2023 Lucid Air Sapphire electric car to rival Tesla Model S Plaid

US electric-car start-up Lucid has unveiled its super-luxury challenger to the Tesla Model S Plaid: the 2023 Lucid Air Sapphire, claimed to be the "most powerful sedan in the world".

The quickest version of Lucid's first model to date, the Air Sapphire large luxury sedan is powered by three electric motors – two at the rear, one at the front – for a combined claimed power output in excess of 895kW (1200 horsepower).

Lucid claims the new model can complete the 0-60mph (97km/h) sprint in "less than two seconds", 0-100mph (161km/h) in "less than four seconds", cover a quarter-mile (402m) drag strip in "under nine seconds", and top out at more than 322km/h (200mph).

If these claimed metrics – which are yet to be backed by real-world instrumented testing – prove accurate, the Lucid Air Sapphire would be comfortably quicker than the fastest Lucid currently available, and eclipse its main rival, the Tesla Model S Plaid.

The three-motor Model S Plaid claims 761kW (1020 horsepower), a 0-60mph sprint time of 1.99 seconds, a 322km/h (200mph) top speed, and a video-verified 9.23-second quarter-mile time, crossing the line at 250km/h (155mph).

Meanwhile, the most powerful Lucid Air to date is the dual-motor Dream Edition P – a limited-run model now sold out – which quoted 828kW (1111 horsepower), a 2.5-second 0-60mph (97km/h) time, and a 270km/h (168mph) top speed.

Lucid claims the Air Sapphire's performance figures will be "achievable with no extra-cost equipment upgrades or protracted preconditioning routines".

If accurate, that would be in contrast to the Tesla, which requires the battery to be heated up to its optimum temperature before its acceleration times can be achieved – and needs buyers to pay extra for upgraded wheels and tyres to hit its 322km/h claimed top speed.

No details of driving range have been announced for the Air Sapphire. The Air Dream Edition P quoted 471 miles (758km) in US testing, while some Air variants can cover up to 520 miles (837km)

Using two rear motors rather than one allows for greater control. In tight corners, the Sapphire can power the outside rear wheel while activating regenerative braking to slow the inside wheel, "greatly enhancing" the car's agility, according to Lucid.

Under the skin, the Air Sapphire gains stiffer springs, revised bushings and anti-roll bars, and unique dampers – plus new calibrations for its steering and electronic systems, as well as race-bred carbon-ceramic performance brakes.

The vehicle rides on 20-inch alloy wheels up front and 21-inch alloy wheels at the rear, wrapped (respectively) in 265mm and 295mm Michelin Pilot Sport 4S performance tyres.

In standard form, the alloy wheel benefits from a new black and silver design, with five spokes – but owners can fit carbon-fibre covers to maximise the car's aerodynamic efficiency – and therefore driving range – on a long journey.

The Lucid Air Sapphire benefits from subtle visual upgrades over cheaper Air variants, including black exterior accents, body-coloured wheel-arch extensions, a subtle wing on the bootlid, and Sapphire badges.

All examples will "initially" be finished in a new Sapphire Blue hero colour to mark the launch of Lucid's Sapphire performance brand, which will spread across the company's future models, including an SUV known as the Gravity.

Inside, upgrades include 18-way power-adjustable sports seats with heating, cooling and massaging, black leather and Alcantara upholstery with blue stitching, and embossed logos in the headrests.

There are also Mojave wood veneer inserts, black suede-like Alcantara trim on the steering wheel and roof lining, and unique Sapphire-specific graphics for the car's infotainment display, with a 'Sapphire' performance drive mode.

First deliveries of the 2023 Lucid Air Sapphire are due to commence next year, as a limited-run model priced from $US249,000 ($AU362,300) – compared to about $US170,000 ($AU250,000) for the defunct Air Dream Edition P.

Lucid has not announced any plans to sell its vehicles in Australia – though a right-hand-drive version for the UK has been rumoured overseas, but not confirmed by the company.

In November 2021, a Lucid spokesperson told Drive: "We don’t have a timeline yet for right-hand-drive markets, like Australia."