Lucid Motors just won the 2026 German Performance Car of the Year award for its Air Sapphire at the prestigious GCOTY Awards, creating an awkward contrast with the company’s abysmal German sales figures.
The California-based EV maker sold only five units in September, an 87.8% drop from 41 vehicles a year earlier.
The Air Sapphire accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in under two seconds with 330 km/h top speed, powered by three in-house developed electric motors delivering 1,251 horsepower and 1,940 Nm of torque.
It achieves WLTP-certified 694-kilometre range on a single charge with energy consumption of 19.1 kWh per 100 kilometres.
Lawrence Hamilton, President of Europe at Lucid, said the award reinforces the belief that Air Sapphire is the most well-rounded and versatile high-performance EV.
The technology delivers an unmatched combination of performance and agility and versatility which results in an extreme performance car that provides both responsive handling and practical usability for daily use.
The German Car of the Year Award jury consists of 30 independent automotive experts and journalists who assess vehicles based on twelve different criteria which include innovation and design and driving pleasure and emotional appeal and quality.
The Performance category includes all new sports cars, roadsters, and high performance variants of existing models.
The recognition comes as Lucid’s presence in Europe’s largest car market remains virtually nonexistent.
The company delivered 35 cars in Germany during Q1 2025, 38 in Q2, and 68 between July and September. Total deliveries through September barely exceed 140 units.
To counter weaker-than-expected demand, Lucid is shifting to a mixed retail model combining direct sales with dealership partnerships.
The brand recently launched certified used car program offering 0% financing, warranty coverage, and roadside assistance.
Hamilton said that the brand aims for representation in 12 to 15 German cities initially, expanding partner network to 50-60 locations.
The goal is to give established dealerships the opportunity to develop further by adding Lucid to their portfolios.
The retail price for Air Sapphire is $289,000 fully equipped in Germany, with business leasing starting from $3,370 monthly including VAT.
That pricing positions it against established European luxury performance sedans from brands with decades of market presence.
Lucid began taking orders last month for its second model, the three-row Gravity SUV. Deliveries for the SUV in Europe are planned for early 2026, representing crucial test of whether the brand can gain traction beyond its debut sedan.
