How is the software?

[2ucid]

I’m considering an Air Touring, but I’ve seen quite a few complaints about software issues. I did a test drive of a Grand Touring and found the infotainment snappy and camera quality good, but it probably wasn’t long enough for real issues to pop up. I will say I wasn’t a huge fan of the big middle screen mostly being devoted to settings.

I currently have a Polestar 2 so software annoyances aren’t new to me. On every drive, I deal with laggy or not loading cameras and slow UI. Sometimes, I’ll lose connectivity or Google Maps won’t load in the driver’s display. Occasionally, there will be sound issues like the turn signal not making a sound, or the physical controls to control media (play/skip/etc) won’t work. Thankfully, the app is fairly reliable now for making things happen on the car, though it takes rather long to actually do something (e.g. seven seconds to start climate).

How bad is the software really, especially in comparison with what I put up with now?

 

[Amster]

Given your description of what you're experiencing now, you shouldn't have any problems with Lucid software. It sounds more reliable than the Polestar. The older cars are reasonably fast, and the new ones have no lag at all. The physical controls always work. The only thing you will may miss is Google Maps, depending on what phone you have. There are ways to get it, but it may require extra equipment.
I know there are people on the forum who have issues complain a lot about the software, but there are a lot of other who have almost no problems and therefore never post anything software related. I have occasional glitches, but nothing a quick reset doesn't fix. And I only do that once every month or two. The other thing people complain about is car access with the mobile key. I don't have problems. My mobile key and fob work pretty much all the time, other than first thing in the morning when I have to press the door handle to open it quickly.

 

[DeaneG]

I’m considering an Air Touring, but I’ve seen quite a few complaints about software issue...I currently have a Polestar 2 so software annoyances aren’t new to me...How bad is the software really, especially in comparison with what I put up with now?

We've owned a Volvo XC40 P8, the SUV brother of your Polestar 2, for 3.5 years. Its software wasn't bad in the beginning, but did get noticeably worse recently after the move to AAOS13. We also experience blank screens, camera and audio glitches and have to reboot the infotainment once in a while.

I've owned an Air GT for 2.3 years, and its software has generally improved over that time. Except for the Air's glaring lack of Google Maps, I prefer its software to that of our Volvo. It is more responsive, and except for the last OTA release or two, has been fairly issue-free. If you have an iPhone, I wouldn't worry about Lucid's software. If you use an Android phone, you'll be in some pain until Android Auto is released and stable.

Don't count on the car to do anything more than it currently does at purchase though. Lucid does roll out new features by OTA a few times per year, but they may not be the ones that are most important to you, or in the order you'd wish for. I've been waiting for Android Auto and V2H, as mentioned in Lucid's marketing materials when I ordered my car, for years.

 

[kopik]

Lucid's SW and ADAS are way behind Tesla, BMW, MB. But it is a much more comfortable car then Tesla with much better interior space and which is so much greater to drive. Also, the amount of SW glitches is considerably down even comparing to 2 months ago when I first got my AT. They seem to be working on it...

 

[GratefulMed]

I have a ‘24 Pure. No real software problems. Responsiveness to the mobile key is the biggest daily annoyance but it’s livable. I have an iPhone and CarPlay has worked almost flawlessly- Google Maps readily available (though the Lucid Nav seems really good to me as well). My only other annoyance is the Tidal app which has real trouble deciding whether to play music or not, but that’s not a Lucid issue. When it works, it sounds great.

 

[Samo23]

Software is quite good at this time. Pace of software updates is quite not.

 

[gavram]

I've generally been totally fine with the UI experience, other than wanting Android Auto. I find the interface to be responsive and easy to navigate. No real complaints. Having the turn signal cameras in the gauge cluster was really a fantastic add. Mobile key works well for me.

 

[chazglenn3]

Hello fellow Polestar2 driver and Lucid consider-er My 2024 Polestar 2 has been pretty problem free, but as I traded in a Cadillac XTS for it, I miss having a larger sedan. When my lease is up, I think an Air will fill the bill...

 

[Skyline]

I’m considering an Air Touring, but I’ve seen quite a few complaints about software issues. I did a test drive of a Grand Touring and found the infotainment snappy and camera quality good, but it probably wasn’t long enough for real issues to pop up. I will say I wasn’t a huge fan of the big middle screen mostly being devoted to settings.

I currently have a Polestar 2 so software annoyances aren’t new to me. On every drive, I deal with laggy or not loading cameras and slow UI. Sometimes, I’ll lose connectivity or Google Maps won’t load in the driver’s display. Occasionally, there will be sound issues like the turn signal not making a sound, or the physical controls to control media (play/skip/etc) won’t work. Thankfully, the app is fairly reliable now for making things happen on the car, though it takes rather long to actually do something (e.g. seven seconds to start climate).

How bad is the software really, especially in comparison with what I put up with now?

From what I’ve seen, the software issues in the Air Touring aren’t as widespread or frequent as those in the Polestar, but they can still pop up, especially with things like connectivity or minor bugs. The screen setup being mostly settings-heavy might be annoying if you prefer more content-focused displays. All in all, I’d say it’s probably not worse than what you're used to, but maybe not a massive upgrade either.

 

[Orange]

I‘ve owned GT for almost 3 yrs. It’s not perfect and I can see multiple places to improve but way much better than Mercedes which is my wife car. And Lucid SW is continually improving as well. Can’t compare with Tesla but I’m overall happy.

 

[thyname]

Lucid's SW and ADAS are way behind Tesla, BMW, MB. But it is a much more comfortable car then Tesla with much better interior space and which is so much greater to drive. Also, the amount of SW glitches is considerably down even comparing to 2 months ago when I first got my AT. They seem to be working on it...

My other car is a 2023 MB C300 and I much prefer the software, UI / UX in my new Air Touring. Cannot speak for S series MB or similar higher trims.

My two previous cars were Teslas, most recently Model X, and before that MYP, and admittedly Tesla does everything better. Having said that, Lucid is not hugely behind

 

[chazglenn3]

I see a lot of comments about how Tesla does software better. I would hope so as they have had a 12 year head start. Talk to folks that had a Model S in 2012 and see how the software was...

 

[kopik]

My other car is a 2023 MB C300 and I much prefer the software, UI / UX in my new Air Touring. Cannot speak for S series MB or similar higher trims.

My two previous cars were Teslas, most recently Model X, and before that MYP, and admittedly Tesla does everything better. Having said that, Lucid is not hugely behind

I think UI and SW are not exactly the same. UI preference is also a matter of personal taste. In general, I do like Lucid UI more then the Tesla one. But Tesla's SW stability and functionality is way ahead. Whatever the reason behind it.

 

[thyname]

I think UI and SW are not exactly the same. UI preference is also a matter of personal taste. In general, I do like Lucid UI more then the Tesla one. But Tesla's SW stability and functionality is way ahead. Whatever the reason behind it.

I agree. That’s why I specifically listed both in my post: software, UI/UX

 

[kopik]

I see a lot of comments about how Tesla does software better. I would hope so as they have had a 12 year head start. Talk to folks that had a Model S in 2012 and see how the software was...

You are right, but why this should matter to a customer who just bought an expensive car with a buggy SW/UI?

 

[chazglenn3]

You are right, but why this should matter to a customer who just bought an expensive car with a buggy SW/UI?

I think it matters because you can:
a) Buy a Tesla if you want software that has had the benefit of over a decade of improvements -or-
b) Buy a Lucid (since this is the Lucid forum) and understand that it will take some time for the software to catch up

 

[kopik]

I think it matters because you can:
a) Buy a Tesla if you want software that has had the benefit of over a decade of improvements -or-
b) Buy a Lucid (since this is the Lucid forum) and understand that it will take some time for the software to catch up

You are right if applying it to a potential buyer.

 

[chazglenn3]

I guess I am viewing it through those lenses as a potential Lucid Air buyer. Thanks for pointing that out!

 

[thyname]

Apologies as I don’t mean to bash your current car, but the Lucid Air will be a major upgrade to your Polestar 2. As a car (physically and driving experience), software, UI/UX, everything

 

[chazglenn3]

I have no doubts about it! The Lucid Air is a luxury sedan. The Polestar 2 is a kind of Sports Sedan. Not fully, but it leans that way. I enjoy driving it, but miss the luxury.