Lucid's Hands-Free Drive Assist With Automatic Lane Changes Launches July 30
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What's New in Lucid's Driver Assistance Update?
Starting July 30, 2024, Lucid Air owners with DreamDrive Pro will receive an over-the-air update enabling:
- True hands-free highway driving (on compatible roads)
- Automatic lane changes when turn signal is activated
- Enhanced sensor fusion using LiDAR, radar, and 5 camera systems
The system uses 32 total sensors including ultrasonic sensors and surround-view cameras for comprehensive environment detection.
DreamDrive Pro: Package Requirements and Pricing
While the update itself is free, it requires the $6,750 DreamDrive Pro package (prices vary by model):
| Lucid Model | Base Price | DreamDrive Pro Cost | Total Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Pure RWD | $71,400 | $9,250* | $80,650 |
| Air Touring AWD | $80,400 | $9,750* | $90,150 |
| Air Grand Touring | $112,400 | $6,750 | $119,150 |
| Air Sapphire | $250,500 | Included | $250,500 |
*Requires additional Comfort and Convenience package
How It Compares to Other Luxury Systems
Unlike Tesla's FSD ($8,000) which requires hands-on-wheel monitoring, Lucid's system:
- Uses eye-tracking instead of steering wheel sensors
- Includes LiDAR for more precise object detection
- Offers more conservative lane change behavior
Future Availability for Lucid Gravity SUV
The upcoming Lucid Gravity SUV will receive the same hands-free capabilities, though Lucid hasn't specified an exact release date beyond "late 2024." Industry analysts predict this feature could significantly boost Gravity sales when it launches in Q4.
Safety Features and Limitations
Lucid emphasizes that Hands-Free Drive Assist is an SAE Level 2 system requiring driver attention:
- Driver monitoring cameras ensure eyes remain on road
- System disengages if driver looks away for >5 seconds
- Only works on pre-mapped highways (about 60% of U.S. freeways initially)
"Our sensor suite and software stack allow for continuous improvement through updates," said Lucid's ADAS VP Kai Stepper.
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