Lucid Rolls Out Air UX 3.0 Update; Older Models Require Hardware Upgrade
Owners of pre-2025 Air vehicles must pay $950 for a processor retrofit to access the new infotainment system.
Lucid has announced a major redesign of the user interface for its Air sedan, introducing UX 3.0 to enhance speed and intuitiveness. While newer models will receive the update over-the-air, owners of earlier vehicles face a mandatory hardware retrofit to access the new features.
What Happened
The new UX 3.0 system, which aligns the Air’s interface with the one debuted in the Gravity SUV, is available as an over-the-air update for 2025 and newer models via the 2.11.0 software package. However, for 2022, 2023, and certain 2024 model years, Lucid requires a $950 processor upgrade to support the new interface. The company stated that this hardware change is necessary for some 2024 models because the switchover to the second-generation infotainment processor occurred midway through that model year. The update includes a redesigned home screen with swipeable cards, improved multitasking capabilities across the upper Cockpit and lower Pilot Panel displays, and enhanced integrations for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Route planning features have also been updated to include preferences for charging networks, arrival range, and adapter capability.
Why It Matters
This update addresses a notable limitation in previous versions of the Air’s software, specifically the restriction that linked the upper and lower screens, preventing independent app usage. With UX 3.0, drivers can now run navigation on the upper display while controlling media or other apps on the lower Pilot Panel. For owners of older Air models, the requirement for a paid hardware upgrade introduces a cost barrier to accessing the latest software features, highlighting the divergence in functionality between the initial production runs and current models. The move aims to bring the Air’s digital experience up to par with Lucid’s newer SUV offerings, potentially impacting owner satisfaction and resale considerations for pre-2025 inventory.
The Bottom Line
Lucid’s UX 3.0 update modernizes the Air’s infotainment system with improved multitasking and route planning, but older vehicles require a $950 hardware retrofit to utilize the new features.
