The Cadillac Super Cruise is the first true hands-free driving-assistance feature for compatible roads. Offered on the 2018-2020 CT6, 2021 CT4, CT5 and Escalade, a forthcoming 2023 LYRIQ will be available.
For the 2021 Escalade, Super Cruise will cost $2,500 and will be available on Sport, Premium Luxury, and Platinum trims, but will likely require the Driver Assist package. The CT4 and CT5 will also cost $2,500 for the Super Cruise and be available on the Premium Luxury and V-Series trims – it will also require additional content.
Super Cruise utilizes advanced technologies to provide the ease and convenience of hands-free driving, even while changing lanes, with Lane Change on Demand - offered on 2021 Super Cruise-equipped vehicles. It can steer to perform a single lane change under certain conditions when requested by the driver. The vehicle will use its new rear-facing sensors and updated algorithms to determine when an appropriate amount of space is available to safely make a move. The dash will display messages concerning the process including “looking for an opening” or “changing lanes.” Super Cruise uses a camera mounted on the steering column to gauge the driver's eyes. Should they close or the driver drop their gaze to check their phone, the system signals a series of escalating alerts. As long as the driver's head is up and eyes are trained on the road, it can drive itself for hours on freeways without intervention. Most systems on the road today require hands on the steering wheel in intervals ranging from 15 seconds to 45 seconds. Adaptive cruise control maintains a selected following gap between you and the detected vehicle ahead.
Super Cruise will let drivers ride along on more than 200,000 miles of mapped divided highways that are separated from opposing traffic without ever needing to touch the wheel of the pedals as long as their vision remains on the road.
Cadillac will cover the Super Cruise for a three-year trial on any vehicle, but when that has expired, owners will need to pay for a Super Cruise plan for it to work. That cost is $25 per month or $15 per month when bundled with an OnStar service.
Four main points on how it works:
- Attentive driver and proper conditions let Super Cruise-equipped vehicles have hands-free operation
- Super Cruise works with Adaptive Cruise Control which controls acceleration and braking while it is enabled and operating
- With Cadillac Connected Services it uses real-time precise positioning, cameras, sensors and LiDAR map data to help detect every curve
- All Super Cruise-equipped vehicles must purchase a Connected Services plan after 3 years of connectivity.