Yesterday evening, Cadillac took to the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance to showcase its latest design concept: the Cadillac Escala concept.
After much anticipation, Cadillac dropped the cloak and revealed a long, flowing concept sedan, presumably showcasing what a flagship sedan could look like in the coming years, and also previewing a new face for the entire lineup of Cadillac vehicles.
So, naturally, we’re here to ask: is it hot? Or not so much?
Upon first glance, the Escala is certainly pleasing to the eye. Its fluid lines, lack of a B-pillar and chiseled surfaces speak to Cadillac’s current design language, but in a very different fashion. The biggest news is the lack of vertical headlamps up front, replaced with thin horizontal units. In the rear, signature, vertical LED taillamps are present with a twist, as the lights sweep into the trunk lid and around the corner of the quarter panel.
As far as the exterior design goes, there’s very good going on here, but also some ho-hum areas. The face comes off as a tad generic looking, while the rear looks like an excellent evolution of current Cadillac design.
Inside, the interior cabin is exquisite; the design, materials and curved OLED screens are said to be previewing not only a future design motif but the OLED screens will make their way to a future production vehicle, too.
We’re going to turn it to you now. How has Cadillac done? Is the Escala a decent scale of what’s to come from the brand? Or should this stay stillborn in conceptual design? The floor is yours.
Comments
The Escala is mostly hot although not really feeling the hatchback.
I love the post modern crest but this will be the fourth crest changein recent years.
I love the grill but it breaks from tradition and is a little too much metoo in execution.
I’d happily drive this car if the c pillar and window were restyled.
The crest is not new. It is colorless on side panels of the CT6 and XT5 just like the concept.
70% in the poll say dropdead gorgeous.
Majority wins.
No. I am getting ready to buy in this category. I am spending real money. My say is stronger. Cadillac loses.
It’s hot, but needs some changes:
The front. Especially the headlights.
And the c pillar…. It should not look like an a7…
But overall its great. Just needs some work
After at looking some more better pics online here is my conclusion. The things I am not feeling are what most everyone is saying, the hatchback style just looks wrong and not for this car. Next, I am not a fan of those headlights. I know its only a concept but those have to go.. To be honest if you bring back the vertical headlights and lose the hatch style, you have a 4 door Elmarj.
I love the interior and cannot find one problem there at all. I like all the tech and the new dash layout. I also love the increased dimensions of the car. One thing that I really hope Cadillac is not planning is the colorless crest. This looks awful and it dose nothing for the car that it adorns. Its kinda odd that just as Buick gets back its color in its emblem, cadillac looses it. They need to keep the current emblem.
All in all I am impressed with the concept. If they just make those 3 changes I spoke of Cadillac will have one of the nicest looking flagships on the market.
The headlights are very Jeep! Great for a value offering but too toy for luxury.
Every hear the joke about the Jaguar and Buick Avista walking into a bar and meeting up with an Acura? This is how I am feeling here and this concept, while very pretty, isn’t good enough when considering the future of Cadillac.
It is time for Art and Science to evolve but Cadillac needs a true show stopper. Frankly, Avista and Aveair should have been saved for Cadillac.
I heard that one. Jaguar asks, where did the Cadillac come from. The Buick answers, from all over, but originally caused disruptions in the Far East proclaiming, “From Infinity to beyond”.
In some ways, I see quite a few design languages: the side profile and rear fascia are somewhat reminiscent of the Jaguar XJ, the front fascia sort of looks a bit Aston Martin-ish (maybe a little Ford and Mazda-ish), and the hatch design says Audi A7. Overall, however, the Escala appears to be very European! But as I look at the concept as a whole, it’s definitely another strikingly designed Cadillac! I love it! This is what a flagship is all about! The long, low profile, bevy of technological features (some of which are currently slated for future production), and handsome, yet stately design are all key elements found in today’s flagship! Hopefully, the Escala concept means the CT8 program is alive and kicking! Please don’t let this be another beautiful concept gone to waste!
Stunning if for no other reason that it has perfect proportions. The low waistline creates a sleek look that has been absent for years as cars look like wannaby SUVs.
Depending on how the Escala is received, there’s a possibility that the ATS and/or CTS replacement could share some of the design cues from this car as the ATS coupe could look like a smaller version of the Escala.
Even if the only thing that survives from this concept is the design cues I’ll be happy.
Although I hope something like this makes it to production I really like the new design language upfront. I can really see a suv cuv sitting there with that front end.
Also really hoping that the new ats cts replacements really carry the design
Warm. Offer a hybrid version that’s about mileage more than performance and you’ve got yourself a hottie.
Interior is good. Exterior is a bit bland. The Elmiraj was definitely a better looking car. I know Cadillac can do better.
I can’t argue with your opinion — because you know what you like — but I’ve found the exteriors of recent Caddies to be over-designed. Kinda ‘look at me!’ instead of, ‘Wait… who’s that sexy little number?”
Cadillac has always been about attention grabbing design. Just look at the 1959 and 1960 model year Fleetwoods. It’s part of their heritage. And if I want a car that doesn’t stand out or catch peoples eye I can buy a BMW or an Audi. But I want a Cadillac. A car that people stop to stare at and that people want to talk to you about at gas stations. Maybe I should just buy a 1960 Fleetwood.
“And if I want a car that doesn’t stand out — ”
Did I say that? Nope. I said that instead of bashing you over the head with a shovel, this more artful design elicits this: “Wait… who’s that sexy little number?”
“Cadillac has always been about attention grabbing design.”
Right. As this Escala accomplishes. If you’ve observed the response you’re in the minority here. Goal achieved, without a shovel this time.
This car is breath taking (in a good way). If you compare it to the beautiful but safe current S-Class, the hideous new 7 series, the bland A7 and the Jaguar that does not look like a Jaguar XJ, this car is immediately the most beautiful car in the segment. I hope they make it just as it is because it’s proof that GM can build a car that owners of European Flagship sedans will do a double take at and have to at least consider when they shop for their next car.
The only thing I dislike about this car is the steering wheel. I don’t know why Cadillac cannot design a sexy steering wheel. This looks like a gigantic wagon wheel. I hope the production version is a little more compact and a flat bottom for the performance versions please. I think this design language will also translate beautifully into the replacement ATS, CTS and next generation CT6.
GM needs to shit or get off the pot with regard to teasing the public with visions of a grand flagship model. The bottom line is that Cadillac will never again be the “standard of the world” unless they have the courage and make the financial commitment to go head to head with the European brands and match them model for model.
I don’t understand how Mercedes and BMW can seemingly introduce and new model and invent a new segment of vehicle every other month and GM can’t do the same thing, especially given the size of GM compared to those companies. GM has been talking about making a true flagship for the better part of a decade now. Enough already. It’s time that the leadership at the General stop dipping it’s toe in the water and once and for all jump in the damn pool, and while I’m on the subject there needs to be a V-Sport and V version of every model ala AMG at Benz.
Cadillac is currently building some of the best driving cars in the luxury world. Their weight savings, power trains and handling are truly world class. The exteriors of the current products, while nice, are not stunning like this Escala. Finally, Cadillac needs to look at what Mercedes is doing with their current interiors and shoot to at least match them, but hopefully better them. The Escala appears to be an unapologetic effort that pushes the envelope on what a world class car interior can be.
I grew up in a family of huge GM supporters and have been always been a huge fan of the General. This company means so much in the history of the Automobile and it means so much to the United States. I continue to root for GM to get it all right, especially when it comes to Cadillac. All this being said, I am currently on my third BMW and I have said that I will not buy a Cadillac until it is as all around excellent as is my current car.
GM if you build a car that is as refined, well built, luxurious and well performing as the Euro Full Sized Flagships, we will come. They keep getting close and I am hopeful that the Escala is finally that car I have been waiting for, for so many years now. I would love to go to a Cadillac Dealership the next time I buy a car. Green-light this car Mary and make my and other peoples dreams come true.
This car is a huge disaster. There are so many things wrong. The front jeadlights should have remained verticals. That part looks like Mazda design language. The hood says Mustang. The lowere lip that juts forward should have been an even plane; this looks like a bulldozer bucked. The side profile is to long; should have been a four door coupe if length was the target. The character lines of the crease do not bring the front and the back together. Instead, they go off in different angles from a shortened version of a BMW hockey stick of the 7 series. The profile says Audi, instead of its own look; Audi is even getting long in the tooth, lately. The hatch does not fit what the rest of the car says, something about the design of the hatch cheapens it as there is no 3D dimension to it. It looks like a box lid. Maybe a more concave look, even with a nod to Bill Mitchell. And while Mercedes, and Audi are bringing ing out new designs and cars that are electric to counter what influence Tesla and the state of the art is in being a leader, Cadillac finally catches up to the Euros old mantra of big V8 power. With GM’s knowledge inthe EV field, they could have leapfrogged the Euros and show Tesla what EV luxury is. FAIL. Should have produced the Cien.
The competition is trolling already….
What is with the name calling? Grow up.
This is a really impressive evolution of existing Cadillac styling. Sleeker and sportier with a nicely aggressive stance. Not perfect, but it would be very distinctive on the road. The only disappointment is lack of details when this might be available.
I’m surprised about all the negative comments given the poll is overwhelmingly drop-dead gorgeous — and I side with the majority.
After reading some more of what JDN said about this car I am confused. He contradicts himself. In one breath he says this car would probley never see production. But, in another breath he says a car like this could be added to the lineup if the market is right for it. So what gives? I will say Cadillac will lose even its most hardcore fans if there is not some sorta larger then CT6 is built. People are sick and tired of Cadillac teasing beautiful concept flagships that go no where. He says design cues from this car will trickle down to future vehicles, well if that’s a bunch of mid size cars and CuVs and SUVs, then save your breath as I am not interested. I will be in the market for a new car next June. I have been thinking the new Lacrosse but if money is right i,might do a V6 CT6.
However as how wishy washy Cadillac has been the last year, I might not get the CT6 especially if this so called leadership and management can’t pull the trigger on a mega flagship.
A cheap Audi clone. And a bad one.
Cheap cloth inside found in your basic $10k car.
Luxury?
Only Americans would consider cloth a luxury material, and the rest consists of very cheap plastic, Americans just love.
The Europeans have nothing to worry about.
The Germans will remain King.
Name the Audi
The A8. They definitely seem to have taken the A8 front-end and put a cheaper looking grill on it. Kind of a Chinese knock-off A8.
I just looked at the 2016. Nope. It’s only kinda similar the way half of all sedans are kinda similar.
I guess it looks kinda like the RS 7. Keyword: kinda.
Im so glad that the boring , cheap and dated A&S goes away. This car looks awesome and still american…
Build it with some lil changes.
Cts-ct6 is a failure in terms of design and detailing. with life less tail lights.
This concept is GREAT. Just like its tail lights
agreed with you on that one A&S is getting old and the concept car doesn’t have the wedge shaped body like the current Caddys do……I would love to see that beautiful concept be built….. but it’s the sloping roofline that gets in the way….build it without the sloping roof please.
There are two former GM themes that would be interesting to see a modern interpretation of.
The first is the Formal Roof line that was dominant in two door GM vehicles like Eldorado and Toronado of around 1978-80 as well as the 4 door version in the 1975 Seville . The second would be the bustle back that the 1980 Seville had. The first might be challenging for aerodynamic rear turbulence reasons, but if they could pull that off, would bring a really unique and elegant profile. The second reference is also interesting in that it was a nod to the trunk lines of elegant cars of the 30s. While that Seville at first was not well received, part of the response was due to how elegant the first Seville was. Bangle tried a version of that while at BMW but it did not come off well.
I hope they will bring back the upright roofline….the problem with sloping rooflines is that rear headroom is tight and they look week.
Anyone who has seen images of the interior of the Cadillac Escala, it looks be much more spacious than the CT6 which some critics has sighted as being cramped despite it’s size; additionally, the 4.2L DOHC-4v V8 twin-turbo makes you wonder about the direction Cadillac might be going as it may mean the end to the V-series of cars as future Cadillac cars won’t compete with the world’s best super-sedans and will be just sporty which may mean the end of the LF4 and usage of the Chevrolet LT4.
Well, the headlights are generic and the nose looks Mustang-inspired. The gauge cluster is still a cheap display instead of proper mechanical gauges. But at least it looks like they might leave that touch-only central console nonsense…
Otherwise I quite like how it looks, but I’m not a fan of liftback bodies due to less rigidity.
We have to remember that this is a concept. Any number of concepts from all of the builders have been seen and many never seen outside the plant doors. So if this thing does make it to production at some point, the shape might be changed a bit to appease those that care about such things but the basic platform of a full size sedan with a V8 is great for those of us who love and would love to have one provided the money clip cooperates.
In the same Pebble Beach show, Mercedes showed a electric show car. In other hand, Cadillac finally didn’t dare greatly with the Escala concept! If Johan De Nysschen isn’t in the mistake when he want more SUVS, I think that De Nysschen is too conservative! In 2020, Audi will have a range of electric cars and SUVS! He also would have to focus his attention on the reliability and costumer’s satisfaction. I like Cadillac and I would like this brand doesn’t end up like Oldsmobile!
I don’t think CADILLAC will ever go away or at least I hope not since it’s too much of a great American icon.
The mistake that GM made with OLDSMOBILE is that they didn’t do enough to distinguish itself from the other divisions.
They only kept them going to appease the dealers in that they didn’t want people running next door to the PONTIAC dealer, across the street to the BUICK dealer or 3 miles south to the CHEVROLET dealer to buy pretty much the same car. Funny thing is some people are blinded by loyalty by name only. If they want to share platforms and components that’s fine and it is common sense. But then make sure that is the ONLY thing the other divisions will have in common so make it stand out. CADILLAC did a good job of that over the years.
Cadillac’s Escala is a bit different from the Cadillac concept cars of the past couple of years.. as the Escala has an edge about it, you can almost expect to hear George Thorogood singing ‘Bad to the Bone’ in the background because the Escala is bad ass.