General Motors is preparing to push its Super Cruise driver-assist tech to more of its brands in the coming model years. For now, though, the hands-free driving feature is exclusive to Cadillac. The setup relies on regularly updated high-definition maps, which work with the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering self-steering functions to accurately locate and place a so-equipped vehicle on more than 200,000 miles of Super Cruise-friendly highways with little-to-no driver interaction required. Additionally, an interior-mounted camera monitors the driver’s attention as a safeguard to ensure the individual behind the wheel can take control of the car if necessary. And aside from the tech’s upfront cost, using it is free—for a time.
You see, Super Cruise is not a permanent fixture in such-equipped GM models. The automaker currently offers the feature in Cadillac models on a three-year trial basis, after which customers must pay a fee to keep Super Cruise operative. We reached out to Cadillac to find out how much it plans to charge for Super Cruise after the trial-period of the feature runs out; however, a company spokesperson was unable to share this information.
Nevertheless, we expect to have an answer to our query in the coming weeks, as the Super Cruise trials of the first batch of Super Cruise-equipped 2018 Cadillac CT6 sedans sold to the public are due to expire in September. Owners who opt out of the Super Cruise service will subsequently lose their vehicle’s hands-free driving functionality. That said, a Cadillac spokesperson assured us that these vehicles’ adaptive cruise control and lane-centering features will remain operative with or without an active Super Cruise subscription.
Whether Super Cruise is a luxury worth paying for ultimately depends on individual customers. Those who regularly travel on Super Cruise mapped roads will likely find the service’s costs worth it. Others, though, may decide to forfeit the feature once their Super Cruise trial expires, just as some choose to do with the likes of OnStar or SiriusXM satellite radio.
