Lucid Motors unveiled a teaser image of its upcoming midsize electric crossover, positioned as a Tesla Model Y rival starting at around $50,000. The announcement coincides with details of a partnership with Nvidia to enable Level 4 autonomous driving in future models. Production is slated for late 2026.
Lucid Motors released a teaser image of its 'Project Midsize' electric crossover on the same day it announced advancements in autonomous vehicle technology. The image, partially obscured behind a Lucid Gravity SUV, reveals a low-slung design with a coupe-like roofline and high-mounted rear window, similar to the Tesla Model Y. It features skinny taillights and a prominent Lucid script logo on the rear fascia. Unlike the flush handles on the Air and Gravity, this model appears to have traditional mechanical door handles.
The midsize EV is expected to start at around $50,000 and enter production by late 2026, aiming to broaden Lucid's customer base beyond its pricier Air and Gravity models. It will incorporate lower-cost motors to reduce expenses. Lucid plans at least three midsize variants, with the crossover as the first.
Central to the announcement is a partnership with Nvidia, integrating Drive AGX Thor computers, DriveOS operating system, and Drive AV software into the midsize lineup. This will enable initial Level 2 eyes-on driving features at launch, allowing point-to-point navigation under supervision. The midsize model will include two Drive AGX Thor units and a multi-sensor suite with lidar, radar, and cameras. Lucid aims to upgrade to Level 4 autonomy—full self-driving without human intervention under specific conditions—within a couple of years after launch. Similar Level 2 features will reach the Gravity SUV by the end of 2026.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang stated, "Together with Lucid, we’re accelerating the future of autonomous, AI-powered transportation, built on Nvidia’s full-stack automotive platform."
This move shifts from Lucid's in-house DreamDrive system, recently upgraded for hands-free highway driving, to Nvidia's tech for faster progress toward higher autonomy levels. The midsize project faces stiff competition, including the Rivian R2 at $45,000 launching around the same time, as well as EVs from Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz, and Chinese brands, especially in Europe.