GM took things to the same place as other automakers by adding OnStar Premium as part of the standard features last summer.
The subscription cost for this upgraded service is $1,500 for three years, but some buyers would certainly rather have the option to avoid this cost. Instead of being optional, GM added the premium package of this connectivity service as a standard feature on all Buick and GMC vehicles. This makes some sense, these two brands are both premium names, but some shoppers would rather see the cost of this feature deleted from the standard items list.
GM is expected to offer quality vehicles at great prices
GM used to include several more brands than we see now. If you remember the names Pontiac, Oldsmobile, and Saturn, you understand some brands were deleted several years ago. Today, there are four GM brands which are GMC, Buick, Chevrolet, and Cadillac. Of these, Chevy is the mainstream brand, GMC and Buick are premium brands, and Cadillac is the luxury arm of GM. The only brand where a premium service makes sense is the Cadillac brand.
How will the application of this feature change?
Instead of including the OnStar Premium feature as a standard item, this tech package will only be offered on models at the top of the market. This means the GMC Denali versions will include this feature as part of the standard packaging. The same will be true of the Buick Avenir models. We will see this package on every version of the GMC Hummer EV. Lower trims of GMC and Buick models will come with three years of OnStar Remote Access, which offers links to the vehicle via mobile app for all other consumers.
Why is GM making this change?
Inflation has hit everyone hard. Vehicle prices and interest rates have increased. This, coupled with the scarcity of inventory and supply constraints, leaves dealers with very few discounts, rebates, and options for consumers to receive great deals on vehicles. Because of these situations, it makes sense for GM to figure out how to reduce costs for owners wherever possible. Removing the standard $1,500 cost of the top level of OnStar does this. This change will help new owners save a little money on the vehicle when choosing a GMC or Buick model that isn’t a Denali or Avenir trim level.
Will This change anything at Cadillac
The next model year for the Cadillac Escalade and Escalade-V will continue to include the three years of OnStar Premium as part of the standard features package. This tech package should be included in every Cadillac model at every trim. The Cadillac brand is the only luxury brand from GM, and it makes perfect sense for these features to be an included aspect of the brand and every model offered. The premium features included in this package are automatic crash response, stolen vehicle assistance, remote vehicle access, and unlimited data streaming for the Wi-Fi hotspot.
When purchased separately, the service plan costs $50 per month or $550 per year.
Does the OnStar Remote Access feature cost extra?
All GM vehicles below the top trims from GMC and Buick will only have the basic three years of OnStar’s Remote Access, which is included as part of the standard package at no extra cost. This package allows owners the capability to lock, unlock, and start a vehicle from a smartphone. Additionally, this system enables vehicle location on a map and remotely shares routes with the navigation system from the smartphone being used.
Will GM owners miss the standard features of the Premium package?
Some consumers will miss the OnStar Premium features, but they won’t have to for very long. Any driver buying one of the lower trim models that don’t include this package of items can add it as an option. This upgrade is affordable and will give the driver the added capabilities desired. GM giving this flexibility to owners makes it much easier for GM drivers to enjoy their vehicles and everything included in this system.
The flexibility desired in the OnStar Premium system is returning to most GM vehicles, giving new buyers the option to add this system or stick to the Remote Access system. This flexibility could be an enticing part of buying a new GM vehicle. Some automakers aren’t offering such flexibility in their subscription services.
Could this be why you buy a new GM vehicle?
This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning a commission is given should you decide to make a purchase through these links, at no cost to you. All products shown are researched and tested to give an accurate review for you.
