Lucid is gearing up to unveil a more affordable model designed to boost its production volume and, more importantly, generate profit. Internally known as “Project Midsize,” this new vehicle is being developed with one clear target in mind: the Tesla Model Y.
- The vehicle will be slightly larger than a compact crossover
- Three variants are already planned on this platform
- To stay competitive, pricing should start around $65,000 CAD
The Next Big Step for Lucid
The California-based automaker’s next mission is to launch a smaller, more affordable EV that will help it reach what former CEO Peter Rawlinson once called “escape velocity.” For Lucid, this upcoming model, currently referred to as “Project Midsize” could very well be its own Model Y moment.
Only Two Sketches So Far
Styling details remain under wraps, though Lucid has shared two teaser images offering a glimpse of what’s to come. The brand is clearly staying true to its current design language—a smart move, given its blend of simplicity, modernity, and elegance. This restrained aesthetic should help Lucid’s lineup age gracefully.
The hood dips forward with two sharp creases defining its surface. The roofline sits low for a sporty stance, while the side mirrors are mounted on the shoulders, enhancing both style and visibility. At the rear, strong haunches echo those of the Tesla Model Y. Unlike the single full-width light bar on the Air and Gravity, the upcoming model seems to adopt separated LED taillights.
Lucid Gravity X Concept: An Electric SUV Built for Adventure Far Far away
Lucid also appears to be abandoning flush-mount door handles in favour of simple manual ones, more reliable and less constrained by regulatory hurdles. Beyond these clues, we’ll have to wait for the official reveal, whose date remains unconfirmed.
This midsize platform won’t serve a single model either: at least three distinct derivatives are planned, including a rugged version with off-road tires.
Autonomous Driving Takes Centre Stage
The upcoming entry-level Lucid will be the first in the lineup to incorporate a Level 4 autonomous-driving system. According to SAE standards, a Level 4 vehicle can operate entirely on its own between two points under specific conditions, unlike Level 5 systems, which allow full autonomy at all times.
Lucid has entrusted the system’s electronic and software architecture to tech powerhouse Nvidia. The vehicle will feature dual Drive AGX Thor computers and a multi-sensor setup combining lidar, radar, and cameras.
Lucid Motors “Project Midsize”At launch, it will initially offer Level 2 supervised driver assistance, similar to Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) system. However, Lucid plans to upgrade it to Level 4 “within a few years of release,” once internal validation is complete.
The Most Important Lucid Yet
This new SUV is poised to become Lucid’s most popular model. What remains unknown is where it will be built, and at what cost to Canadians. To stand a chance against the Model Y, it will need to undercut the $134,000 CAD base price of the current Gravity GT by a wide margin.
Realistically, Lucid must target a starting price around $65,000 CAD to be competitive. That’s a tall order, but one that could define the company’s future.
