Lucid Brings Gravity’s UX to the Air, but Older Owners Must Pay $950

Lucid has begun pushing Air UX 3.0 to its sedan lineup, marking the company’s most significant software overhaul for the Air in years. While owners of 2025 and newer models receive the update for free over the air, those with earlier vehicles face a mandatory hardware upgrade to access the new interface.

What Happened

The update, part of software version 2.11.0, ports the interface from the Gravity SUV, which won a Gold iF Design Award in 2024. Lucid claims the new system offers faster, more responsive screens and a streamlined menu structure. Key changes include a card-based Home screen on the curved Cockpit Panel behind the steering wheel, allowing users to swipe between music, charging stops, routing, calls, and settings. Pulling a card down opens the full application on the central Pilot Panel, which now features a phone-like Quick Controls menu. Navigation has been revamped with dual-screen layouts and Auto Dark Mode, while EV routing now allows users to select preferred charging networks and set minimum arrival ranges. Additionally, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now extend across the full right side of the Cockpit display via wireless or USB connections.

Why It Matters

The distinction between free and paid updates hinges on hardware capabilities. Lucid states that Air models from 2022, 2023, and some 2024 production runs lack the processing power to run the new interface. Consequently, these owners must pay $950 for an infotainment processor swap at a Lucid service center, with taxes excluded. This price point is lower than Tesla’s previous $1,500 retrofit for older Model S and X vehicles, but it applies to cars that are only two to four years old. The move highlights the ongoing challenge for EV manufacturers to balance software innovation with the hardware limitations of early adopters. Lucid’s VP of Software, Marc Solsona Palomar, stated that owners will "enjoy more reliable and intuitive experiences" with the update, aiming to address previous software criticisms.

The Bottom Line

Air UX 3.0 represents a major step forward for Lucid’s software ecosystem, bringing the Gravity’s award-winning interface to the Air. However, the $950 hardware upgrade cost for early adopters serves as a reminder that premium EV ownership may still require out-of-pocket expenses to keep pace with rapid technological changes.