In a recent web post that was quickly taken down, Sirius has confirmed that SiriusXM is coming to vehicles in a future software update. This post went up on SiriusXM’s Canadian website, showing the steps needed to get the free trial running on your vehicle.
Streaming, not Satellite
This version of SiriusXM will be streaming and not dependent on satellites. That means a few things. First, that it’ll be available on more vehicles than just the Model S and Model X that have satellite radio receivers. It will also be available on the Model 3 and Model Y, as well as the Cybertruck.
Secondly, the streaming version of SiriusXM has more choices and content. The specific package that will be available is called SiriusXM 360L – which includes a full set of exclusive streaming channels, on-demand content, and live sports – all available by streaming data rather than over a satellite connection.
Its expected to require Premium Connectivity like Tesla’s other music services.
Pricing
It looks like SiriusXM 360L runs for $21.99 USD a month for their “All Access” package, while the more limited “Select” package is available for $16.99 a month right now.
However, based on the leaked webpage, streaming data to Teslas may only be available with their “Platinum” package, which is $28.80 USD per month. You’ll also be able to stream to devices including smartphones, smart devices, and computers with the same subscription.
Starting with a Demo
SiriusXM will offer new Tesla users a free trial of the Platinum package once you create and login to a SiriusXM account. It’ll be a 30 day demo to get you started, and includes everything available in the Platinum package.
Satellite Streaming on the Model S and Model X
This doesn’t look like it will impact SiriusXM satellite radio on the Model S and Model X at this time – and we’re not quite sure how the implementation will function once internet streaming radio arrives. It’s possible Tesla may consider them separate apps in the vehicle, SiriusXM Streaming and SiriusXM radio.
As it stands, you can use SiriusXM Satellite Radio when you’re out of cellular signal range on the Model S and Model X – due to the hardware SiriusXM receiver in the vehicles.
Going forward, with the implementation of internet streaming SiriusXM, the Model S and Model X may also lose their SiriusXM satellite receivers. Tesla has consistently been a proponent of “no part is the best part”, and this also comes in line with many of the other cost-cutting measures that the company has taken in order to simplify the construction of their vehicles.
These satellite receivers are fairly expensive as well. SiriusXM sells standalone units meant to plug into an Aux jack for about $60 USD. That’s a significant cost that Tesla could cut from its vehicles, especially since most users may prefer to use services like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, or Amazon Music today.
Either way, another streaming option is fantastic to see in Tesla’s continually growing streaming repository. We’re not quite sure when this will arrive and show up your Tesla, but we’d expect it to arrive sometime before the end of this year.
