General Motors says it will introduce “eyes-off” driving capability and new conversational AI systems as part of its next generation of intelligent vehicles. The company described the technologies as key steps toward what it calls “personal autonomy”.
In a statement, GM said that in 2028 it plans to launch eyes-off driving on the Cadillac Escalade IQ (main image), starting with highway use. Turquoise lighting on the dashboard and exterior mirrors will signal when the system is active. “A turquoise light indicates hand-off operation,” the company said.
GM added that the system is built on “redundancy with lidar, radar, and cameras integrated into the vehicle’s design”. According to the company, this combination of sensor fusion, real-world driving data, and simulation “provides a safe, reliable, and highly capable eyes-off autonomous system”.
The automaker also pointed to its experience with Super Cruise, its existing hands-free driving system. Since launching in 2017, GM says Super Cruise has been used on 23 vehicle models and has enabled “more than 700 million hands-free miles with zero reported crashes attributed to the system”.
The new eyes-off technology will draw on Super Cruise’s track record and the autonomous software stack from Cruise, GM’s driverless vehicle subsidiary.
Alongside autonomy, GM announced that starting in 2026 its vehicles will include conversational AI powered by Google Gemini, enabling drivers to interact more naturally with their cars. The system will handle tasks such as drafting messages, finding charging stops, or planning routes.
GM said it also plans to launch a proprietary AI assistant in the future, connected through OnStar, that will “draw directly from your vehicle’s onboard intelligence” to deliver personalized information and predictive maintenance suggestions.
Both systems will run on GM’s new centralized computing platform, which the company says offers up to 35 times more AI performance than its current systems and unifies propulsion, steering, braking, infotainment, and safety controls.
