DreamDrive Pro upgrade for Touring and Pure. Is it worth it ?

[Compy]

Would appreciate input since I am undecided on this and how Nvidia might impact this decision.

 

[HC_79]

Hard to say given it’s not available now so we’re all betting on Lucid’s sales pitch. I generally don’t pay on promises but unlike Tesla the car doesn’t come with all the hardware needed to just enable it via a software update later. If you’re a person who’s just happy with ACC and nothing more then don’t get it.

It’s a risk but the fact Nvidia is behind the hardware and AI is a good thing. Tells me that we’re not going to be waiting years for Lucid to deliver these features.

 

[daydreamer223]

I wonder if we can purchase the upgrade for it later?

 

[mnewber1]

I wonder if we can purchase the upgrade for it later?

Like @hydboob mentioned, you unfortunately have to buy it at time of confirmation so you get all 32 sensors.

Buying this option, does enable the surround view monitoring system and Highway Assist which we know are coming this year (or already here).

 

[LCIDdreams]

I wonder if we can purchase the upgrade for it later?

Unlikely since there is hardware involved (not just software). If they do offer it as an upgrade it would likely be costlier (install in Service Center).

I think it’s still a big question when anyone will offer anything beyond glorified Level2+ or a very limited Level3 (such as Mercedes system that only works on autobahns when below 35mph). I would say we are definitely talking multiple years (not months) before autonomous driving is available to the public. Mercedes has been working on this since at least 2001 (a friend was working with them on ADAS/autonomous tech back then)

 

[hydbob]

Unlikely since there is hardware involved (not just software). If they do offer it as an upgrade it would likely be costlier (install in Service Center).

I think it’s still a big question when anyone will offer anything beyond glorified Level2+ or a very limited Level3 (such as Mercedes system that only works on autobahns when below 35mph). I would say we are definitely talking multiple years (not months) before autonomous driving is available to the public. Mercedes has been working on this since at least 2001 (a friend was working with them on ADAS/autonomous tech back then)

I guess it depends on how well those pilot programs do in SF. Both the companies who are involved are using NVIDIA Hyperion system so at least we know if they are successful that the system is capable. I think the advantage is that Tesla has been collecting all this data from its cars to create FSD, but is still so far away. NVIDIA will have access to millions of cars of data as well AND the hardware to back it up with secondary sensors. I have a feeling that all the cars who are using the NVIDIA system will outpace Tesla FSD sooner rather than later.

 

[Slam08]

I thought Waymo was still the leader in autonomous driving. They decided not to release a level 3 or 4 system due to safety and going straight to 5. I remember reading an article a where using googles computers they were far ahead in simulations.

 

[LCIDdreams]

I thought Waymo was still the leader in autonomous driving. They decided not to release a level 3 or 4 system due to safety and going straight to 5. I remember reading an article a where using googles computers they were far ahead in simulations.

In Chandler AZ they are operating level 4 robotaxis when it doesn’t rain. In San Francisco they are testing at night with safety drivers (not sure if that means level 2+ or level 3). I’m not sure about going to level 5. It seems that would require thousands of separate town, city, state approvals on top of whatever technical development is needed for the software to work everywhere at anytime in all conditions. I can’t see how level 5 will happen in the next few years realistically.

 

[Slam08]

Yeah. Level 5 is a long way away. I feel like level 3 is as well to be honest. I see a lot of regulatory hurdles. How long did it take to get matrix headlights? I hope I’m wrong.

 

[hydbob]

In Chandler AZ they are operating level 4 robotaxis when it doesn’t rain. In San Francisco they are testing at night with safety drivers (not sure if that means level 2+ or level 3). I’m not sure about going to level 5. It seems that would require thousands of separate town, city, state approvals on top of whatever technical development is needed for the software to work everywhere at anytime in all conditions. I can’t see how level 5 will happen in the next few years realistically.

Cruise is testing level 5 in SF right now I thought? At least that's what I gathered from the news

 

[HC_79]

Cruise is testing level 5 in SF right now I thought? At least that's what I gathered from the news

Same here. They’re only allowed to operate it at night though. 10pm to 6am or something like that and limited to SF city. Waymo got a broader license and can go further out of the city and during the day but can’t exceed 65mph. Both are restricted when it’s raining or foggy.

 

[LCIDdreams]

Cruise is testing level 5 in SF right now I thought? At least that's what I gathered from the news

Level 5 by definition is a car that can go everywhere (I.e no geofencing) and can do anything in all conditions without a human driver. It really depends on what is meant by “testing level 5”- I suppose arguably if a manufacturer has an ultimate goal of level 5 then any lower tier activity could be development towards the goal and therefore testing for level 5. To actually be at level 5 seems many years away realistically. I feel this is the case where the last 1% of the work needed to be level 5 could take as much time as the first 99% and then there are all the regulatory steps needed.

 

[Slam08]

I feel this is the case where the last 1% of the work needed to be level 5 could take as much time as the first 99% and then there are all the regulatory steps needed.

I feel like that’s Tesla’s experience as well with level 3. They have been so close for so long. But what I’ve heard from people in the industry is that level 3 even is still 1-2 years away realistically.

 

[HowieB]

I've always resented Tesla's misleading software-only FSD upgrade. I'd thought that Lucid had decided to go the same route, i.e. equipping the vehicle with all the hardware, but asking for prepayment for overpromised functionality. Having now learned that when you pony-up for Dreamdrive Pro, you are in part paying for something physical that is installed on the vehicle. I find that more palatable, even if I'm still paying for a promise of future software-based functionality.

If all the upgrade provides me is safe hands-free highway driving with intelligently prompted lane changes within my first year of ownership, I'll be happy to have spent the $9,000 for the system.

 

[Volund]

I've always resented Tesla's misleading software-only FSD upgrade. I'd thought that Lucid had decided to go the same route, i.e. equipping the vehicle with all the hardware, but asking for prepayment for overpromised functionality. Having now learned that when you pony-up for Dreamdrive Pro, you are in part paying for something physical that is installed on the vehicle. I find that more palatable, even if I'm still paying for a promise of future software-based functionality.

If all the upgrade provides me is safe hands-free highway driving with intelligently prompted lane changes within my first year of ownership, I'll be happy to have spent the $9,000 for the system.

Agreed, would be great for long drives
I drive down from Utah to Arizona a lot and my biggest worry is actually the wildlife more than other obstacles, drowsiness, etc..

 

[idiot900]

If all the upgrade provides me is safe hands-free highway driving with intelligently prompted lane changes within my first year of ownership, I'll be happy to have spent the $9,000 for the system.

I've said this before, but it's concerning that they're actively now selling it, but have not actually said or demonstrated what it can do.

 

[FastEddi3]

In Chandler AZ they are operating level 4 robotaxis when it doesn’t rain. In San Francisco they are testing at night with safety drivers (not sure if that means level 2+ or level 3). I’m not sure about going to level 5. It seems that would require thousands of separate town, city, state approvals on top of whatever technical development is needed for the software to work everywhere at anytime in all conditions. I can’t see how level 5 will happen in the next few years realistically.

I have ridden one a couple of times. A little funky riding with no one behind the wheel! A little heavy on the brakes sometimes, maybe erring on the side of safety? But I have had other Uber drivers that were much worse...

 

[FastEddi3]

Like @hydboob mentioned, you unfortunately have to buy it at time of confirmation so you get all 32 sensors.

Buying this option, does enable the surround view monitoring system and Highway Assist which we know are coming this year (or already here).

Anyone know the price difference for getting it? I don't remember seeing that anywhere in the ordering process.

 

[joec]

Anyone know the price difference for getting it? I don't remember seeing that anywhere in the ordering process.

If you reserved before the price increase, it's $9k. After, its $12k.

 

[joec]

Having paid for FSD on my Tesla (a few years ago when it was only $5k), my advice would be to not think of it as paying now for features you will eventually get. Assume it will never be good in the lifetime of the car. Then, you might be pleasantly surprised. Otherwise, if there are no current features that make it compelling for you, don't get it.

You're basically funding future development, which is never a sure thing. It's kinda like backing a Kickstarter project. Coin toss as to whether you'll ever reap the rewards.

To me, the 360 camera view (and the likelihood I'll get the car sooner) are enough for me to pay the extra money. I'd think a bit more about that if I had to pay the current $12k on it.