Now this is an amazing use of technology. As I'm driving out of my local post office parking lot in a 2022 Cadillac Escalade Sport Platinum model that I’m testing, there's a steep hill going down towards the street. I panic for a second, because I can't see over the hood to know which way the pavement goes. And then I notice the dashboard displaying a front-facing camera with everything I need to see, including an overhead view of where the car is in relation to the curb. Problem averted! This is just one of the many extremely pleasant high tech surprises in this new luxury vehicle.
There’s a heads-up display that shows me the current speed and speed limit visually hovering over the end of the hood; the running boards that automatically fan out when I open the car door; rear-view mirror camera; night vision headlights that adjust for oncoming traffic; optional console refrigerator with freezer in the backseat; amazing navigation and entertainment system; private WiFi network – honestly, someone could live very comfortably in this vehicle. Especially considering how roomy and luxurious the car is inside and out. Heated leather seats, sunroof, wireless charging, heated steering wheel, power liftgate, power-operated seats, individual entertainment system in the backseat, etc. And by the way, the car just smells so good inside.
But the cake that takes it all: Super Cruise control. Essentially this is the feature that lets the Escalade drive itself. It’s adaptive cruise control in which you can let go of the steering wheel on pre-designated streets, and the car motors along – staying centered within the lane and maintaining a safe distance from the car ahead. Plus if I want to change lanes, I just flick the turn signal and the car takes care of the rest. The feature is called “Lane Change on Demand” and it’s pretty cool. Not gonna lie, I was terrified to try it all. But somewhere on I-5 South between Los Angeles and San Diego, I decided to give it a shot – first warning my three passengers. No one panicked, though, because I kept my hands very loosely around the steering wheel. And you know what? It worked like a charm. I immediately felt the future. In fact, as the lane curved rather severely to the right, I think the Cadillac did a better, smoother job negotiating the street than I could have done on my own. We were all wowing over that. Not sure about the others in the car, but I actually felt exhilarated. I had read up on the feature earlier. I realize it only works on compatible streets that don’t have oncoming traffic, which is good. According to the company, Super Cruise functions with Cadillac Connected Services and uses real-time precise positioning, cameras, sensors and LiDAR map data to help detect every curve, helping to make long drives and commutes comfortable and more convenient. I could totally see using this feature more regularly on long drives or even if I felt a little tired – just as an additional layer of safety. By the way, Cadillac has mapped 200,000-plus miles in the U.S. and Canada of compatible roads for hands-free driving.
As for the Escalade itself, it’s far and away the nicest vehicle I have ever driven. Seven of my neighbors stopped by to ask if I won the lottery, once they saw it parked on the driveway. I couldn’t stop wowing over the car itself and the technology inside to them. Maybe I should become a Cadillac salesman, at some point. But what I told everyone: The use of technology in the new Escalade should someday be standard in every car. The roads will be way safer that way. And the experience of driving will be more thrilling.
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March 06, 2022 at 09:00PM
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Firsthand Look: Cadillac’s Super Cruise Control - Forbes
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