Whoops! Lucid Cosmos SUV accidentally unveiled in patent drawings. Tesla Model Y fighter looking good for Australia
Luxury US EV maker Lucid has inadvertently previewed its inbound Lucid Cosmos ahead of its debut later this year, after submitting blueprints of the mid-size all-electric SUV for patenting.
Posting multiple line drawings to the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), the patent images clearly show how the brand’s first-ever right-hand drive vehicle is shaping up.
Created to rival high-end Tesla Model Y variants, as well as the new BMW iX3, Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric and Volvo EX60, the latest battery-powered SUV has yet to be announced for Australia, but is set for a debut in the UK as part of the brand’s launch there in December this year.
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The new Cosmos follows the larger Gravity and borrows much from the larger SUV.
Featuring active aerodynamics within the nose, the familiar SUV-coupe profile gains a large tailgate spoiler at the rear that is designed to enhance stability at high speed while keeping drag down to a class-leading 0.22Cd.
Different front-ends, meanwhile, suggest a more aggressive styling and cooling package for a sportier version.
Inside, the cabin will include a large 36-inch display that incorporates both the digital instrument cluster and infotainment.
Built at Lucid’s all-new Saudi-backed Jeddah facility, which will spearhead the brand’s global expansion, it has already been revealed the Cosmos will sit on a new-generation architecture that will feature 800-volt electrics for class-leading charging speeds.
The first Lucid to debut the brand’s Atlas powertrain tech, the Cosmos will sport an e-motor, transmission and electronics that are lighter and more compact, and use fewer components than the current Zeus system the Gravity relies on.
With weight savings employed elsewhere, the most powerful Cosmos will be capable of a 0-60mph (0-97km/h) dash of just 3.5 seconds.
Once launched, Lucid will spin off a Land Rover Defender-rivalling SUV called the Earth EV and another robotaxi SUV, which will arrive later and share much with the Cosmos.
While the Cosmos will be priced from US$50,000 ($70,800) in its home market, the Earth is likely to cost more and be positioned above its fellow mid-size SUV.
Helping keep the price competitive against rivals from more traditional established premium brands, the Cosmos and Earth will share up to 95 per cent of components, reducing costs per vehicle and helping engineers bring both to market quicker.
The US brand’s SUV will also be lighter than all its rivals, use 60 per cent less wiring, feature just three electronic control units and deliver on average 10 per cent better efficiency.
Lowering lease rates and insurance premiums, the new Lucid gains a repair-friendly crash structure and has manual door handles.
The move to RHD production opens the door for Australia, which should help Lucid win the sales it needs to be sustainable.
Last year, the brand sold just 15,841 vehicles globally – 55 per cent up on 2024 volumes – with Lucid announcing it hopes to ramp up that figure to between 25,000 and 27,000.
