2026 Lucid mid-size model.

Lucid just released the first teaser for their upcoming all-new smaller model.

While the Lucid Air sedan and the new Gravity SUV are competing with the Tesla Model S and X, this new model from Lucid will go against the Tesla Model Y.

The new Lucid model will use a brand new electric drive unit called “Atlas”. The new unit is smaller and uses less energy, allowing for smaller batteries than its competition. The new model is a crossover and will be one of a few models to use the new smaller midsize platform starting production in late 2026. The starting price for the new Crossover will be under $50,000.

From what we can see from the teaser, the new smaller Lucid seems quite different than their current models. It doesn’t look like the Air or the new Gravity. But really, who knows?

At “under $50,000”, the new Lucid will also compete with the new Rivian R2. Which is also coming in 2026, but at a lower starting price of $45,000.

One thing we already know, these two new models will make life even harder for the good old Tesla Model Y. The Model Y will get a refresh early next year, with a revised interior similar to the 2024 Model 3. Apparently, sales of the revised Model 3 aren’t doing great and that refresh doesn’t appear to be enough. As of last July, Model Y sales numbers for the Model Y produced in China were down 30% compared to the previous year.

In Europe, it went from being the best-selling car in 2023 to number 8 so far this year. On top of that, there is Elon Musk’s increasingly negative image among his current and potential buyers. Up to 46% of current owners claim they wouldn’t buy another one. And almost 10% sold their current Teslas because of Musk.

2026 will be a great year for people looking for a new midsize electric crossover. However, by that time, the Model Y will be quite old. And no matter how good it is, most people want to buy new stuff.