As demand grows for luxury electric cars in the UAE, two giants are capturing attention: the futuristic Lucid Air and the elegant Mercedes EQS. Both aim to define the future of electric driving, but which one truly fits the lifestyle of UAE drivers in 2025? From power to pricing, tech to design, this comparison breaks it down.
Lucid Air makes an impact with its futuristic design and a powertrain lineup that pushes boundaries. The base Pure model starts at 309,750 AED and already delivers a strong 430 horsepower with a 710 km range. Step up to the Touring (620 hp, 725 km) or Grand Touring (819 hp, 839 km) and the numbers get more impressive. The top-spec Sapphire takes things into hypercar territory with a jaw-dropping 1,234 horsepower and a 0 to 100 km per hour sprint in under 2 seconds, starting at 996,450 AED.
Lucid also sets the benchmark with smart space management. Inside, the Grand Touring offers the roomiest rear legroom in its class, while the floating 34 inch curved display and retractable center screen offer a digital-first luxury experience. Packed with the DreamDrive Pro system and 32 sensors including LiDAR, the Lucid Air puts smart driving on autopilot.
Mercedes continues to embrace electric with the EQS lineup, delivering style and substance across three trims: EQS 450 Plus (starting at 605,899 AED), EQS 580 4MATIC (723,900 AED), and the performance-oriented AMG EQS 53 (802,900 AED). With up to 677 horsepower and a maximum range of 770 km, it blends speed with refined comfort.
The exterior features the signature drop-of-water shape and illuminated star grille, while inside, the 56 inch Hyperscreen dominates the cabin. It combines three displays into one seamless interface running the second-gen MBUX system. Massage seats, quad zone climate, Burmester surround sound, and ambient lighting in 64 colors give EQS a classic Mercedes luxury vibe. And with features like Drive Pilot for semi-autonomous traffic driving, the EQS brings advanced safety into daily life.
Both Lucid and Mercedes offer multiple trims to match different budgets, but Lucid’s lineup clearly starts at a more accessible point. The Lucid Air Pure begins at 309,750 AED, undercutting even the base Mercedes EQS 450 Plus by nearly 300,000 AED. Even the high-performance Lucid Air Grand Touring (475,650 AED) delivers more power and longer range than the EQS 580 4MATIC (723,900 AED), offering a compelling value for performance-focused buyers.
Meanwhile, the EQS lineup leans more into the luxury flagship territory. The AMG EQS 53 4MATIC Plus tops out at 802,900 AED, still priced lower than the Lucid Air Sapphire. However, while Sapphire is positioned more as a halo performance model, the AMG EQS is built around daily comfort with some extra punch. For those looking to make a luxury EV statement, Mercedes brings the prestige, but Lucid offers more variety in price-to-performance ratio.
Step into either car and you're instantly surrounded by futuristic design, but the philosophies differ. Mercedes EQS aims for plush, traditional luxury with a digital twist. Premium leather seats with ventilation and massage, ambient lighting across 64 colors, and a full-width Hyperscreen deliver opulence and tech in equal parts. Passengers also benefit from executive-style rear seating and rear entertainment screens, ideal for long-distance comfort.
Lucid Air, on the other hand, takes a modern, minimalist route. Its interior uses the "space concept" to maximize roominess, especially for rear passengers. The curved 34 inch floating display and retractable lower screen reinforce Lucid’s digital-first approach. Materials include recycled fabrics and sustainable surfaces, yet the experience still feels premium thanks to the Dolby Atmos 21-speaker audio and OTA software updates. While EQS focuses on comfort and craftsmanship, Lucid leans into space, software, and high-end digital experience.
Mercedes maintains a strong dealership network across the UAE through Gargash Enterprises in Dubai and Emirates Motor Company in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. This wide coverage gives EQS buyers easy access to test drives, service centers, and aftersales support, making ownership more convenient.
Lucid, though newer to the region, is expanding fast. The company recently opened a dedicated showroom in Dubai and is rolling out aftersales services across the UAE. While not as widespread yet as Mercedes, Lucid’s investment in infrastructure shows serious intent to establish long-term roots in the Gulf luxury market. As more high-end buyers consider EVs, having both strong brand presence and service support will be key to customer confidence.
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.