Feature Spotlight: Cadillac Equips CUE With Physical Climate Control Buttons
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We might say it too often, but it’s the little things. Seriously. Sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest differences. When speaking of CUE, one small change can make a huge different, because it’s still sorting out its kinks.
Much like Ford discovered, when it went nearly completely button free in the previous-generation Ford Edge, consumers like buttons, and actual knobs to touch. It’s reassuring, knowing exactly what you’re controlling, and how much to control. Ford has since reintroduced buttons to its MyFord Touch system.
Thankfully, Cadillac is learning too. CUE has long been plagued by slow responses and clunky touchscreen feedback. And for the 2016 Cadillac CT6 and 2017 Cadillac XT5, buttons have returned. Well, specifically knobs. Smack in the middle of the CUE infotainment screen, what looks like a piece of aluminum trim resides. However, it’s actually three seperate buttons to adjust HVAC and climate controls with, ditching the awful haptic feedback units.
We spent some time feeling out the CUE system once again at the 2016 New York International Auto Show, and we can say the knobs are a very welcome improvement, and make CUE that much less frustrating to operate.
Now, Cadillac, let’s get to work on redesigning the gauge faces that have been beaten with an ugly stick for too long.
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Having experienced CUE on a test drive about 2 years ago, I really disliked it. It didn’t help the salesperson knew as little as I did how to operate it. After another two test drives, I still really did not like it. However the handling and performance of the ATS won me over and I purchased one. After having owned it for 3 months I can honestly say I like the CUE very much now although after purchasing new Tahoe and I prefer the automatic temperature knob controls in it. So I applaud Cadillac in providing the new knobs of the temperature control on the XT5 & CT6.
My 2014 CTS has the CUE system and I have absolutely NO Problem with it. My wife drives the car more than I do and she hasn’t complained once. I really don’t understand all of the complaints that I read on the Internet and in magazines. All you need to get is to get familiar with it, which takes all of about 15 minutes.
Good job on this update to include button / switch as too distracting without same.
Are these aluminum or chinxy plastic? Frustrated with the slowness of CUE in my 13 ATS. The maps are also ugly and hard to read when there are lots of exits and the voice commands can’t take casual conversation or navigate to places by name. Cadillac needs go do a better job with the small things like using real metals instead of high sheen plastics.
Andrew,
They’re not metal, per say. They’re more of a sturdy plastic for lack of a better description. They definitely don’t feel cheap, if that’s what you’re asking. They felt premium, for sure.
Cheers,
-Sean
Kudos too Cadillac for finally listening to their focus groups or surveys of current owners . CUE needs to work out the bugs before it can be trusted by customers , especially the HVAC controls . I’ve even read were a physical knob is preffered for the volume control of the radio . But Cadillac isn’t alone in the complaint department of info-tainment systems . Most of Fords midsize cars and SUV’s have had their share of disappointed customers .
Sometimes it is the little things that can make or break a sale .
A friend has a Kia……found that the climate control stuff was very easy to use http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=kia+instrument+panel&view=detailv2&&id=898932CE1128CB8F8075CA028EBE5A16C9080560&selectedIndex=17&ccid=YUUqLabr&simid=607996073877308669&thid=OIP.M61452a2da6eb3569aba858c549d7c351o0
We own a 15 CTS and a ELR, CUE is actually easy. It can be slow, sometimes, but the voice commands are great. I do like the new dash layout on the XT5 and the CT6.
The only thing wrong with Cue was that it takes a little time than 5 min to learn it if you are not tech savvy.
That first impression did not rest well with many people and that is not good if you are trying to sell a car. The I drive system in BMW had the same issues at first too.
GM needs to take this in steps and move people to the more advanced system with each generation as one big jump would put some people off.
Moving forward this will not even be an issue soon and the critics will have to find a new area to be critical of.
….but that’s just three buttons. The 2nd gen CTS was incomparably more pleasant to operate (even if some of the buttons felt cheap and wiggly)