Lucid Motors to add Apple and Amazon Music to its cars

01 November 2023

California's very own Lucid Motors seems to be gearing up for an audio extravaganza. A fresh job listing on Lucid's LinkedIn suggests they are on the lookout for a Senior Product Manager. This new recruit will be spearheading the integration of Apple and Amazon Music into the carmaker's proprietary infotainment system.

The job listing's description hints that both the Air and the forthcoming Gravity SUV might soon be treated to in-built controls dedicated to these music streaming giants.

However, Lucid isn't entirely new to the Apple ecosystem. All Air EVs come equipped with both wired and wireless Apple CarPlay as a standard feature. This means the addition of Apple and Amazon Music would be complementary rather than revolutionary. Meanwhile, Tesla aficionados are still juggling between streaming platforms and their trusty Bluetooth connections.

Let's talk numbers for a moment. The Lucid Air, in its Pure RWD avatar, is priced at $78,900 in the US and boasts a rear-mounted electric motor that pumps out a respectable 430 horsepower (about 321 kW) and 406 lb-ft of torque. For those with deeper pockets, the Air Sapphire sits atop the Lucid lineup, carrying a price tag of $249,000. This variant boasts a tri-motor setup delivering a whopping 1,234 horsepower. With such power under the hood, it zooms from zero to 60 mph in just 1.89 seconds, slightly outpacing the Tesla Model S Plaid, and can achieve speeds up to 205 mph.

Intriguingly, Lucid's forthcoming Gravity SUV, which is set to make its grand entrance this month, is expected to share the same engine configurations as its sedan counterpart. While the Air sedan has garnered favorable reviews, its premium pricing bracket does cater to a niche audience. Lucid's recent Q3 report indicated a slowdown in production, hinting at a challenging road ahead to meet its annual target.

The introduction of familiar infotainment features like Apple and Amazon Music may play a pivotal role in enhancing the overall driving experience for potential customers. After all, who doesn't appreciate the comfort of their favorite tunes during a drive?

In the realm of speculation, with major music apps seemingly under Lucid's belt, one can't help but wonder: Will video streaming platforms like AppleTV+, Amazon Prime Video, or even Netflix find their way into Lucid's offerings? Given the Air EV's vertical center display, binge-watching on the go might not be ideal. But who knows? Lucid's Gravity SUV might just have an ace up its sleeve.

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