GM recently announced it will be debuting a Level 3 self-driving system in 2028, but it turns out that may not be the case. Speaking at GM Forward 2026, an event where the company outlines the technological leaps it plans to make in the next few years, Chief Product Officer Sterling Anderson seemingly shot down the “Level 3” concept.
“I get annoyed every time I hear someone say Level Three. Level 3 was a convenient plug that made levels of autonomy look like continuous Spectrum. They are not a continuous spectrum. There is this middle ground that is kind of an autonomous uncanny valley, we will not pass through that valley.” Anderson said during the Q and A session that followed the event’s keynote.
Many analysts, engineers, and industry experts consider “Level 3” self-driving to be a fully hands-off, eyes-off, system that requires no driver input to function. Instead, the person behind the wheel would theoretically be free to mess around on their phone, work on a laptop, watch a movie, nap, or just stare at the scenery.
Anderson’s vision sounds a lot like that, but without the “Level 3” label. He said: “We’re not developing Level 3 Autonomy, we’re developing a system that can function without constant supervision.”
The GM CPO is instead promising an autonomous system that “Operates safety on the highways that actually gives you your time back rather than the illusion of time back.” The system is also expected to grow in capability as time goes on.
When can you expect to see GM’s system make its debut
If GM sticks to the timeline it recently announced, drivers can expect to see the “not Level-3” self-driving system make its debut in the 2029 model year Cadillac Escalade IQ, which is scheduled to come out in 2028. The system is unlikely to cover the current full SuperCruise range, though the number of roads it covers is expected to expand over time. The number of vehicles the upcoming system is available in will also expand beyond the Escalade IQ, eventually covering most if not all of GM’s lineup.
As for its capabilities, the system will know your route and stick to it. Which likely means it will make turns and take highway exits as needed. It will be capable of automatically changing lanes to overtake, or allow faster vehicles to pass, just like SuperCruise currently does. Drivers will also be able to initiate lane changes should they wish to get involved.
But from the sounds of things, they won’t have to get involved too often. The idea of the system is to give those traveling by car their “time back.” Which sounds like there will be minimal input on any driver’s part when the system is engaged. However, there are a few caveats.
GM doesn’t currently want you to fall asleep behind the wheel, or anywhere else in the vehicle. From what we were told, a driver will need to be present in the driver’s seat at all times when the vehicle is in motion. That driver must also be prepared to take over at any time, though the vehicle will alert you when it expects you to take charge. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to be on constant alert. Just as Level 2 self-driving can mean you don’t have to touch the wheel or pedals for hours, the upcoming system will likely mean the same thing when it comes to putting your eyes on the road. So you could theoretically read a book when the system is active.
Despite asking, Autonotion couldn’t get an answer on if you’ll be free to use your phone or not beyond a suggestion that GM will defer to local laws. The chances are, if you go past a cop with a phone in your hands saying “my vehicle was driving itself” may not get you out of a ticket. So you may still have to wait for actual legislation changes before you go hands on with a personal device.
