General Motors Promises Eyes-Off Driving By 2028
General Motors is promising a new “eyes-off” version of Super Cruise that will debut with the 2028 Cadillac Escalade IQ. The system represents GM’s first Level 3 semi-autonomous technology—one that will allow drivers to totally space out behind the wheel when the conditions are right.
Key Points
- General Motors will introduce an “eyes-off” version of its Super Cruise driver-assistance system in 2028, debuting exclusively on the Cadillac Escalade IQ as the company’s first Level 3 semi-autonomous technology.
- The system will be powered by a next-generation centralized computing architecture that unifies all major vehicle systems—propulsion, steering, safety, and infotainment—on a single high-speed core to enable faster updates and greater AI capability.
- The “eyes-off” mode will initially work only on pre-mapped highways and may be restricted to states like California and Nevada, where Level 3 autonomous driving is currently legal.
Like the current version of Super Cruise, the Level 3 “eyes-off” version will only operate on pre-mapped and validated roads. GM has already charted over 600,000 miles of compatible North American highways and logged more than 700 million miles of hands-free driving without a crash attributed to the system. Additional data from GM’s now-shuttered autonomous division, Cruise, adds another five million fully driverless miles to the company’s experience database.
The Super Cruise of today requires drivers to keep their eyes on the road even as the system handles steering, braking, and acceleration. The next-generation version will allow occupants to divert their attention—to play with their phone, watch a show, or interact with passengers—when conditions permit.
At its GM Forward media event in New York, the automaker demonstrated an early prototype of the system on a modified Escalade IQL equipped with a roof-mounted sensor array and turquoise lights integrated into the mirrors and bumpers. GM says those lights will signal when the SUV is operating in eyes-off mode, providing a visual cue to surrounding drivers.
GM says the technology will be available only on approved highways at first, similar to how the current Super Cruise system functions. The network of compatible roads is expected to expand gradually as data from cameras, radar, and newly added lidar sensors helps the system refine its mapping accuracy.
Legal limitations, however, may slow its rollout. Level 3 systems—those that allow drivers to take their eyes off the road—are currently permitted only in California and Nevada.
GM says the new system will rely on a more powerful centralized computing platform that will launch at the same time. This next-generation electronic architecture will bring together propulsion, steering, infotainment, and safety systems into a single, high-speed processing core. This new setup will significantly increase computing capacity, paving the way for future software and autonomy upgrades across both electric and combustion-powered models.
The Escalade IQ’s new computing platform will also integrate conversational AI through Google’s Gemini system, allowing owners to interact with their vehicle naturally, whether for navigation help, infotainment, or even casual conversation.
Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.
An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, went over the wall during the Rolex 24, and wrenched in the intense IndyCar paddock.
More by Michael Accardi
Comments
Join the conversation
I still like driving, so no machine is going to take over for me.
You watch, as traffic becomes heavier, states will start pushing for 100 % autonomous cars that do the driving for everyone on the road. All you will get to do is punch in the destination.
And in my state, distracted driving (cell phone, texting) is illegal.
Buy stuff on Amazon while "driving" (the goal of the billionaires).
Can you drink and "drive" in this thing? So dumb.