

While the car shown here is still a concept, Lucid says it intends to bring the production Air to the market in 2018 with the first 250 units to be fully equipped models priced from around US$160,000 over in the U.S.