Editor 
In a move that’s bound to delight, or possibly confuse, Tesla owners, the electric car manufacturer has announced that it will be integrating SiriusXM internet streaming in an upcoming software update. While the Model S and Model X have enjoyed satellite radio capabilities for some time, this new upgrade will shift from satellite to streaming, widely broadening the availability of SiriusXM’s rich content library to include the Model 3, Model Y, and the highly-anticipated Cybertruck.
The Big Shift: From Satellites to Streaming
Historically, SiriusXM has been synonymous with satellite radio, beaming its vast array of content from space down to the cars of its subscribers. However, this upgrade will pivot from satellite to streaming, leveraging the internet to deliver content. This is no minor detail.
For one, the change means that Tesla can provide SiriusXM across all its models without relying on additional hardware. More importantly, it opens up a whole new world of content options for users. The update hinges on SiriusXM 360L—a platform that expands beyond traditional satellite-delivered content.
What is SiriusXM 360L?
SiriusXM 360L is supposed to be the future of in-car entertainment. It combines satellite and streaming content, offering an all-encompassing suite of radio channels, exclusive streaming channels, on-demand shows, and even live sports. As someone who’s spent countless hours navigating a cluttered dashboard interface trying to find something halfway decent to listen to on a road trip, the richness of choices offered by 360L sounds almost too good to be true.
The subscription options for this new service include an “All Access” package at $21.99 USD per month and a “Select” package at $16.99 USD per month. Additionally, Tesla’s penchant for user-friendly experiences suggests that a free 30-day trial will be available to help new users acclimate to the service before committing financially.
What Does This Mean for Tesla Owners?
Here’s where the rubber meets the road—literally. The streaming-based service will only be available to those Teslas equipped with Premium Connectivity. This requirement is a bit of a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it ensures that the high data demands of streaming content don’t bog down the system or interrupt the seamless driving experience for which Tesla is known. On the other hand, it also means an additional subscription fee on top of what drivers might already be paying for basic connectivity.
But let’s talk about convenience for a moment. Isn’t that one of the main reasons people buy Teslas in the first place? The cars are like a Swiss Army knife on wheels. They drive themselves (well, almost), have massive touch screens that look like something out of a sci-fi movie and now, it seems, will offer some of the most advanced in-car entertainment available. Adding SiriusXM’s comprehensive streaming service aligns perfectly with Tesla’s mission of innovation and convenience.
How Might This Impact Streaming Service Competitors?
Tesla’s inclusion of SiriusXM 360L puts other in-car entertainment options on notice. Whether this will spur competitors to up their game is yet to be seen, but one thing is for sure: the bar for in-car entertainment just got a lot higher. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have been strong contenders, but the integration of a comprehensive service like SiriusXM 360L could tilt the market dynamics significantly.
The Future of In-Car Listening
Elon Musk, with his typical flair for the dramatic, might sell this update as a leap towards the future of entertainment. And he wouldn’t be entirely wrong. This update signifies more than just a content expansion; it encapsulates Tesla’s vision of integrating every facet of our digital lives into our vehicles. It’s the car as a living room, an office, and now, a media center.
So, whether you’re cruising down Route 66 or stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic on the 405, rest assured your Tesla will now offer even more ways to keep you informed and entertained. To that, I say, “Tune in, space out, and drive safe!”
It’s an exciting time to be a Tesla owner—or for that matter, anyone still holding out hope that their morning commute can be something more than just a slog through a concrete jungle. Welcome to the future, one update at a time.
