General Motors’ investment in the future of electric vehicles appears to be following a familiar pattern of progress and setbacks. While the debut of the Chevy Blazer EV has failed to gain traction, the upscale Cadillac Lyriq SUV is steadily attracting more customers.
Despite initial setbacks, GM remains committed to its electric vehicle (EV) lineup and has recently introduced a significant software update for the Lyriq. This update offers a glimmer of hope that it might address some of the issues that have hindered its competitiveness against Tesla.
Cadillac’s Super Cruise technology is undergoing a significant transformation. With GM expanding its coverage across North America to over 1,207,000 kilometers, Lyriq owners can anticipate fewer prompts to resume manual control, leading to a more hands-off driving experience, particularly on highways.
While not yet achieving full autonomy, these enhancements are likely to be well-received by tech-savvy drivers. Additionally, the Lyriq’s standard adaptive cruise control is receiving updates to deliver a smoother ride and improved lane-keeping, essential for Cadillac to remain competitive in the semi-autonomous driving race.
Furthermore, the inclusion of touchscreen controls for the garage door and glove box may seem like minor features, but they demonstrate Cadillac’s attention to detail.
Moreover, GM is enhancing the performance of the MyCadillac app, promising a more seamless and intuitive user experience. These refinements aim to enhance the interaction between the car and driver, addressing concerns raised by Cadillac’s customers regarding the tech package.
However, there is a drawback to this update: it cannot be downloaded at home. Lyriq owners must visit a dealership to have the update installed, reminiscent of the pre-over-the-air (OTA) update era.
While OTA updates are considered the future standard for convenience, GM’s decision to require dealership visits for this crucial update may be a cautious approach to ensure its successful implementation.
While slightly inconvenient, having the Lyriq undergo updates at dealerships ensures any potential issues are addressed in a controlled environment, providing peace of mind for owners.
