Compare two new cars by price, estimated monthly payment, fuel economy, and other specifications. Data comes from the CarPayCheck.com catalog and uses your selected financing terms.
| S e-tron | Air | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Audi | Lucid |
| Starting price | — | — |
| Monthly payment | — | — |
| Fuel type | Electricity | Electricity |
| Fuel economy | 38.1 kWh/100 mi | 26.9 kWh/100 mi |
| CO₂ emissions | — | — |
| Annual maintenance cost | — | — |
The LG E61V battery cell modules can develop voltage losses, causing reduced range, power limitation, and in extreme cases thermal runaway or fire. Audi issued recalls 93U9/93V2 and NHTSA 23V867 covering 2018-2022 model years, with interim guidance to limit charging to 80%. The repair is free under recall, but out-of-coverage module replacement would be far more expensive.
The front electric drive unit can develop a coolant leak, leaving fluid traces under the front of the vehicle and potentially triggering drivetrain warnings. If left unaddressed, the leak can damage drive-motor seals and shorten service life. No repair cost estimate was provided in the research, so treat it as a pre-purchase inspection item.
The MMI infotainment system can crash, show a blue screen, reboot unexpectedly, and sometimes lock out settings and climate touch controls. This affects 2020-2023 e-tron S and other GE e-tron variants. The fix is usually a dealer MMI software or data-pack update, or MMI module replacement in persistent cases; no cost range was stated in the research.
The 12-volt auxiliary battery is a typical weakness on 2020-2023 e-tron S models and is not covered by the main high-voltage battery warranty. A failing 12-volt battery can prevent the car from waking or unlocking, show low-voltage warnings, and leave the EV appearing totally dead because the HV contactors cannot activate. The research did not provide a specific replacement cost.
When using the portable compact charging system with an industrial 220-240V plug at the 100% charge setting, some home outlets cannot handle the current and the outlet or cable can overheat. This recall covers 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro and 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, including 2020-2022 e-tron S models. The correction is performed free under recall.
A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying, violating FMVSS No. 111 Rear Visibility. Audi's December 2025 recall 25V500 covers many 2019-2026 model-year vehicles, including the first-generation e-tron S and the S6 e-tron series. The fix is an OTA or dealer software update at no cost to the owner.
For 2022 through 2025 Lucid Air trims, the original air-conditioning compressor can provide insufficient cabin cooling and generate excessive ambient noise. Lucid introduced a revised compressor for the 2026 model year, sourced from the Gravity SUV, specifically to improve cabin cooling and reduce noise. Owners may notice weak cooling in hot conditions and loud compressor operation inside the cabin, which can lead to passenger discomfort and service visits.
The 2022 Lucid Air has the highest documented defect rate, with 14 active recalls and 23 owner complaints, while the 2023 model has 11 recalls and 24 complaints, according to aggregated NHTSA records. These early model years show recurring faults across electric, drivetrain, software, body, and safety systems, and the 2022 model year is specifically flagged as a year to avoid. Owners may face repeated service visits, system failures requiring diagnostic work, and reduced reliability during normal ownership.
Audi S e-tron and Lucid Air suit different driving needs. The main differences below cover price, monthly payment, fuel economy, and running costs.
Both models use Electricity. Fuel economy is S e-tron — 38.1 kWh/100 mi; Air — 26.9 kWh/100 mi. Air uses less energy in everyday driving.
The final choice is about more than numbers: annual distance, city or highway use, and the space your household needs all matter. Use the CarPayCheck.com calculator to apply your financing terms and evaluate both cars in your situation.
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