Author Archives: Roberto Baldwin

What it’s like to drive a Lucid Air after its first major update

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For decades, whatever you drove off the showroom floor was what you were stuck with. But now, thanks to over-the-air updates, your car can evolve on your driveway in myriad ways. Tesla has been doing it for years, and now Lucid and other automakers are joining in.

We’ve said it before: Lucid did an exquisite job with the Air, its first ever car. But like all automakers, the company found that developing good software is tougher than it looks. While the Air's driving dynamics are top-notch and the design has been praised, there have been reports of laggy elements plaguing the infotainment system.

With Lucid UX 2.0, the automaker is hoping to squelch those issues with nearly a complete rewrite of the vehicle’s software. Lucid invited us down to its headquarters to check out the latest software update that will be deployed to all Lucid Airs over the next few weeks.

What it’s like to drive a Lucid Air after its first major update

Posted on by

For decades, whatever you drove off the showroom floor was what you were stuck with. But now, thanks to over-the-air updates, your car can evolve on your driveway in myriad ways. Tesla has been doing it for years, and now Lucid and other automakers are joining in.

We’ve said it before: Lucid did an exquisite job with the Air, its first ever car. But like all automakers, the company found that developing good software is tougher than it looks. While the Air's driving dynamics are top-notch and the design has been praised, there have been reports of laggy elements plaguing the infotainment system.

With Lucid UX 2.0, the automaker is hoping to squelch those issues with nearly a complete rewrite of the vehicle’s software. Lucid invited us down to its headquarters to check out the latest software update that will be deployed to all Lucid Airs over the next few weeks.

BMW’s i4 M50 is an engineering triumph

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In an EV market increasingly populated by SUVs, trucks and the tiny SUVs we call crossovers, it’s refreshing to have another actual electric car option. But the 2022 BMW i4 M50 is more than just a sedan with an EV powertrain shoved inside. It’s a fine-tuning of suspension, chassis and power that should give those looking at future BMW EVs a reason to be excited.

Starting at $67,300, the all-wheel drive performance Gran Coupe delivers M power in a package that’s actually quite comfortable on long road trips. The i4 M50 might take a range hit compared to the regular i4, but if you’re looking for an outstanding driving experience both on the twisties and on the highway, this is definitely worth considering while shopping for your next electric car. If M models aren't quite your speed, BMW recently announced the announced significantly cheaper 2023 i4 eDrive35. That EV arrives in the first quarter of 2023, and will start at $52,395. Watch the video below for the full story on the BMW i4 M50.

VW’s ID.Buzz electric van combines nostalgia and technology

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We’ve waited a long time for this one. The Volkswagen ID.Buzz was unveiled way back in 2017. Now it’s here and ready to drive. Except it’s not exactly “here.” It’ll launch in Europe this year and make its way to the United States in 2023. That means that, while we did have an opportunity to drive the long-awaited EV, it was the European model rather than the longer van that’ll arrive in the US.

Still, as far as hype vehicles go, the ID.Buzz is up there with the Ford Bronco for folks looking for an electric alternative to the automotive-nostalgia trend. During our drive we found the ID.Buzz to be as advertised and a proper van that just so happens to be powered by electricity and a desire to reclaim yesteryear. Just don’t ask about price, range, or the actual length of the upcoming US version. Watch the video above for the full story.

VW’s ID.Buzz electric van combines nostalgia and technology

Posted on by

We’ve waited a long time for this one. The Volkswagen ID.Buzz was unveiled way back in 2017. Now it’s here and ready to drive. Except it’s not exactly “here.” It’ll launch in Europe this year and make its way to the United States in 2023. That means that, while we did have an opportunity to drive the long-awaited EV, it was the European model rather than the longer van that’ll arrive in the US.

Still, as far as hype vehicles go, the ID.Buzz is up there with the Ford Bronco for folks looking for an electric alternative to the automotive-nostalgia trend. During our drive we found the ID.Buzz to be as advertised and a proper van that just so happens to be powered by electricity and a desire to reclaim yesteryear. Just don’t ask about price, range, or the actual length of the upcoming US version. Watch the video above for the full story.

Chevrolet Bolt EUV review: Bigger is better

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The Chevy Bolt has had an interesting history. It beat the Model 3 to market but never came close to the sales numbers of Tesla’s offering. Then a refreshed, larger Bolt EUV arrived that had a serious issue with its LG Chem batteries that caused fires, leading to a massive recall. Long story short, it’s been a ride.

Well, the batteries have been replaced and the larger Bolt EUV is finally making its way into driveways. We took the Bolt EUV for a week-long spin and came away impressed with what Chevy is doing. The Bolt is built on an older EV architecture, meaning it can’t charge as quickly as newer electric vehicles on the road, but it comes in at a price point that makes the vehicle a compelling proposition for those that are looking for an EV that doesn’t break the bank. Watch the video below for the full story.

Chevrolet Bolt EUV review: Bigger is better

Posted on by

The Chevy Bolt has had an interesting history. It beat the Model 3 to market but never came close to the sales numbers of Tesla’s offering. Then a refreshed, larger Bolt EUV arrived that had a serious issue with its LG Chem batteries that caused fires, leading to a massive recall. Long story short, it’s been a ride.

Well, the batteries have been replaced and the larger Bolt EUV is finally making its way into driveways. We took the Bolt EUV for a week-long spin and came away impressed with what Chevy is doing. The Bolt is built on an older EV architecture, meaning it can’t charge as quickly as newer electric vehicles on the road, but it comes in at a price point that makes the vehicle a compelling proposition for those that are looking for an EV that doesn’t break the bank. Watch the video below for the full story.

Our first look at Lucid’s Sapphire performance EV

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Lucid has a mission: to take on the German luxury brands. Those automakers all have their own performance sub-brands, so Lucid now does. At the annual Monterey Car Week festivities, Lucid unveiled its Sapphire performance brand. As expected, the Air was the first to get the high-powered treatment. The Lucid Air Sapphire has 1,200 horsepower and will do zero to 60 in under two seconds.

It’s more than just throwing another motor in the back for a tri-motor system. The automaker also enhanced the suspension, added some aero bits, and unveiled a new sport mode called Sapphire. With a starting price of $249,000, it’s not for everyone, but if you’re interested, the automaker will start deliveries in 2023.

Our first look at Lucid’s Sapphire performance EV

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Lucid has a mission: to take on the German luxury brands. Those automakers all have their own performance sub-brands, so Lucid now does. At the annual Monterey Car Week festivities, Lucid unveiled its Sapphire performance brand. As expected, the Air was the first to get the high-powered treatment. The Lucid Air Sapphire has 1,200 horsepower and will do zero to 60 in under two seconds.

It’s more than just throwing another motor in the back for a tri-motor system. The automaker also enhanced the suspension, added some aero bits, and unveiled a new sport mode called Sapphire. With a starting price of $249,000, it’s not for everyone, but if you’re interested, the automaker will start deliveries in 2023.

Lincoln’s Model L100 concept is a gigantic, ridiculously futuristic EV sedan

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To celebrate the 100th anniversary of Lincoln being part of the Ford Motor Company, Lincoln reached back 100 years to the Model L as inspiration for its Model L100 concept. The large luxury sedan combines Lincoln's take on autonomous luxury and electric vehicles. 

Because the vehicle is so low to the ground Lincoln decided to create four-foot-long doors that move out and open and a roof that lifts up to make it easier for passengers to get in and out. It’s an insane idea that’ll never make it to production, but the inside of the vehicle is an impressive take on how the one percent will ride around in the future.