Cadillac Escala Concept: This Is It
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In case you thought it was a typo, no. This is not a Cadillac Escalade. This is the Cadillac Escala Concept. Of course, perhaps too similar of a name as the celebrated SUV, but it’s best not to overthink it. And again, there’s absolutely no confusing the two from a visual aspect.
At the front of the Cadillac Escala, it’s easy to spot the now-colorless crest emblem adorning the grille front and center. Then there’s the horizontal headlight integration. Yes, horizontal lights – with elongated vertical DRLs just below. The 22-inch wheels, meanwhile, feature a striking layered spoke design, while the rear fascia stretches out a familiar rear taillight design, while adding horizontal points on each inward side.
Is this all a glimpse of the next generation of Cadillac’s design language? Yes.
In fact, this may even preview a resurrection of the stillborn “CT8” flagship. This is because the Cadillac Escala is even larger than that of the new CT6 sedan — the current range-topper. At 210.5 inches in overall length, Escala is roughly 6 inches longer than today’s CT6. And it’s a liftback – AKA a four-door coupe.
The interior features a proclaimed “dual personality” interior, with the front being all about modern technology, while the second-row is all about comfort.
the OLED instrument panel, sourced from LG, presents a hyper-modern way of displaying information. The displays are curved, and layered in front of the driver. Not to skimp out on detail, back sides of the OLEDs are wrapped in hand-stitched leather embossed with the Cadillac script. The configuration blends the driving gauges with the center stack into one integrated unit.
Under the hood, the Cadillac Escala previews an upcoming 4.2-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine, slated for future Cadillac models. Cadillac notes that the engine utilizes Active Fuel Management technology, enabling fuel-saving 4-cylinder operation. However, power ratings were not listed, so we can use our imaginations. For now, let’s all enjoy the eye candy that Cadillac has provided for us. Hopefully they actually build this one.
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I don’t like it. By adding the horizontal light element, they took away what makes modern Cadillacs so distinctive. Remember what I said about four door coupes not working with Cadillac design language? This looks way too European. It looks like an Audi, and from afar I have little doubt it will look like the Camaro SS.
Are you happy now, Rye Shelton?
Completely disagree. This concept is sexy as hell. Just wish it was not a liftback. Liftbacks are not luxurious. The open back does not scream luxury sedan.
It’s sexy, but not in an American luxury way. That’s why it rubs me the wrong way.
I get that sentiment. I has too much of a A7 feel to it.
EvDave, I agree with you about the sexiness of this design, but disagree on the luxuriousness of a liftback. Tell that to all those A/S/RS7 buyers, where Audi is succeeding and exceeding its expectations in sales. Not to mention there are still buyers in the US waiting for the A/S5 Sportback to also hit the market. Done right and for the right buyer Euro tastes are where most Americans will spend their cash. Cadillac is smart to amass its best talent from every part corner of the planet to make world cars. When this new design language appears on new products, the world will surely take notice.
Love the horizontal lighting element…They needed to evolve the designa and this works. Sophisticated, restrained, and yet still visually appealing.
Now the front AND back are in sync. Love the rear design, which is something Cadillac has needed to work on for a long time. Also side profile detail comes out the more you look at it…
The more I look at the photos, the more I like it…Will grow on people long term.
This smells of we changed up the status quo just to say we did. The exterior to me is so German and bland, the interior is definitely a cool design study though…
Is a BMW 7 Series with Cadillac Logo
The car is beautiful but reminds in excess to Germans
Beautiful car. I really wish they would make this
Finally, a car worthy to be called the Cadillac flagship. This is the vehicle the CT6 should have been. It should have carried in this new design language. Say what you will about the design being too German, but the details are still distinctly Cadillac. Vertical headlights were limiting Caddy from making an aggressive looking car, and people were beginning to complain that all the cars looked the same. That problem has obviously been solved. The detailing is beautiful. Just look at the interior trim work and the rear design. Let’s pray that this vehicle is given the go for production. This is the exciting design Cadillac needs to reinvigorate and energize.
Oh, and the color choices, excellent. The exterior paint truly looks world class. Could look right at home on a Mercedes or Bentley.
I wonder if the production car (if there is one) will retain at least a tiny hint of Art and Science.
CT8 Sedan 2018/2019, CT7 Four Door Coupe 2018/2019, Cadillac is tell on track to have 11 models by 2020. Concept cars are not design to go into production, but concept/production cars are design to.
“Concept cars are not design (sic) to go into production, but concept/production cars are design (sic) to.”
Well, which is it? Of course production cars are designed to go into production.
An interesting design, and departs from the existing (exterior) similarity between the ATS, CT5, & CT6. Definitely a more rounded, softer side of Art & Science.
I thought the visible lower metal front door hinge was a nice touch in the way it is integrated into the front quarter panels.
The aerodynamic blade shape of the rear-view mirrors looks good, but does it offer enhanced visibility?
CC
Six inches longer than the Cadillac CT6 donor car which means this is a stillborn and might have been a 2-door coupe variant of the canceled CT8; the only reason why Cadillac decided to bring the car to Pebble Beach Concours is that they didn’t have another car ready and had finished development of the Escala.
a four door coupe isn’t the match for Cadillac or a flagship.
I hope Autoline looses half of its fan base with all thier nonsense of the flagship being cancelled. JDN said something like this might be added to the lineup,,i,think thats a pretty good indication we will see this car. First off its good to see a actual large Cadillac again at 210 in length, this thing is huge. Second I like seeing the 4 person executive seating. If this car makes it to production like that, it would be the first Cadillac since the 74 Talisman to offer it. Next we have a V8.. In my opinion it should only be offered in the CT8 and not the CT6. This car looks almost production ready, which tells me its more then just a concept and that we will see this by 2020.
JDN did also make it clear that this car would only come out if the market is not hostile for large cars. My reply to that is that the market is already in that shape. You want a few ugly CUVS and SUVs? Fine, but please make sure this car or something close makes it to production to make Cadillac the standard of the world again
Should absolutely go in the CT6 as a V Sport model.
omegatalon, do you have any information that it is canceled? We all like to see it.
can they make it a low height CUV or a tall wagon ??
Hate the headlights,Hate the a7 look.
-Love the back
-Love the tail lights
-Love the interior
…
-hate the headlights.
-hate the audi style(a7)
-hate the small window(third one and the way it looks)
-Don’t like the c pillar.
Conclusions:
This car is not finished. Has a potential , but they need to do some home work.
Give this rear to the elmiraj and you will have an ideal car.
Who ever thought of the color less badge should be fired.
the sloping rear roof will give the car poor rear head room.
Why Ed Wellburn, why did you have to leave us?
Thanks God hes gone…
dated and boring Ct6- cts is his job
Looks too much like a A7.
It’s a shame that the people who develop Cadillac’s concept cars don’t run the company because it would be a lot more fun if the CT6 was named the Ciel or Elmiraj; and if they do build this year’s concept car.. the Escala, they actually named it the Escala instead of CT7 or CT9 as it makes you wonder why the Escalade hasn’t been renamed the XT10.
The video quality of the car was not the best but the pics tell a different story. The car does look amazing but the liftback has got to go.
This updated A&S design language on the next gen. and new Cadillacs could look amazing and expressive.
In spite of the idiot Facebook comments, the updated design is welcome.
And for anyone who says it looks like an A7, it looks far better and does not look like it and far from it.
I like it but I have to agree with those who say it looks too much like the Audi A7. There’s just not enough going on here to distance itself from the German competition. It’s different but not different enough.
The interior, on the other hand, I love! I think the interior is the real talking point of the Escala.
I love the large swathes of cloth, wood and leather and I like the way the dash curves around the driver. The whole thing looks very upmarket, futuristic and somehow traditional at the same time.