In-Car HMI UX Evaluation & Benchmarking: Lynk & Co 900 and Cadillac Escalade IQ
- Marco Strosberg
- Jul 31
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 14
As OEMs continue to pursue the SDV, they are increasing both the number of technologies in the vehicle and their significance to the overall user experience. Their success, however, relies on their ability to ensure that this experience is delivered in a seamless and satisfactory manner. In doing so, OEMs, developers, and suppliers can ensure successful product launches while securing long-term customer loyalty with the vehicle and its ecosystem of digital services.
Recognizing the ways in which HMI features can positively or negatively contribute to the in-vehicle user experience is our 635 - In-Car HMI UX Evaluation & Benchmarking report series. Representing one of our best-selling, longest running, reports, it provides a comprehensive, analytical assessment of the latest HMI systems launched globally. Across 2025, our UX experts are reviewing and benchmarking the systems provided in nine recently released vehicles to understand who is leading the space, and who is falling behind.
In this Insight, we will be covering two vehicles that we have tested for the 2025 series, Lynk & Co 900 and Cadillac Escalade IQ.
A closer look at the Lynk & Co 900
The Lynk & Co 900 brings an array of innovative features, including AR-HUD, multi-screen setups, and flexible seating, but is held back by severe system instability, lag, and underwhelming ADAS performance despite high-end hardware. While external interaction and in-cabin tech show promise, persistent flaws in navigation, connectivity, and design limit the overall user experience and demand urgent attention through OTA updates.
"At first glance, the Lynk & Co 900 impresses with a wide range of features and functions that promise a premium driving experience. But when some of these features don’t work reliably or inconsistently, they shift from being assets to being sources of frustration. Especially in the European market, where users value clarity, reliability and predictability, such issues can erode trust and diminish the perceived quality of the entire vehicle."
“The Lynk & Co 900 introduces several novel features, such as rotatable second-row seats and an interactive exterior display mounted in the rear ceiling. The in-vehicle display options are extensive. The HUD offers rich content with four selectable modes, including an AR display, and with its high brightness shows good visibility during the day.”
A closer look at the Cadillac Escalade IQ
The newly redesigned electric SUV from GM has some big shoes to fill with the Escalade name, which carries high expectations. While our evaluations of previous generation Escalades have always scored well, the IQ struggled to achieve the same bar due to the omission of a few notable features and some usability challenges. However, one particularly effective implementation in the Escalade IQ is the ADAS, with Super Cruise, which is a SAE L2+ offering. The output HMI for Super Cruise, especially with the light bar on the steering wheel, is intuitive and supportive. FAPA is also offered and implemented well, providing an overall positive user experience with the IQ’s ADAS offering.
“The new Escalade IQ impresses with its perceived quality, visually pleasing design, and solid build quality that, in most areas, meet or exceeds expectations. Thanks to Google Built-in, users can get familiar with the system quickly. However, the absence of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay may disappoint some users.”
"The Escalade comes with strong features like a passenger display and Rear-Seat-Entertainment. The highly customizable ambient lighting with distinct zones is a major delight"
Want to learn more about the latest in-vehicle HMI solutions, their impacts on the end user experience, and which vehicle offers the best user experience? Then be sure to secure your subscription to the 635 - In-Car HMI UX Evaluation & Benchmarking series!
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