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March 18, 2025 – Lucid Motors is on the verge of unveiling the performance-focused Gravity Sapphire trim within weeks, according to internal sources familiar with the company’s product timeline. At the same time, the automaker has quietly pushed back the launch of its more affordable Cosmos midsize SUV to 2027, a move that signals a strategic pivot toward high-margin, limited-volume models.
The Gravity Sapphire, a three-row luxury SUV with a tri-motor powertrain, is expected to deliver over 1,200 horsepower, rivaling the Tesla Model X Plaid and the upcoming Rivian R1S Tri-Max. Industry insiders say the Sapphire variant will carry a six-figure price tag and target early adopters willing to pay a premium for Lucid’s proprietary battery and motor technology. Prototypes have been spotted testing near the company’s Arizona factory, and a formal reveal could come as early as the last week of March.
Meanwhile, the Cosmos midsize SUV – originally planned for 2025 and later shifted to 2026 – has been pushed back again. The delay was confirmed during a recent investor call, where CFO Gagan Dhingra cited “ongoing optimization of our platform architecture” as the key reason. The Cosmos, intended to compete with the Tesla Model Y and Hyundai Ioniq 9, is now slated for late 2027 production. This marks the third delay for the vehicle, which was first announced as a 2024 model.
“Lucid is clearly doubling down on the Gravity platform, which shares more components with the Air sedan than the Cosmos would,” said Samir Patel, an automotive analyst at Research & Advisory Group. “By delaying the mass-market SUV, the company can conserve cash and focus on the high-margin Gravity Sapphire, which will help improve unit economics in the short term.” Patel noted that Lucid’s cash burn rate remains a concern, with $1.7 billion in liquidity as of Q4 2024, but the company expects the Gravity launch to boost revenue per vehicle.
The shift also reflects broader market trends. Luxury EV buyers have shown willingness to pay above $100,000 for performance and range, while the midsize segment is becoming increasingly crowded with price wars. Lucid’s decision to delay the Cosmos could allow it to refine the vehicle’s cost structure and incorporate learnings from Gravity production, including the new Atlas drive unit and 900-volt architecture.
However, some analysts caution that the repeated delays may erode consumer trust. “If you’re a customer who placed a reservation for the Cosmos in 2023, you’re now looking at a four-year wait. That’s a long time in an industry where competitors are launching new models every quarter,” said Erin Lee, an EV market researcher at GreenTech Insights. Lucid has not yet announced whether it will offer refunds or incentives to early reservation holders.
From a competitive standpoint, the Cosmos delay gives rivals like Rivian, Tesla, and even traditional automakers like Ford and GM more time to capture the mid-priced EV SUV market. Rivian’s R2, expected in 2026, and Tesla’s upcoming “Model 2” are both targeting the $45,000–$55,000 range that the Cosmos was supposed to occupy. Lucid’s CEO Peter Rawlinson has repeatedly emphasized that the company’s long-term strategy hinges on “technology leadership first, volume second,” but investors are growing impatient.
On the bright side, the Gravity Sapphire could help Lucid re-establish its brand as a technology leader. The vehicle is expected to feature the latest version of the DreamDrive Pro autonomous driving system, along with a 220-mph top speed and a 0–60 mph time under 2.5 seconds. The Sapphire trim will also include a unique carbon-fiber body kit and upgraded suspension. If the launch goes smoothly, it could generate positive headlines and attract new orders for the base Gravity model, which starts at $79,900.
Lucid’s stock has been volatile in recent weeks, with shares falling 12% since the Cosmos delay was leaked. The company is scheduled to report first-quarter earnings in May, where executives are likely to provide more clarity on the production ramp for both the Gravity and Gravity Sapphire. For now, the message from Newark is clear: Lucid is betting its near-term future on speed and luxury, not volume.
The company’s factory in Casa Grande, Arizona, is currently undergoing expansion to support Gravity production, which is expected to reach 20,000 units per year by mid-2026. The Cosmos, when it finally arrives, will likely be built on a new dedicated line. Until then, Lucid’s fate rests on the shoulders of the Gravity Sapphire.
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