The CUV segment is in a strong upswing and senior VP of Global Cadillac, Bob Ferguson, wants in on the action. Ferguson told Edmunds he would like to expand the brands lineup by offering a subcompact crossover, as well as a diesel engine option.
“If you look at any growth forecast, or even look at present-day growth, I would say every luxury provider is looking hard at that set,” Ferguson said. “We would be silly not to. I think the Encore is a terrific vehicle and the perfect size. I would love to have a really luxurious competitive vehicle with that stance.”
Rumors that Cadillac has given a Buick Encore-sized model the green light have been making the rounds for about a year. The CUV would be direct competition for the BMW X1, Audi Q3 and the recently unveiled Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.
So far Cadillac has done a good job in competing with its German rivals, but if it wishes to continue its global expansion, offering a diesel is an important step. Ferguson is behind the idea, saying he “would love to have a diesel engine for all of our Cadillac’s this decade. I think that would speed our growth in Europe, and it would help us with environmental issues (in the U.S.) and in Asia.”
GM’s Executive VP of Global Product Development, Mark Reuss, told Edmunds” you will see more diesels” in an interview, but did not elaborate on the subject any further.
Comments
Great news, I hope that Cadillac shifting it’s focus to diesel engine technology will help improve GMs global diesel offerings, especially in Europe where apart from Opel Vauxhalls new 1.6d, their offerings are considerably off the pace. Cutting edge 2/3 ltr offerings are really essential for European success so maybe a brand like Cadillac could prove a real quality driver.
I just hope it’s RWD and not based off of gamma like the encore which is still a very nice car being that it is FWD and too tiny for a big guy like me
I think Cadillac should focus on X3 and X5 competitors before entering this segment. I think BRX for the X3 fighter, and keep the name SRX and just make it bigger to compete with X5, as they did with CTS. Escalade handles GL, and Range Rover just fine.
It’s Way Overdue and about Damn time that Caddy offers Diesels, I mention this in GMA’s LTS article, the majority of the High End Luxury brands already establish themselves in the diesel market an doing very well and tho Caddy will be late to the party, they will be the Star of the Party real quick!! 😉
Cadillac should propose diesel engines, begining with the 2.0 163 hp and V6 engines, even a V8 ones could be good in the competition against German car makers. Don’t forget victories which did Audi first and Peugeot after in 24h le Man with diesel engines.
Cadillac needs an SUV that is plush and SMALLER THAN THE ESCALADE that completely folds flat in the back for a real cargo area. If they can do that.. and Mercedes does.. then I will buy one.
Is the SRX small enough?
I like the idea of diesels in Cadillac’s. this time though they’ll be true diesels from the get go. I also applaud them for considering an even smaller offering and think that with the improvements in quality and features they could pull it off.
Agreed, this CUV has to be different than anything done by Buick our Chevy. I’m okay with the platform provided it can handle RWD, and really be unique.
Cadillac should offer coupe and wagon varriant of the ATC and CTS, even an XTS coupe could be a good idea but also a GT and a bmw serie1 and x1 response, and a range of SUV from the Escalade to a x1 copetitor. Addind to this, a serie of diesel engine to compete against tdi’s familly, a four, six, and eight cylinder diesel engines.