- UX 3.3 boosts towing capacity and offers new camera features
- Event Recording acts like a built-in dash cam
- Halo Secure functionality can protect the vehicle when parked
Owners of Lucid Motors’[1] high-tech Gravity SUV will receive an over-the-air update that brings some impressive new features.
Dubbed UX 3.3, the upgraded operating system[2] now offers the ability for users to pin destinations in the navigation, while the map itself has been tweaked to give a better indication of the distance it is possible to travel on the EV’s remaining charge.
According to the Californian company, the audio system has also been optimized to reduce the background noise when making and taking calls.
But perhaps most interesting of all is the introduction of a Live View function that harnesses the power of the numerous external cameras to stream live footage to Lucid’s smartphone app.
The software is in Beta and Gravity owners can trial it for free until the end of the year. There’s no word on the cost after that.
This feeds into the brand’s latest Halo Secure Function, which is lifted straight from the Tesla playbook[3] and allows owners to monitor the vehicle remotely via the app.
In addition to this, Drive Recorder also acts as a built-in dash cam. So long as the user hooks up an external storage device, such as a USB dongle or portable hard drive, the Gravity will automatically record and save any significant events, such as extreme or sudden braking, sharp steering inputs or a collision – all assisted by the various onboard sensors.
It’s a feature that has been heavily influenced by Tesla’s pioneering use of the Autopilot cameras, which can also save footage to a USB device either manually, or automatically when an incident is detected by the company’s sensors.
Pulling power
The Lucid Gravity can handle a max towing capacity of 6,000lbs, which isn’t up there with Rivian’s R1T or the various electric pick-ups on the market, but it is good enough for transporting lighter lifestyle accessories (boats, jet skis, motorcycles etc).
Lucid knows that it’s a big selling point so has also introduced a number of enhanced towing features, including a new Tow Mode that optimizes the vehicle settings for maximum performance and comfort.
There’s also integrated trailer braking control for those trailers equipped with electronic brakes and a special camera view in the Rear View Monitor that allows owners to keep an eye on their prized possessions when towing.
According to the Lucid owner’s group[4], these updates can be activated with a simple OTA update, proving once again that Software Defined Vehicles genuinely improve with age.
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References
- ^ Lucid Motors’ (www.techradar.com)
- ^ operating system (www.techradar.com)
- ^ Tesla playbook (www.techradar.com)
- ^ Lucid owner’s group (lucidowners.com)