Prototype test drive: Lucid Gravity might defy segments

Is that a minivan? Is that a wagon? Is that an SUV?

The answer to these questions in order is no, kind of, and yes. The Lucid Gravity is the startup automaker’s upcoming crossover SUV, but in many ways it redefines the genre in terms of packaging, design, and how it drives.

Here’s what I learned after an ever-so-brief stint behind the wheel of an early alpha build prototype before it headed to the crusher.

Lucid Gravity prototype

Lucid’s electric SUV will be a chameleon

It all comes down to the angle in which the Lucid Gravity is viewed. The camo-clad prototypes I saw in various stages of development made it more challenging to decipher its proportions. It’s kind of wild what a bunch of tape will do to a car’s visual appearance.

From the side the Gravity looks like a squished SUV or a bulked-up wagon. The long greenhouse, cab-forward proportions, and tall beltline add to the overgrown wagon feel in a good way. This isn’t going to be another car cosplaying an SUV.

From the rear, from the right angle, there’s a serious Chrysler Pacifica likeness. And I mean that as a compliment to both the Gravity and Pacifica. Both are pretty sharp vehicles for their respective classes and have some things in common. The Gravity might be the first crossover SUV in history with a third-row seat that tucks into a rear well.

Lucid Gravity prototype

The most SUV-like angle is when looking at the Gravity head-on. It’s visual mass, and height, are the most apparent, especially when parked next to a slinky, low-slung Air. The front end’s height is accentuated by the vertical LED light pipes sitting at both corners.

I also get a strong sense that, just as with the Air, the Gravity will be a vehicle where color matters greatly in terms of how it looks and its perceived presence.

Lucid Gravity prototype

Gravity rides on air

The folks at Lucid weren’t ready to fully discuss various packaging of different trims and options, but the Gravity I drove rode on a three-chamber air suspension. Launch cars will all likely feature this system, which will seemingly be the most expensive and advanced. Less expensive models will utilize a single-chamber design I didn’t get to experience.

As I opened