Buick has offered a sneak peek at the updated Envision, revealing its redesigned appearance and announcing that it will be the first Buick model to feature General Motors’ advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), Super Cruise. The revamped Envision showcases a modern and appealing look, drawing inspiration from Buick’s Wildcat concept unveiled in June last year.
The significant development lies in the Envision’s adoption of Level 2 ADAS technology, as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers. Previously, Super Cruise was only available in vehicles from General Motors’ other brands, including Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC. The introduction of the 2024 Envision later this year will expand the range of vehicles featuring this hands-off driving system.
Super Cruise employs a combination of lidar mapping data, real-time cameras, radars, and GPS to provide various driving assistance functionalities such as braking, acceleration, and, in some cases, lane changes. It enables a hands-free driving experience on compatible roads. However, it is crucial to note that even though “hands-off” driving is possible, there must always be a driver behind the wheel who remains attentive and monitored throughout the journey.
Last year, Super Cruise received a substantial upgrade, extending its coverage to approximately 400,000 miles of roads in the United States and Canada, including non-divided highways—a remarkable expansion of available routes. Mario Maiorana, GM’s chief engineer of Super Cruise, emphasized the company’s commitment to responsible deployment of automated driving technology, stating that it represents their comprehensive approach to autonomy within the industry.
GM aims to make Super Cruise accessible on 22 models across its entire lineup by the close of 2023. Buick’s adoption of this technology signifies an early stride in the brand’s ongoing revitalization. Buick previously announced plans to introduce its first electric vehicle by 2024 and transition to a fully electric lineup by 2030. The brand is also prioritizing connectivity in its future endeavors.
In addition to Super Cruise, GM is actively developing an even more advanced automated system called Ultra Cruise, which promises “destination to destination” hands-free driving. Initially, it is expected to function on over 2 million miles of roads upon its launch, but Ultra Cruise will be reserved for GM’s premium electric vehicles. The system is set to make its debut on the Cadillac Celestiq in 2024, marking another milestone in GM’s pursuit of autonomous driving technology.
