MotorTrend announced today that the Lucid (NASDAQ: LCID) Air has won the 2022 MotorTrend Car of the Year. It's the first time any automaker has won the award with its first car. The Tesla Model S won it in 2012. But the Model S was Tesla's second car, after the Tesla Roadster. In its announcement, MotorTrend called the Air "the new [electric vehicle] benchmark."

Judges evaluated six key criteria for Car of the Year, with Lucid Air excelling at each: efficiency, value, advancement in design, engineering excellence, safety, and performance of the intended function.

"Earning this coveted distinction for Lucid Air, our very first car, is a resounding endorsement of our ability to deliver the most advanced electric vehicles in the world," said Peter Rawlinson, CEO/CTO, Lucid Group (NASDAQ: LCID). "Our objective of achieving range through efficiency and technical innovation is crystallized in Lucid Air, and we're elated that this effort has been recognized by MotorTrend against such formidable competition from well-established automakers."

"With the longest driving range of any electric vehicle on the market, an EPA estimated 520 miles, and over 1,100 horsepower available, the Lucid Air is a technological tour de force," said MotorTrend Group Head of Editorial, Ed Loh. "The sleek futuristic Lucid Air sedan looks like nothing else on the road, while its gorgeous, smartly-packaged interior sets the standard for the next generation of luxury cars. Against our award's criteria, there could be no doubt—the Lucid Air is MotorTrend's 2022 Car of the Year."

By Michael Elkins | [email protected]