Last week, Lucid announced a major software update for the Lucid Air sedan. Called Air UX 3.0, this new experience is based on what is used in Lucid’s electric SUV, the Gravity, and features a newly designed infotainment system that is quicker and more intuitive.
The rollout for the update started Sept. 29. If you have a Lucid Air from model year 2025 or later, the update will be delivered via over-the-air (OTA) updates.
If you have an older Air, you’re still eligible for the update, but there are a couple more hoops to jump through. More on that below.
What’s New
Improved electric vehicle (EV) trip planning: The Navigation app now offers a dual-screen-like experience with new features such as Favorites and Auto-dark mode, which automatically adjusts the display’s brightness based on lighting conditions.
The updated Navigation offers a more intuitive experience for EV routing, too. Drivers can adjust their route to favor certain charging stations and note which require a Lucid-approved adapter.
Quick and Intuitive controls: The new software introduces a completely redesigned home screen that focuses on giving drivers easy access to the apps they use most. New swipeable cards are designed make the most frequently used features only one tap away.
The infotainment screen shows only essential controls, but the new Quick Controls menu can display the rest when you swipe down from the top of the screen.
Expanded Apple CarPlay and Android Auto screens: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be bigger than ever. Both interfaces will now fully extend to fill the entire Right Cockpit Panel, providing more room for drivers to pick their tunes for the road or to send a message.
New and old Airs are eligible: As mentioned before, owners of 2025 and newer Air models will receive the new software via OTA updates.
Some will require a $950 hardware upgrade: Perhaps most notably, Lucid says model-year 2022, 2023, and some 2024 Air sedans will be eligible for the update through a hardware upgrade. To get Air UX 3.0 installed on one of these older vehicles, it will cost an extra $950, including installation (note, this excludes any taxes).
While it’s interesting that older Air models can have this new experience, it isn’t a cheap update, as it requires installing a new infotainment processor.
But if that fits your needs and your budget, it’s a worthy upgrade for modern tech on an older vehicle.
