Affiliate links on Android Authority may earn us a commission. Learn more.

GM shows off new smart features coming to its vehicles

"OK Google, start my car."

•

Published onNovember 27, 2021

At a press event in Toronto this week, GM Canada showed off its latest connected car features that will be available with its upcoming portfolio. From locking your car with Google Home to using GM’s OnStar app to call for help, there’s a lot to talk about!

New mobile app brings OnStar to everybody

OnStar’s real-time driver assistance is one of the best features of GM cars. The service, which requires a monthly subscription, is an excellent way to get help quickly if you’re stuck on the road or have been in an accident. Until now, OnStar was only available to GM car owners. But with the new OnStar Guardian app, anyone can take advantage of this excellent service.

The app lets you connect with seven other friends or family members and utilize the location tracking feature. You can also use the app to get roadside assistance or call OnStar agents or 911 in case of emergencies. OnStar’s best feature from the car makes its way over to the mobile app as well. The app can automatically detect if you’ve been in an accident with the mobile crash detection feature. An OnStar service agent will call emergency services for you and try to get in touch with you through the app.

Available on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store, the OnStar Guardian app brings emergency assistance to your fingertips, even if you aren’t in your car. The great news is that the app isn’t limited to GM car owners either. Anybody with a smartphone can download the app and make use of OnStar’s services. Of course, there’s a benefit if you already own a GM car and subscribe to OnStar. Anyone subscribed to the “Safety and Security” plan or better will get free access to the Guardian app. Without that, it’ll set you back $15 a month.

New smart features let you control your car with an app or smart speakers

There’s plenty you can now do with an app or your smart speakers with Cadillac’s upgraded connected features. Demo-ing these features with the Cadillac CT5, you can use the app to lock, unlock, and even start your car. You can also sound the alarm, start or stop the headlights, and set up which apps you can access on the car’s dashboard.

An essential app feature is the availability of vehicle diagnostics. You don’t have to wait till the check engine light or other warnings pop up on the dash to start worrying. You can keep track of tire pressure, oil life, and a lot more with the new app and even check how much gas you have in the tank. The mobile app will also track how you drive and provide a “Smart Driver Score.”

Too lazy to open an app? Just ask Alexa! With the new Alexa and Google Assistant integration, you can use your smart speakers to do everything you can with an app. Ask Alexa how much gas is in the car, and it will tell you a percentage, and more importantly, the range available. Not sure whether you locked your car? Just ask Google Assistant to do it for you. Before you’re ready to head out, you can start the car and set climate control, so you’re greeted with a warm and toasty interior in the cold winter.

“Super Cruise” your way down the highway

The new “Super Cruise” assisted driving feature that will come with most high-end GM vehicles takes things to the next level. With lane recognition, cruise control, and adaptive braking, the current form of cruise control is pretty great, as long as you don’t want to change lanes. Adding to the already impressive feature list, the car will now also change lanes for you, making for a true hands-free highway driving experience.

Don’t take your eyes off the road, though! Cars with Super Cruise come with an eye-tracking camera to ensure that you are still paying attention to your surroundings.

Super Cruise will be available with select 2022 GM models like the Cadillac Escalade, Cadillac CT4, Cadillac CT5, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Hummer EV Pickup, and the GMC Sierra. It will also make its way to GM’s upcoming EV offerings like the Cadillac Lyriq and the yet-to-be-unveiled Cadillac Celestiq.

Also read: The 6 best cheap hybrid cars you can buy in the US today

Cadillac Live makes car shopping easier than ever

Buying a new car isn’t an easy decision. If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, there are plenty of Google searches and dealership visits in your future. Or you can get all the information you need from the comfort of your own home while getting a real-time walkthrough of any car you want.

Cadillac Live lets you schedule a one-on-one tour of a dedicated showroom or join a group tour. An agent will answer all your questions and recommend a car based on your needs. They will also provide a live video tour of the vehicle you choose. Ready to buy? The agent can also set you up with a dealership nearby after ensuring that they have the exact model and trim that you want available.