Updates to Cadillac CUE

Starting with the 2017 CTS, Cadillac is bringing their latest infotainment features to market. As we can see on product update pages at GM, this coincides with a similar update to CUE that is debuting on the 2018 CT6. Important is that Cadillac is de-emphasizing the CUE name in favor of calling it the Cadillac user experience (note the loss of the capitals that gave us the U and E in CUE).  This is, no doubt, in response to bad press that the original CUE system received in some circles. Key features of the new infotainment are:

  • Personalized Profiles (allowing personal settings to be uploaded to Cadillac servers to be used on the next Cadillac you drive - this will be helpful as the Book service rolls out)
  • Predictive Navigation (frequent destinations and traffic-sensitive route suggestions will improve the navigation's usefulness)
  • Collection (an internet connected app service that uses the 4G LTE data link)
  • Teen Driver (provides owners the ability to set limits on features that can be used and safety technologies that can be disabled)

See more below:

Next-Generation Cadillac User Experience Debuts in CTS

2017-02-21

  • Cloud-based driver preferences
  • Predictive navigation
  • Collection application suite

NEW YORK – Cadillac today announced the next-generation Cadillac user experience system, which offers a more personalized, intuitive interface, and debuts in the Cadillac CTS, beginning with the 2017 interim model year, arriving at U.S. dealerships during the first quarter. Cadillac plans to include the system in XTS and ATS sedans with the start of 2018 model year production. Cadillac’s other product lines are scheduled to adopt the system in future model years. The next-generation Cadillac user experience is a dynamic platform that can be adjusted over time to meet a customer’s evolving connectivity needs, leveraging the cloud to enable personalization, available connected navigation, and applications via the Collection app store. With functionality that applies popular apps and smartphone practices in the vehicle, the new user experience system provides customers with easier access to the most common features. The more intuitive operation includes a Summary View in which all key applications – climate, audio, phone and navigation – are displayed on one screen. “Cadillac pioneered connectivity by bringing OnStar to market, and more recently we became the first luxury brand to enable Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across our product line,” says Richard Brekus, Cadillac director of product strategy. “We have worked to improve overall system response in recent years, and now this next-generation user experience system delivers more improvements, focused mainly on intuitive control.” Personalized Profiles My Driver Preferences are personalized, cloud-based profiles that allow users to customize the infotainment system to match individual preferences and take that same customized experience with them into any new Cadillac user experience equipped vehicle. Features such as vehicle and display setting, contact favorites, navigation route preferences and recent destinations can be customized and follow a user’s profile. Each driver can create an individual account and personalize their preferences for the Cadillac user experience. Vehicle owners can manage their My Driver Preferences in the vehicle or via their myCadillac Owner Center on the Cadillac website. Integrated Smartphone-like Navigation The new Cadillac user experience features an available all-new navigation app with an intuitive interface and access to destination information via available cloud-based services. This includes updated points of interest, live traffic information, fuel prices and parking information. Through simple input methods, such as enhanced voice recognition and an improved onscreen search function, users have access to more relevant search results. Over time, this opt-in subscription-based system can learn a user’s preferred routes and destinations, offering predictive suggestions based upon traffic and frequent destinations. New Cadillac user experience equipped vehicles currently come standard with an available, opt-in 12-month connected navigation trial. Active Connection The built-in OnStar 4G LTE enables an active connection to the vehicle that, with customer consent, will allow Cadillac to remotely update features such as navigation and the newly launched Collection app store, after vehicle purchase. The available 4GLTE Wi-Fi hotspot allows passengers to connect up to seven compatible mobile devices, smartphones, and tablets to high-speed wireless Internet. The new system supports use of two compatible phones concurrently via Bluetooth. Users can access Apple CarPlay and Android Auto advanced smartphone integration through the Home screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are subject to their terms, privacy statements and data plan rates, and require a compatible smartphone. Every new Cadillac currently comes standard with an available 12-month OnStar subscription at no additional cost. Among other benefits, this connectivity plan features OnStar Smart Driver, an opt-in service designed to help owners maximize their vehicle’s overall performance, reduce wear and tear, monitor fuel efficiency and improve their driving – all factors that add to the overall ownership experience. Owners can also manage their vehicles remotely with the industry-leading myCadillac mobile app via their compatible smartphones.

CTSScott KissingerComment