Cadillac Escalade to Feature Eyes-Off Driving by 2028

Daily Car

25/03/2026

General Motors has initiated public road testing for its next-generation driver-assistance technology. The system, an advanced version of its Super Cruise feature, is slated to debut as an "eyes-off" capable system on the Cadillac Escalade IQ, with a target launch in 2028.

What is Eyes-Off Driving?

The term "eyes-off" refers to a highly automated driving system that can manage all driving tasks on specific, pre-approved roads, such as highways. This level of automation is designed to be reliable enough that the driver can safely take their eyes off the road and hands off the wheel. To achieve this, the new Escalade IQ will be equipped with lidar, a sensor technology that uses laser pulses to create a detailed, three-dimensional map of the vehicle's surroundings, enhancing its perception beyond what cameras and radar alone can provide.

From Data Collection to Road Testing

GM's move into public testing marks a critical step in the technology's development. The company is deploying a fleet of over 200 test vehicles across highways in California and Michigan. This phase follows an extensive data collection period where vehicles gathered information over one million miles across 34 states. The long-term objective for GM is to expand this capability from highways to more complex driving environments, eventually offering a "driveway-to-driveway" automated experience.

The Competitive Landscape

GM is not alone in the pursuit of higher automation for consumer vehicles. The automotive industry is seeing a significant push in this direction. Ford is developing a similar eyes-off system for its upcoming electric vehicle platform. Rivian has set a 2027 target for its own hands-free technology, while Lucid aims for a "mind-off" system in its future Cosmos model by 2028. Mercedes-Benz previously offered a limited eyes-off system in the U.S. but is now developing a new feature.

A New Era for Personal Vehicles

This industry-wide race indicates a shift in focus. While robotaxi services like Waymo have demonstrated the technical feasibility of driverless cars, automakers are now focused on integrating these advanced systems into vehicles sold directly to consumers. The primary challenge remains ensuring these systems are safe and reliable for public use, with multiple companies competing to be the first to deliver a truly dependable automated driving experience.

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