EXCLUSIVE First UK drive of award-winning Lucid Air

PLANS for right-hand-drive Lucids AE may be a way off (although boss Peter Rawlinson does raise an eyebrow when we suggested selling left-handdrive cars in the UK) but Auto Express takes the opportunity of Rawlinson's recent visit here with a Lucid Air to ask if we could go for a spin. "Of course," he enthuses. "You'll love it."

- Steve Fowler

Driving on London's lumpy roads is a stiff test, but one the Air passes with flying colours. Ride comfort and EVs don't always go hand in hand, but the Air proves to be more comfortable than most, certainly better than a Tesla Model S and on a par with a Porsche Taycan.

You feel the weight, but searching out drain covers and potholes reveals a nicely damped ride.

Performance is spectacular, even if 0-40mph is the most we manage. In Smooth mode (Swift and Sprint are also available, the latter delivering maximum power), the punch will put a grin on your face.

It's ideal for darting in and out of city traffic, with instant reactions (amplified as you move through the modes) and power that just keeps on coming.