[firstev]

I'm trying to decide between these two cars, would love constructive discussion/help.
I love the Air but soooo many delays and poor communication re: my reservation. I've driven both. Definitlely, the Air is more sporty, but the iX has many virtues too.

iX50
pros: BMW quality, cheaper, proximity to service centers/service, very good self driving, decent software, more quiet, luxurious interior, a bit more functional for family (kids/dogs/trips)
cons: lower charge speed 400V, slightly slower, less range (about 325-350 miles), no frunk,, only 1 year EA 30 min charging

lucid air touring
pros: style/design, range, faster charging, more exclusive, 3 year unlim EA charging
cons: more expensive, some ? of quality issues (thin paint, loose parts, uneven panels), less tested/developed software, uncertain long term future

Thanks for your help!

 

[billvb]

lucid air touring
pros: style/design, range, faster charging, more exclusive, 3 year unlim EA charging
cons: more expensive, some ? of quality issues (thin paint, loose parts, uneven panels), less tested/developed software, uncertain long term future

I believe that is was 3 years of unlimited EA charging on the Dream Edition and is only 2 years on the Grand Touring; I'm not sure if the Touring has the same amount or only 1 year.

Other than that, I personally cannot get used to the grille on the iX - I'd be interested in this car if that went with something a little less... well, a little more appealing. It always looks like a giant ugly gaping maw to me...

 

[VoitureElectrique]

I've driven the iX and I find it to be a very good vehicle. The main reason why I'm not buying one is because I prefer the driving characteristics of a sedan. But if you like SUVs, I'd go for it! It'll probably be a better ownership experience too. Check iX insurance rates, any car with a CFRP Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic body cell is generally more expensive to repair after an accident. The build quality on this iX and on the i3 is literally Rolls-Royce Ghost quality! The paint on the iX isn't Rolls-Royce Ghost quality (the Rolls goes through more layers and more sanding to eliminate the orange peel), but the iX is definitely well made. The iX is also the only car in its category with a double wishbone suspension. The Cadillac Lyriq has a 5 link. The iX is very technically complex (air suspension, rear steering) so I would personally find one without air suspension nor self closing doors and other complexity-adding options to increase long-term reliability if I planned to keep the car longer than 5 years.

FYI, I'm a Lucid stockholder, so this doesn't help me when I give you this advice.

 

[firstev]

I've driven the iX and I find it to be a very good vehicle. The main reason why I'm not buying one is because I prefer the driving characteristics of a sedan. But if you like SUVs, I'd go for it! It'll probably be a better ownership experience too. Check iX insurance rates, any car with a CFRP Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic body cell is generally more expensive to repair after an accident. The build quality on this iX and on the i3 is literally Rolls-Royce Ghost quality! The paint on the iX isn't Rolls-Royce Ghost quality (the Rolls goes through more layers and more sanding to eliminate the orange peel), but the iX is definitely well made. The iX is also the only car in its category with a double wishbone suspension. The Cadillac Lyriq has a 5 link. The iX is very technically complex (air suspension, rear steering) so I would personally find one without air suspension nor self closing doors and other complexity-adding options to increase long-term reliability if I planned to keep the car longer than 5 years.

FYI, I'm a Lucid stockholder, so this doesn't help me when I give you this advice.

Thanks for your candor. I agree that the quality of the build is amazing. Its a really solid car and hard to pass up when looking at all the features/qualities.

 

[VoitureElectrique]

Thanks for your candor. I agree that the quality of the build is amazing. Its a really solid car and hard to pass up when looking at all the features/qualities.

My main concern with the iX is product support in the long run. BMW historically has a habit of not supporting the product properly after several years. So ultimately it depends on how long you plan to keep the vehicle.

The Lucid is a total unknown too - who knows how much the hardware will evolve over the next few years - maybe the software won't be able to support it. Pre 2016 Tesla Model S vehicles don't seem to be getting any love from Tesla anymore, and the latest software updates are supposedly a little buggy for older models. One friend has claimed he wished he could reverse the update he did a few months ago. I own a Tesla Model 3, a Q4 2018 build and 2018 model year - so far the software has mostly worked well.

Considering it's your first EV, and we all want you to have a good ownership experience, just remember that Tesla is still the gold standard and has that whole charging ecosystem. The Model 3 from Tesla also has a double wishbone suspension set up (very impressive). Double-wishbone is desirable since it puts a greater percentage of the tire in contact with the road in all conditions including off camber corners meaning you can use a slightly skinnier tire. The disadvantage is more weight, more material, and takes up more space so packaging becomes an issue. Tesla vehicles aren't bad overall but if you really value build quality above all else, then BMW is probably the way to go!

The BMW i3 and the VW Phaeton are the best build quality car I've ever seen outside of a mass produced Rolls-Royce or Bentley product (the RR and Bentley approach to paint is unbeatable - multiple layers, on dark colors multiple sanding to flatten the paint to eliminate ripples and orange peel). The BMW i3 benefits from having plastic body panels (it's easier to be precise with plastic panels as these molds are very precise and don't degrade) so it's got a technical advantage. The iX is definitely very high up there on the build quality spectrum.

 

[firstev]

It is fortunate that much of the driving assistance software is movable from ICE cars within the same manufacturer. I assume this is why Mercedes and BMW have very good self driving packages, better than Lucid and even Tesla. This is another issue that diasapoints me with Lucid.

 

[VoitureElectrique]

I haven't driven the latest BMW Level 2 feature, but I'm told it's very good. No ping-ponging in lanes, and the car steers itself and keeps to the center of the lane on most highways without too much curvature. The Tesla version is the best automated cruise control I've experienced thus far. I haven't heard any direct owners about the Mercedes system.

The Lucid system is still an unknown at this point. And even to get lane centering one must upgrade to the Dream Drive PRO feature which is kind of silly to me when the competitive landscape has lane centering adaptive cruise control included (like Tesla) or available as a low cost option ($1700 on the BMW) and Lucid can't include it as standard on their AIR line of vehicles. That is definitely a minus for the Lucid and a plus for the BMW.

Lastly, I'd focus on actual range driving at speed. These EPA numbers are all inflated. If you're driving long distance on the highway, will the Lucid get the advertised 400 miles? I doubt it. At 75 mph in mild weather on flat highway surfaces I'd forecast a 25% loss and you'd probably get 300. On the BMW, you might not get such a heavy loss, probably around 15% - and you'd probably get around 250 miles in reality. So overall - I'd say the long highway drive range delta is probably minimal.

Lucid definitely has strengths, but there's also some weaknesses. Can't wait to experience the handling too.

 

[Monkeysee]

I was considering exactly the same two cars last year and made reservations on both. They both called me last October and said we will be manufacturing your cars in weeks. I ended up with Lucid air touring. You won't go wrong with either car, each unique in its own way. I decided on Lucid because it has better handling, stability, range, technologies that build for the future with OTA, styling, and charging time/setup for home. But if you need SUV, iX is for you. In addition, on the highway in California, 3 seconds 0-60 acceleration has a clear advantage over 4 seconds. 3 and 4 seconds seems a small gap, but it is a huge step for automobile.

 

[redneckinnc]

I'm trying to decide between these two cars, would love constructive discussion/help.
I love the Air but soooo many delays and poor communication re: my reservation. I've driven both. Definitlely, the Air is more sporty, but the iX has many virtues too.

iX50
pros: BMW quality, cheaper, proximity to service centers/service, very good self driving, decent software, more quiet, luxurious interior, a bit more functional for family (kids/dogs/trips)
cons: lower charge speed 400V, slightly slower, less range (about 325-350 miles), no frunk,, only 1 year EA 30 min charging

lucid air touring
pros: style/design, range, faster charging, more exclusive, 3 year unlim EA charging
cons: more expensive, some ? of quality issues (thin paint, loose parts, uneven panels), less tested/developed software, uncertain long term future

Thanks for your help!

Good luck in your decision. Comparing two vehicles is never easy since each has its advantages. My view on Lucid is that it is the best vehicle I have ever owned [and I'm 78], but the company is lousy on customer care, communications, issue resolution such as the EA charging partnership, which I am told is near resolution. This is part of the DNA of a startup company. I'm betting that the ability to improve the software OTA will become apparent, but there is work to be done. Unfortunately, others will not be able to convince you of your choice; it's personal. Go with your gut and your mind. And that will be $35 for the consultation.

 

[PalmSpringsLucidGuy]

I'm trying to decide between these two cars, would love constructive discussion/help.
I love the Air but soooo many delays and poor communication re: my reservation. I've driven both. Definitlely, the Air is more sporty, but the iX has many virtues too.

iX50
pros: BMW quality, cheaper, proximity to service centers/service, very good self driving, decent software, more quiet, luxurious interior, a bit more functional for family (kids/dogs/trips)
cons: lower charge speed 400V, slightly slower, less range (about 325-350 miles), no frunk,, only 1 year EA 30 min charging

lucid air touring
pros: style/design, range, faster charging, more exclusive, 3 year unlim EA charging
cons: more expensive, some ? of quality issues (thin paint, loose parts, uneven panels), less tested/developed software, uncertain long term future

Thanks for your help!

I own both cars - bought the iX (had to order months ahead) and then the Lucid Grand Touring. Both are awesome vehicles. The BMW has an excellent ride - firm but without the same feel and connection to the road that the Lucid has. Lucid's software has improved since my delivery last June but still has more improvement to go. The BMW software is buggy as well, as twice my screens have gone blank while driving (they quickly come up as the system reboots while you can still drive).

I love the Lucid's range, rear legroom and trunk space. But if you need the functionality of an SUV, go with the BMW. I have EA charging for both (2 years for the BMW, 3 for the Lucid) but don't use it often. EA is the weakest link in the whole ownership experience for both vehicles. Believe everything you read about EA's awful service.

Driver assist works better with the BMW than the Lucid, but Lucid has a roadmap that leverages many more sensors/LIDAR etc than the iX.

Bottom line - I love both vehicles but for different reasons.

 

[Daniel2022]

To be clear, the BMW iX50 range is 305-324 miles according to their website.

I have owned 10 BMWs over the past 30 years. It has been my favorite automotive brand for many reasons, but primarily I have enjoyed the driving experience and the overall product ethos.

I find the new generation BMWs to be absolutely hideous looking. I would never buy one personally, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

BMW quality with their ICE vehicles has slipped very badly in recent years based on my personal experience. So, I would disagree with blanket assumptions that BMW quality is good. I also disagree about BMW customer service. That varies greatly depending on the dealer. Some BMW dealers are outstanding, others are arrogant and unhelpful with the simplest of things.

Generally, I have been disappointed with legacy car manufacturers' foray into EVs. They miss the mark by trying to leverage existing hardware, the vehicles tend to be overweight, and just not fun to drive. I have not driven the iX50 however.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[firstev]

Have you seen the out of spec review on YouTube?

In a iX60 He got 339 miles in a full charge on highway with 22 inch wheels, 71 mph. 3.1 m/kWh.
I think impressive.

 

[shrikantjee]

I have owned BMWs for over 25 years - everything from the 1st BMW X5 to M6 convertible to the hybrid 7 series and also own the Lucid Touring. I loved the handling on the bimmers, but Lucid beats them all hands down. I agree with Daniel when he says BMW quality has slipped lately. My X5 was great but my BMW 740e cost $2000 in repairs less than 30 days after the warranty expired! So far I have had great experience dealing with Lucid customer service, but on the flip side what am I doing dealing with customer service within 2 months of owning the Lucid! So the quality card still needs to be evaluated for the Lucid.

I picked the Lucid primarily due to fast charging, long range and amazing handling as well as ride comfort. I think 400 mile range is key to having a road trip worthy car, anything less does not make sense. The Lucid has 425 mile range minus 50 miles if you are driving over 70 mph, minus 50 miles if you are driving at 50 degrees or lower weather and minus another 40 miles because I don't want to drive with less than 40 miles range. This brings us to an actual range of 285 miles which is 4 hours of driving (@70 mph). If you do the same math for a car with 300 miles of range, we are down stopping every 160 miles for a re-fill which may be 40 minutes vs Lucid's 20 minutes. If you want to make the numbers any uglier, remember that you can only fast charge to 80% after your initial full tank.

So I would be politically incorrect and say that the Lucid would be a better choice for road trips. I have been a BMW fan because of the Ultimate driving machine, but now Lucid seems to have taken that away as well. On the other hand, you cannot beat the utility of an SUV when you want to pick up that dining table you bought on Facebook marketplace.

 

[steveinarizona]

I did a test drive in the IX and in the Lucid. The IX drives well but there is no comparison to the Lucid (it is an unfair comparison; a well designed sedan will always drive better than a well designed SUV). On the other hand, the software on the BMW is mature and works well; Lucid is still struggling as a new company to get its software up to standard.

If you need an SUV, and one about the size of the IX fits your needs, and if you can tolerate the looks (I couldn't; not just the grille but the entire vehicle), the IX is probably the best vehicle out there for you right now.

If you don't need an SUV, and the size of the Lucid fits your needs, and you can handle being a bit of a beta tester for the software, then the Lucid is the way to go.

If neither fits your needs, there are lots of other choices out there.

 

[Zenithredgt60]

I own both vehicles and steve in Arizona sums it up pretty well . The lucid is the far superior driving car and will easily outperform the IX in most categories. It is also far better looking and will get lots more compliments. Having said this the IX is a fantastic SUV - it is Better than a 2017 mercedes GL 63 and a 2022 Range Rover and a 2022 Tesla Model X that I have owned. I traded the Range Rover for the IX. The BMW is incredibly refined from a ride quality perspective- it is very quiet and the ride is on par with the Range Rover . Acceleration is brisk and handling is very good for a SUV. The BMW i have owned has been perfect in the 9 months I have owned it. I don’t even know the number of BMW service as I have had zero issues. It is my Daily driver and it is just a great mid size SUV. By contrast, My lucid has had many issues ( none fatal that prevented me from driving the car) but I am on a first name basis with my lucid service advisor . This was to be expected and I went through similar issues with the three teslas I owned. Even my 2022 Tesla model x was delivered with a crack in the rear glass and a misaligned bumper. Lucid service has been responsive and has done a good job fixing all my issues. Also some of the software issues were easily fixed by updates and the software just gets better every day. In summary, Both vehicles are great - the lucid may require some patience relative to the BMW based on my expierence but it is by far the better drivers car.

 

[scottfletch]

I'm trying to decide between these two cars, would love constructive discussion/help.
I love the Air but soooo many delays and poor communication re: my reservation. I've driven both. Definitlely, the Air is more sporty, but the iX has many virtues too.

iX50
pros: BMW quality, cheaper, proximity to service centers/service, very good self driving, decent software, more quiet, luxurious interior, a bit more functional for family (kids/dogs/trips)
cons: lower charge speed 400V, slightly slower, less range (about 325-350 miles), no frunk,, only 1 year EA 30 min charging

lucid air touring
pros: style/design, range, faster charging, more exclusive, 3 year unlim EA charging
cons: more expensive, some ? of quality issues (thin paint, loose parts, uneven panels), less tested/developed software, uncertain long term future

Thanks for your help!

Bmw will have better customer service. You know they will be around I'm three years. Licod is slowing down how many cars they make now due to people canceling their reservations. You see too many people trying to sell them on here. You may end up with a car that will never be able yo work put the computer glitches since they not be around. I would go bmw. My friend has one. She loves it just mu opinion

 

[Zenithredgt60]

Lucid will be around - they have deep pocket investors and superior technology. It will take time and they need to get the price down but they will make it or be acquired .

 

[Daniel2022]

Regarding EV efficiency and range, here is my view.

EV range is based on:

1. Motor efficiency
2. Vehicle weight.
3. Vehicle aerodynamics
4. Driving style / proficiency
5. Battery size

Analyzing the above points of anybody versus Lucid,

1. All within +/- 2%
2. Lucid is 600-800 pounds lighter than most legacy EV’s like the BMW iX50
3. Lucid Cd is .196 which is the best in the history of automobile design, nobody else is even close, except the only vehicle in the same league is Tesla S
4. The driving style and ability to utilize regen effectively can increase efficiency by 10% or more, this is a big deal
5. Battery size is case by case but most large luxury EV’s are within +/-10 %

My conclusion is an SUV which has a poor Cd and 800 pounds extra weight will not come anywhere close to the efficiency of a Lucid in an apples to apples comparison with a driver having the same skill. Not even close.

 

[scottfletch]

Lucid will be around - they have deep pocket investors and superior technology. It will take time and they need to get the price down but they will make it or be acquired .

I hope they make it. I own stock with them. But not going to bet 100k more that tbey do. That is an expensive risk I am not willing to take.

 

[Paul j Filidei]

My main concern with the iX is product support in the long run. BMW historically has a habit of not supporting the product properly after several years. So ultimately it depends on how long you plan to keep the vehicle.

The Lucid is a total unknown too - who knows how much the hardware will evolve over the next few years - maybe the software won't be able to support it. Pre 2016 Tesla Model S vehicles don't seem to be getting any love from Tesla anymore, and the latest software updates are supposedly a little buggy for older models. One friend has claimed he wished he could reverse the update he did a few months ago. I own a Tesla Model 3, a Q4 2018 build and 2018 model year - so far the software has mostly worked well.

Considering it's your first EV, and we all want you to have a good ownership experience, just remember that Tesla is still the gold standard and has that whole charging ecosystem. The Model 3 from Tesla also has a double wishbone suspension set up (very impressive). Double-wishbone is desirable since it puts a greater percentage of the tire in contact with the road in all conditions including off camber corners meaning you can use a slightly skinnier tire. The disadvantage is more weight, more material, and takes up more space so packaging becomes an issue. Tesla vehicles aren't bad overall but if you really value build quality above all else, then BMW is probably the way to go!

The BMW i3 and the VW Phaeton are the best build quality car I've ever seen outside of a mass produced Rolls-Royce or Bentley product (the RR and Bentley approach to paint is unbeatable - multiple layers, on dark colors multiple sanding to flatten the paint to eliminate ripples and orange peel). The BMW i3 benefits from having plastic body panels (it's easier to be precise with plastic panels as these molds are very precise and don't degrade) so it's got a technical advantage. The iX is definitely very high up there on the build quality spectrum.

Lucid has all components for upgrades.I know it has advanced lidar a +. Cameras, sensors.. more than any other EV I believe....Ask your sales person for update abilities..I believe Lucids technology is the best and more and more upgrades will be released as time goes on..Lucids technology is way farther advanced than most know and all will come out in time...As far as body , paint and fit..my Buddies Air is immaculate..As I said consulate the dealership on their future upgrade abilities..good Luck..I luv the Lucid product line.