It’s no secret and, we’ve said it once and we’ll say it again, Cadillac has much catching up to do to completely fill out its portfolio of vehicles, especially when it comes to crossovers.
While we previously covered news of the next Cadillac crossover — a compact sized vehicle, likely arriving in 2018, Car and Driver had a chance to speak with Cadillac CMO Uwe Ellinghaus about the brand and the industry’s crossover craze.
Ellinghaus confirmed what we already knew, saying the 2017 Cadillac XT5 will be flanked by a larger crossover to bridge the gap between XT5 and Escalade, as well as a compact crossover to do battle with the BMW X3, GLC/GLK and the like. But that might not be all.
Adding to the report of four new crossovers coming by 2020, which includes the likelihood of a subcompact Cadillac crossover, are Ellinghaus’ words of what he envisions could make for a five-crossover lineup.
“We can envisage an even more compact [model] but we can also envisage something between a three-row SUV/crossover-derived car and the Escalade,” he said.
Yes, that would bring the CUV/SUV lineup to a subcompact crossover, a compact crossover, the XT5, a large crossover, this envisioned SUV/crossover and, finally, the Escalade. Though Ellinghaus is quick to point out that the Escalade is treated much differently, seeing as it is derived from a truck, rather than a car.
“The Escalade is so huge, and it’s different because it’s truck-based, that if the growth of the SUV segment continues, I really think there is space for maybe even two smaller cars than the XT5 and maybe even two larger ones.”
Comments
This looks like it’s all but confirming there’s going to be a more dynamically and aesthetically competitive RWD crossover lineup to the Germans.
If this is the case, the three-row crossover isn’t going to be full-sized, but a true GLE/X5/Q7/Cayenne competitor capable of supporting 3 rows. This means the speculated CUV slotting between the already-announced three-row CUV and the Escalade will be a true competitor for the GLS, Range Rover, plus the upcoming Audi Q9 and BMW X7.
I expect Cadillac to take this speculated GLS-hunter to levels they can’t with the Escalade due to it’s truck-based platform. If this project gets the green light, it confirms that the Escalade will remain truck-based, and the large CUV will be more expensive at it’s top trim.
I’m beginning to think De Nysschen is secretly disappointed with the XT5 and it’s competitive limitations against the top dogs in the luxury utility segment, therefore (like we all hoped), Cadillac management is putting together a more competitive lineup on all fronts.
I also think that Cadillac is actually getting pressure from GM to move their SUV/CUV offerings further upmarket. As long as Cadillac compromises and shares platforms with Buick/GMC/Chevrolet, those brands remain crowded at a certain level of pricing, features, and options. If Cadillac moves to their own platforms, it gives the Buick/GMC/Chevrolet trio more freedom in interior quality, tech, and pricing; ultimately freeing up more profits and allowing GM to further differentiate their brands.
The only possible way GM and Cadillac can possibly lose is if Cadillac released any of these upcoming CUVs on a platform intended to be shared with the less-premium GM brands (i.e. building the full-size CUV on the long-wheelbase C1XX platform, or plaftorm sharing the upcoming compact CUV with the Buick Envision). It would be a lose-lose situation because Cadillac would be unable to make higher profit margins, forcing them to rely on volume; Buick and GMC would be limited in their own marketing strategies, cutting GM’s potential profits.
The 5-CUV strategy MUST happen this way.
what about the CT8
Nothing new here as we pretty much knew this.
What about the CT8? It is coming and it is too soon to speak about it or the car lines yet. GM gets 2 years to 18 months out before we hear or see much. Why tell the Germans anymore than they already know?
GM should show an advantage here as they are king of the cross overs right now and it should give them a leg up on this. While they will be much different the basic engineering will be here and it should not only help Cadillac but trickle down to the other brands.