Cadillac Expands Super Cruise to More Models, Adds More Features

author: Vineeth Joel Patel   

Tesla's Autopilot system gets most of the attention when it comes to semi-autonomous systems that consumers can actually purchase. But there's another system on the market that few have heard of: Cadillac's Super Cruise. 

While Tesla offers Autopilot and a Self-Driving Feature on all of its vehicles, Cadillac's taken a different route. Only one vehicle in Cadillac's current lineup can be fitted with Super Cruise, and that's the CT6. While it's certainly very late, Cadillac is looking to change that by expanding the number of models it will offer with the system.

Super Cruise Coming To New Models

Cadillac will be offering the 2021 Cadillac CT4, CT5, and Escalade with the automaker's updated version of its Super Cruise system. All three of those vehicles are expected to go on sale by the second half of 2020. In addition to adding more vehicles to the list of available cars that can be fitted with Super Cruise, Cadillac has also updated the system.

Super Cruise will now be able to change lanes without requiring any input from the driver beyond a simple click of the turn signal. With Super Cruise engaged, all drivers have to do is click the turn signal in the desired direction. This lets the system look for an acceptable opening in the desired lane. If the vehicle senses that there's enough space for a lane change to take place, the car will complete the lane change.

The gauge cluster has been updated to accommodate a few new messages. Display messages will now let the driver know if Super Cruise has started to change lanes on its own or if the driver has to manually complete the lane change. New messages include, "looking for an opening" and "changing lanes."

Other Updates Were Made

In order to add Lane Change On Demand – Cadillac's official name for the new feature – the automaker had to make changes to Super Cruise's software and hardware. "This included improving rear-facing sensors and advanced software algorithms so that the system can confidently track vehicles approaching from the rear," said Mario Maiorana, chief engineer of Super Cruise.

Other changes have been made to the semi-autonomous system, too. Cadillac has added more in-depth information for the system's maps, improved the system's software for finer control of the fitted vehicle's steering and speed, and enhancements to make it easier for drivers to engage Super Cruise. All in all, these are significant updates.

For those not in the know, Super Cruise is Cadillac's semi-autonomous system that is the only one on the market that allows for hands-off driving on mapped highways. Leveraging sensors, cameras, and LiDAR, Super Cruise can handle all driving tasks on highways. The system first appeared on the CT6 back in 2017, which is ironic, because the CT6 is going out of production in January. 

In our review, we found Super Cruise to be a highly capable system worthy of taking Tesla's Autopilot head-on.

Vineeth Joel Patel

Joel Patel has been covering all aspects of the automotive industry for four years as an editor and freelance writer for various websites. When it comes to cars, he enjoys covering the merger between technology and cars. In his spare time, Joel likes to watch baseball, work on his car, and try new foods