I Traded My Tesla Model Y For A Lucid Air Pure, I Love It But Day 2 Brought My First Service Visit

In the cutthroat world of electric vehicles, the Tesla Model Y has risen to global superstardom. This isn’t just some Silicon Valley fever dream, it’s the best-selling car on the planet. Forget niche markets or EV bragging rights; the Model Y has dethroned titans like the Toyota Corolla to become the world’s favorite mode of transportation. It’s a staggering achievement for a vehicle that’s part tech product, part family hauler, and part cultural touchstone. 

A New Contender

But as more contenders emerge, Tesla’s crown faces pressure. Among these challengers is the Lucid Air Pure, a luxury sedan with enough poise and polish to question Tesla’s dominance, at least in some areas. The Model Y’s rise isn’t hard to understand. Starting at $47,740, it delivers blistering acceleration, up to 330 miles of range, and access to Tesla’s industry-leading Supercharger network. It’s the Swiss Army knife of EVs, blending affordability and performance in a way that no one, not even Toyota, has been able to replicate. Yet, for all its strengths, Tesla’s entry-level crossover has its shortcomings. Ride quality? More punishing than plush. Cabin refinement? Minimalist to a fault. For many buyers, it’s a compromise, a great EV, but not necessarily a great car. Enter Lucid, a company that’s betting its Air Pure can fill the gaps Tesla has ignored, especially in the luxury space.

An Ownership Experience

A recent Lucid owner shared their experience transitioning from a Tesla Model Y, offering a striking comparison between the two vehicles –

“I wasn’t sure if I was going to like the Lucid Air Pure coming from a Model Y, but my god the car is so much quieter and rides better. It actually feels like a luxury car. I’m 6’4” and I fit in the back seat with room to spare.

I have some gripes about the experience being in the car. I’m tall so it can be difficult to see the speedometer because the steering wheel is in the way, but it’s not critical. I wish the driving mode I prefer, swift, would stay registered with my profile instead of me having to pick it every time I start the car. The mobile key can be hit or miss. A few times I’ve had to open the app and wake up the car just to unlock the doors. This feels like a software fix. I think these things are very minor.”

It’s a telling contrast. Tesla may have cracked the mass-market EV formula, but Lucid is going after the refinement Tesla lacks. The Air Pure offers 410 horsepower, a whisper-quiet cabin, and a suspension that prioritizes comfort over cornering dynamics. At $77,400, it’s not a direct competitor to the Model Y—but it’s a shot across Tesla’s bow, a reminder that there’s more to EVs than range and acceleration.

Yet Lucid’s owner experience isn’t without hiccups, as the same driver explained:

“I just got this car yesterday, and already had to bring it back to be serviced the very next day. That is a sucky feeling. The door handle broke. The door stayed locked but you couldn’t open it from the outside. Lesson learned: don’t accidentally press down on the door handle. I feel like this handle shouldn’t be this fragile. I’m going to chalk it up to minor bad luck.

The service center I’m at is super nice and helpful. I arrived before they opened and they ushered me in and directed me to the comfy studio with coffee. I’ve had no less than three people check on me and offer me things. Wow, basic hospitality too.”

Lucid’s Chance To Shine

It’s here that Lucid has a chance to shine. Tesla’s service network has long been its Achilles’ heel, plagued by delays, parts shortages, and a reputation for poor communication. Lucid’s boutique approach feels like a breath of fresh air, even if it’s still ironing out the kinks in its manufacturing process. Offering better service and customer care might not matter to Tesla diehards, but for buyers entering the luxury space, it’s an expectation, not an option.

Tesla Customer Service

• Customers have reported difficulties in reaching Tesla's customer service representatives, often being directed to use the mobile app for service appointments. This reliance on digital communication has led to frustrations, especially when timely human interaction is desired. 
• There have been instances where Tesla owners experienced significant delays in vehicle repairs and maintenance. Some reports indicate waiting periods extending to several weeks or even months, attributed to factors such as parts availability and limited service center capacity. 
• While some Tesla owners have praised the company's innovative approach and vehicle performance, others have expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of customer service. Issues such as unresponsive support channels and challenges in addressing service concerns have been highlighted in various customer reviews.

Tesla’s Model Y thrives because it’s accessible, fast, and practical. It doesn’t need to be the best luxury car because that’s not its mission. For Lucid, however, refinement is everything. As EV adoption grows, the game is shifting from raw performance to the overall experience—how the car feels, how it’s supported, and how it serves the driver. 

Rewriting The Rules

Tesla may have rewritten the rules, but brands like Lucid are playing by them better in certain areas. Ultimately, these two vehicles represent different visions of what an electric car should be. The Model Y is the mass-market everyman, a utilitarian tool with just enough flair to make it desirable. The Lucid Air Pure is a luxury machine built to rival Audi and Mercedes-Benz, and it’s playing a longer game, targeting a smaller but wealthier audience. Whether Lucid can survive its growing pains is anyone’s guess, but for now, its Air Pure shows that the future of EVs isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Both cars are proof that electrification is no longer a novelty—it’s the new normal.

Noah Washington is an automotive journalist based in Atlanta, Georgia. He enjoys covering the latest news in the automotive industry and conducting reviews on the latest cars. He has been in the automotive industry since 15 years old and has been featured in prominent automotive news sites. You can reach him on X and LinkedIn for tips and to follow his automotive coverage.