- Cadillac plans to launch two new electric models soon, the Lyriq and the Celestiq.
- The luxury brand previously announced that it would return to names rather than alphanumerics like XT5.
- The Lyriq is an SUV debuting in April 2020, and the Celestiq is a flagship hatchback that will arrive later.
Cadillac’s first electric vehicle will be a two-row utility vehicle named the Lyriq. The Lyriq concept will be officially unveiled in April, but GM showed the vehicle to media in a preview event of eleven upcoming electric vehicles. The concept, we’re told, is a 95 percent representation of what the production version will look like.
Cadillac
While the Lyriq rides on GM’s new architecture dedicated to electric vehicles, it retains the traditional proportions of an internal-combustion vehicle. Notably, the Lyriq has the long dash-to-axle ratio that typically signifies an engine oriented longitudinally under the hood.
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In some ways, the long and low Lyriq reminds us of the original Cadillac SRX. It looks more like a high-riding wagon than today’s Cadillac XT5. At the rear, the taillights wrap around the Lyric’s side and sweep up along the C-pillar. This detail is poised to become a Cadillac signature, as it also appears on the Cadillac Celestiq electric flagship (detailed below) and an electric Cadillac Escalade concept.
Inside the Lyriq concept, a single 34-inch curved display serves as both the instrument cluster and infotainment screen, similar to that in the new Cadillac Escalade. The four-seat concept also includes a prominent console with a touchscreen between the two rear-seat occupants.
Cadillac Celestiq
After the debut of the Lyriq this year, GM also hopes to reinvigorate the Cadillac brand with a low-volume, high-price electric flagship. The Celestiq is a four-seat hatchback that is conceptually most similar to a Porsche Panamera, although stylistically nothing like that car.
The concept wears 23-inch wheels and features low and long proportions that give it a commanding presence. Inside, a single screen stretches the entire width of the dash.The Celestiq will be hand-built near Detroit and will almost certainly command a six-figure price.
When asked why Cadillac needs an electric car like this, GM president Mark Reuss, responded “Do you think the Cadillac brand is in good shape? It’s not.”
Source: Motor - aranddriver.com
