In a world where the call of the open road often leads straight into the dirt, Lucid Motors has stepped up with something that could change how folks think about hitting the backcountry. The company, out of Newark, California, just pulled the wraps off the Gravity X concept, an off-road take on their Gravity SUV that's built to handle more than just smooth pavement. This beast made its first appearance at a private gathering during Monterey Car Week, and it's set to turn heads publicly at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
Image credit: Lucid Motors
Picture this: you're loading up for a weekend escape, maybe chasing some remote fishing spots or just carving through dusty paths with the family in tow. The Gravity X starts with the solid foundation of the Gravity Grand Touring model, packing a serious punch under the hood—or battery pack, in this case. We're talking about 828 horsepower from dual electric motors, enough to rocket from zero to 60 in a blistering 3.4 seconds. That's the kind of thrust that can muscle through mud or climb steep inclines without breaking a sweat. And with an estimated 450 miles of range on the standard version, you could venture deep into places like Big Sur or Death Valley without constantly hunting for a charge. Sure, those chunky all-terrain tires might shave a bit off that distance, but it's still plenty for most adventures where the grid fades away.
What sets this concept apart is how Lucid beefed it up for the rough stuff. They reworked the front and rear ends with sturdy brushed metal pieces that boost the approach and departure angles, making it easier to tackle obstacles without scraping the underbelly. Skid plates protect the vital bits underneath, and built-in tow hooks mean you're ready if things get sticky. The track's been widened for better stability on uneven ground, and the whole rig sits higher thanks to a lifted suspension. Top it off with custom wheels wrapped in knobby tires that grip like they mean it, and you've got a machine that's as capable off the beaten path as it is cruising highways.
Image credit: Lucid Motors
The look alone screams adventure. Lucid went with a satin finish called Astral Drift for the body, but it's the bright orange highlights that really make it pop—think accents on the bumpers, badges, and even the cladding that guards against brush and rocks. They even etched topographic maps of iconic spots like Big Sur and Death Valley right into the hood paint, a nod to the wild places this SUV wants to explore. It's not just cosmetic; it's a reminder that this isn't your average family hauler.
Up top, Lucid added what they're calling a modular roof system, which is basically a setup for folks who live for overlanding. It comes with built-in crossbars, powerful LED light bars to cut through the night, a spacious roof box for gear, and mounts for whatever extras you might need—bikes, kayaks, you name it. Inside, the cabin keeps that seven-seat layout, perfect for bringing along the crew or the grandkids. The second and third rows fold flat as a board, turning the space into a massive cargo hold for tents, coolers, and all the essentials that pile up on a trip.
Image credit: Lucid Motors
Step inside, and it's clear Lucid didn't skimp on the details that make long drives—or bumpy ones—more bearable. Orange stitching and piping run through the leather seats, tying back to the exterior vibe. The steering wheel's wrapped in soft microsuede with an orange marker at the bottom for that quick reference on the trail. Open-pore walnut wood adds a touch of class, while tough floor mats with metal inserts stand up to whatever mud you track in. Even the door sills get in on the act, stamped with the coordinates of Pebble Beach as a subtle brag about where this concept first shone.
Image credit: Lucid Motors
Derek Jenkins, Lucid's design chief, put it best when he said the Gravity already pushes what an SUV can do, and this X version takes it further into uncharted territory. It's all about blending top-notch range, raw power, and real versatility for those who crave getting off the grid. In a market where electric vehicles are proving they can hang with the gas guzzlers in tough conditions, this concept feels like a direct shot at rivals stirring up buzz, like that Rivian R3X everyone's talking about.
Now, is this headed to dealerships? Lucid hasn't committed yet, but it sure looks ready for prime time. The company's been upfront about some hurdles in ramping up production—like supply chain snags, including a shortage of magnets that's hitting the whole industry. But things are turning around, and execs say deliveries should ramp up big time in the coming months. They even pushed back hard on a recent report claiming they'd only moved nine Gravities in the first half of the year, calling it way off base. The real figure? Well into the hundreds, and they expect the SUV to drive most of their sales going forward.
Image credit: Lucid Motors
For anyone who's spent years bouncing around in traditional trucks, the idea of an electric off-roader might raise an eyebrow. But think about it: no more noisy engines drowning out the sounds of nature, instant torque for pulling out of ruts, and the peace of mind that comes with not guzzling fuel in the middle of nowhere. The Gravity X isn't trying to be a hardcore rock crawler—it's more about expanding horizons for everyday explorers who want luxury without limits.
Image credit: Lucid Motors
As off-roading surges in popularity, vehicles like this could redefine weekend getaways. Imagine loading up at dawn, hitting trails that test your mettle, and still pulling into camp with power to spare. Lucid's betting that blend of performance and practicality will draw in drivers ready for the next level. Whether it's blasting down dirt roads or just dreaming about it from the driveway, the Gravity X concept serves as a reminder that adventure doesn't have to mean roughing it entirely. It's about going farther, smarter, and with a bit more style. If Lucid green-lights this for production, it might just become the go-to for those quiet escapes that recharge the soul.
