Automakers typically attempt to reinvent their infotainment programs, with various success. Newer manufacturers are notably keen to supply prospects modern methods to work together with their autos, transferring away from conventional controls.
In 2021, Lucid launched its new working system, Lucid UX, alongside the Air sedan. Much like Rivian and Tesla, Lucid favors a screen-heavy interface over standard controls. Total, the system performs exceptionally effectively, with just a few parts needing refinement.
The Lucid Air options a powerful 34-inch “floating” curved glass show that spans from the motive force’s aspect to the middle of the dashboard. This expansive display screen homes three purposeful areas: a small show to the left of the steering wheel, a digital instrument cluster within the driver’s direct line of sight, and a central touchscreen.
The small display screen on the left gives fast entry to fundamental capabilities equivalent to opening the charging port, adjusting headlights, or defogging the windshield—which could be very helpful in pressing conditions. The digital instrument cluster, whereas minimalist, is elegantly designed and exhibits important info like pace, driving modes, visitors signal recognition, and a visit pc. It might lack intensive customization choices, but it surely conveys the mandatory info successfully.
Within the heart, the touchscreen is compact in comparison with different autos’ monolithic shows, but it surely presents a user-friendly expertise. The minimalist residence display screen presents important capabilities, with climate and navigation prominently displayed, whereas your favourite satellite tv for pc radio stations are simply accessible. Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported, though the curved design of the show makes these projections seem smaller than fascinating.
Under the central touchscreen, there are a number of bodily buttons, together with a quantity knob and controls for the HVAC system. Most capabilities are managed through the touchscreen, which works easily for probably the most half. The interface options crisp graphics and a contemporary aesthetic, making it typically easy to make use of whereas driving.
A notable fourth show is discovered within the entrance compartment—a 12.5-inch vertical display screen that operates like an iPad. This display screen is essential for adjusting seats, altering drive modes, and managing regenerative braking ranges, amongst different settings. It features a mounted brightness adjuster and could be folded as much as reveal a cargo space for small objects like smartphones or keys.
Whereas the touchscreen interface requires changes for options just like the steering wheel and mirrors initially, it remembers driver settings after every use. Regardless of these conveniences, some options nonetheless depend on on-screen contact controls, which could be considerably irritating. For example, there aren’t any handbook controls for the glove compartment, heated seats, headlights, trunk, or charging port—all of which should be accessed by way of the display screen.
Touchscreen performance varies; whereas it typically works excellently, occasional bugs can come up, equivalent to freezing throughout use. Moreover, the voice command function, activated by saying “Hey, Lucid,” permits drivers to request capabilities hands-free, although it may be overly delicate and set off unexpectedly throughout conversations or audio playback.
Lucid’s driver monitoring programs can be intrusive, prompting alerts if the motive force’s gaze strays momentarily. Nonetheless, the protection programs, such because the rear parking digital camera and 360-degree overhead view, are wonderful and supply useful options like distance indicators when parking.
The bottom Pure mannequin comes with normal navigation and security options, whereas satellite tv for pc radio is complimentary for the primary three months. Nonetheless, after 4 years, Lucid plans to introduce a subscription payment for navigation companies, although precise prices have but to be introduced.
In conclusion, Lucid’s infotainment system is essentially spectacular. Whereas a higher variety of bodily buttons would improve usability and a few glitches persist, utilizing the Air’s UX proved to be a optimistic expertise. This method to redesigning infotainment programs units a powerful instance for the business.
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