The 2021 Cadillac Escalade was revealed earlier this year as an all-new model with a long list of updates and high-tech features, including the optional GM Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance feature. Now, GM Authority has learned from sources familiar with launch plans that Super Cruise will not be available immediately when the 2021 Escalade goes into production.
Instead, units of the Escalade with Super Cruise will go into production 12 weeks / 3 months after Start of Regular Production (SORP) of the all-new 2021 Cadillac Escalade. Since SORP at the GM Arlington plant is set for June, models with Super Cruise will begin rolling off the line in the August-September timeframe. Dealers can currently place orders for the Escalade with Super Cruise, but the units won’t be built until three months after SORP.
Furthermore, GM Authority sources tell us that some customers who want their vehicle faster are ordering theirs without Super Cruise.
As we were the first to report earlier this month, Super Cruise will cost between $2,500 and $6,150 when added to the 2021 Cadillac Escalade, depending on the trim level selected.
The semi-autonomous driving feature will be offered on Premium Luxury and Sport trims, as well as on the range-topping Premium Luxury Platinum and Sport Platinum. It is not available on the base Luxury model.
On the Premium Luxury and Sport models, opting for Super Cruise also requires the Driver Assist Tech Package (RPO code ST1), as well as an active OnStar plan, active Wi-Fi hotspot, a working electrical system, cell reception, and a GPS signal. The Premium Luxury Platinum and Sport Platinum trims already include the Driver Assist Tech Package.
GM’s Super Cruise technology is a major differentiator for the luxury brand, offering a true hands-free driving experience on the highway. Originally launched on the Cadillac CT6 sedan, Cadillac is rolling the technology out to other Caddy models, including the Cadillac CT4 and Cadillac CT5 sedans, as well as the new Escalade.
Super Cruise is classified as a Level 2 autonomous drive system, and incorporates GPS, LiDar, visual cameras, and radar to enable the vehicle to essentially “drive itself” on the highway. GM recently updated the system with an additional 70,000 miles of limited-access freeway functionality for North America.
Is Super Cruise worth the wait for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade? Let us know in the comments, and make sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Cadillac Escalade news, Cadillac news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
This article was created in collaboration with our sister publication, Cadillac Society.
Comments
Super-Cruise should be an option in all Cadillac models even the CT4 because it’s not a freebie, it will be an expensive option made available in Escalades with specific configurations; this should be the situation for all Cadillac models.. order the right hardware and the Super Cruise is available.
I’m guessing this Super Cruise delay is in some way related to quality assurance but man oh man it would be nice to read a headline that surprises with some GOOD news instead of a let down for a change.
I wonder if the delay means it will release with ultra cruise instead. Could be the debut model for that tech.
Nope. We’re about 18 months away from ultra cruise at the moment.
The reason that it’s not going in at SORP is to limit and simplify production variants/configurations during the initial production timeframe.
So when will the first round be available? And when will super cruise be avail? Our dealer told us not until 2021 calendar year…but if it’s aug/sept id wait for it!
The current Edmunds page for the 2021 Escalade ESV says that Super Cruise will NOT be available specifically for the models equipped with BOTH 4WD and a Diesel engine. If true, I find this stunning and sad. Why would that be? Can anyone confirm or elaborate?
GM needs to get on it. Everyone wants these trucks for football season. I ordered mine with super cruise. Driving to high school football games on friday night. SEC on Saturday and Titans on Sunday. Come on GM. Build the super cruise.