Patent illustrations have unveiled Lucid's planned rival to the Tesla Model Y, displaying the electric SUV along with what appears to be its high-performance variant well before the expected late-2026 debut.

Identified through recent filings, the images outline the overall styling of the model referred to as the Lucid Cosmos, though the company has yet to officially confirm the name.

This vehicle forms part of a trio of new models built on the shared Atlas platform that operates on an 800-volt architecture.

As a midsize electric SUV, the Cosmos will square off against the Tesla Model Y, which led Australian sales charts for the first time in May 2026, while also facing the Zeekr 7X and the forthcoming BMW iX3.

Slated for a debut later this year and production start in 2027 as a 2028 model year vehicle, the Cosmos is projected to carry a starting price near US$50,000 in the North American market.

Although Lucid does not yet sell vehicles in Australia, the brand plans a UK launch in December 2026 featuring these midsize offerings positioned below the existing Air sedan and seven-seat Gravity SUV, both currently available only in left-hand drive in select markets.

With right-hand-drive versions in development, the move could pave the way for an Australian introduction as a premium electric brand competing with Polestar and Cadillac.

The patent images reveal a front-end design echoing the flagship Gravity, complemented by softer body lines that flow into a dovetail-style integrated rear spoiler.

An additional spoiler appears above the rear window, while Lucid badging sits between the tail-lights rather than adopting a full-width light bar like some rivals.

Multiple front-end configurations appear in the documents, pointing to various trim levels with differences in lower bumper openings.

Rear-end variations are also shown, highlighting distinct styling cues across the range to separate different versions.

Lucid has already stated that a performance-oriented Cosmos will join the lineup to challenge the Model Y Performance, targeting a 0-60mph time of 3.5 seconds.

Interior details teased earlier by the company are visible too, such as a expansive display merging driver instruments and infotainment plus a center console with rear passenger vents.

The Lucid Air, introduced in 2021, continues as the brand's bestseller, while Gravity production began in 2024.

Lucid delivered 15,841 vehicles in 2025, marking 55 percent growth from the prior year, and aims for 25,000 to 27,000 units in 2026.

These figures remain modest next to Tesla, which sold over 1.64 million vehicles worldwide last year despite softer demand.

In Australia, more than 22,000 Model Y units found buyers in 2025, underscoring its dominance among electric vehicles.