Unlike GM’s current driver assistance system, Super Cruise, which operates at SAE Level 2 and allows the driver to take their hands off the wheel but requires them to keep their eyes on the road at all times (‘hands-free, eyes-on’) to regain control when necessary, the new system represents a significant advancement.
Under SAE Level 3, the system additionally permits the driver to look away from the road (‘hands-free, eyes-off’), for example, to read emails or watch videos. However, the driver must still remain ready to take over control when prompted by the system—typically within ten seconds. If the driver fails to respond in time, the vehicle initiates an emergency stop.
GM had already announced last autumn its plans to introduce a Level 3 system in its electric flagship model, the Cadillac Escalade IQ, by 2028. With this move, General Motors aims to keep pace with BMW and Mercedes, the first Western manufacturers to offer—or have offered—vehicles with such a system. Why both manufacturers are discontinuing their offerings is explained below.
Test fleet of 200 vehicles
For now, General Motors is set to begin road testing its new Level 3 system in the US using a test fleet of 200 vehicles. Each vehicle will be accompanied by a human safety driver. According to GM, this marks a significant transition from manual data collection to active testing of automated technology in real-world traffic conditions.
In preparation, GM’s data collection vehicles have already covered over one million miles across 34 states. This dataset now forms the foundation for developing the next generation of automated driving technology, which is currently being tested.
GM plans to introduce the Level 3 system not only in the Cadillac Escalade IQ but also in various other models of its premium brand, as well as in high-volume models from Chevrolet. The system will not need to be redeveloped for each vehicle.
BMW and Mercedes face excessive limitations
Turning to BMW and Mercedes, and the question of why they are no longer offering Level 3 systems: both companies had previously made such systems available for their flagship models, but found that Level 3 automation is currently permitted in only a limited number of scenarios.
Specifically, the systems—Drive Pilot (Mercedes) and Personal Pilot L3 (BMW)—enabled highly automated driving exclusively on motorways, and only at low speeds. BMW’s system was limited to 60 km/h in traffic jams or slow-moving traffic, while Mercedes had updated its system to allow speeds of up to 95 km/h. However, neither system could be used on rural roads or in urban traffic. Additionally, Level 3 systems require expensive Lidar sensors, which is why the technology cost upwards of £6,000.
As a result, both BMW and Mercedes have temporarily withdrawn the technology from their offerings. With the facelift of the S-Class, Mercedes is now offering the MB.Drive Assist Pro assistance system instead, which combines a Level 2++ driving assistant with navigation. While the driver must keep their eyes on the road at all times, the system enables highly automated door-to-door driving, even in urban traffic—similar to Tesla’s FSD (Supervised). BMW has also developed a new Level 2 assistant.