Is GM Super Cruise Level 3?

By Anna Duncan

If you’re interested in the latest technological advances in the automotive industry, you may have heard of GM Super Cruise. This advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) has generated a lot of buzz since its introduction in 2017, and for good reason. But what exactly is Super Cruise, and how does it compare to other ADAS offerings on the market?

Firstly, it’s important to understand that there are different levels of automation when it comes to ADAS. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has developed a widely recognized classification system that ranges from Level 0 (no automation) to Level 5 (full automation).

Super Cruise falls under Level 2 automation, which means that it provides both steering and acceleration/deceleration support but requires continuous driver attention and intervention. However, there has been some confusion regarding whether Super Cruise can be considered a Level 3 ADAS system.

Level 3 automation is characterized by systems that can take over all aspects of driving under certain conditions and require the driver to be able to take control when necessary. This is also known as conditional automation. One example of a Level 3 ADAS is Audi’s Traffic Jam Pilot.

So why do some people think Super Cruise is a Level 3 system? Well, it’s because Super Cruise does have certain conditional automation capabilities.

Specifically, it can take over steering, acceleration, and braking on divided highways with no pedestrians or bicycles present. The system uses high-precision GPS mapping data along with cameras and sensors to ensure safe operation.

However, despite these advanced capabilities, Super Cruise still falls under Level 2 automation because it requires the driver to be attentive at all times and ready to take control if needed. The system uses eye-tracking technology to ensure that the driver is paying attention and will issue warnings if they become distracted or look away from the road for too long.

In conclusion, GM Super Cruise is an impressive ADAS system that offers advanced features like hands-free driving on certain highways. However, it is not considered a Level 3 system due to the fact that it still requires driver attention and intervention. As with any ADAS technology, it’s important to understand its limitations and use it responsibly.