Lucid Air Sapphire shatters quarter-mile record: A family sedan with supercar performance

Former Top Gear Stig, Ben Collins, pushes the limits of the Lucid Air.

In a remarkable feat of speed and performance, Ben Collins, the former Stig from Top Gear, has redefined the boundaries of what a family sedan can achieve with the Lucid Air Sapphire. At a recent launch event held at Sonoma Raceway in California, Collins took the wheel of the high-powered electric sedan and delivered a quarter-mile time of 8.989 seconds on a prepared drag strip, pushing the envelope of electric vehicle (EV) capabilities.

To put this achievement into context, not long ago, running a quarter-mile drag in under 10 seconds was reserved for purpose-built racecars. The exclusive club of sub-10-second quarter-milers was once nearly impossible for production cars to enter. Even iconic sports cars like the McLaren F1 struggled to break the 10-second barrier prior to 2000.

While there are now 12 production cars that can complete a quarter-mile in less than 10 seconds, only a select few have achieved the sub-9-second mark. Notably, the Rimac Nevera is the sole production car known to have accomplished this extraordinary feat.

The Lucid Air Sapphire stands out as an impressive performer, challenging the supremacy of bespoke, two-seat hypercars with massive powerplants. This comfortable five-seat family sedan boasts a substantial 427 miles (687 km) of range and delivers astonishing performance. Equipped with three motors generating a staggering 1,234 horsepower (920 kW/1,251 PS), it can rocket from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in a mere 1.89 seconds and reach a top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h).

Ben Collins describes the Lucid Air as “a monster,” highlighting not only its straight-line acceleration but also its capabilities on the racetrack. With oversized brake discs for rapid deceleration and exceptional grip, the car’s performance extends beyond drag racing. Collins notes its nimbleness and precision, making it a formidable competitor on the track.

However, this level of performance comes at a price that may give some pause. The Lucid Air Sapphire, starting at $249,000, is not only a supercar in terms of performance but also in terms of its cost. Nevertheless, it sets a new benchmark for what can be achieved by electric family sedans, showcasing the continuous evolution of EV technology and performance.