Over the years, consumers have by and large become accustomed to a pretty predictable, linear automobile trim-level hierarchy – i.e. one in which there is a clear, straightforward progression from least- to most-premium model, with each successive step above base bringing with it more premium content. This hierarchy is sometimes thrown off by special packages and other derivations, such as the Chevrolet Camaro’s sporty 1LE package, or the Silverado’s off-road-oriented Z71, but with few exceptions, the ladder from base to range-topping is often a straight line.
However, for the past decade or so, Cadillac’s model ranges lacked such straightforward clarity, encompassing names like Luxury, Premium, Premium Luxury, Premium Performance, and others that refused to make obvious exactly where in the hierarchy a given model sat. Yet as reported by our sister site Cadillac Society, the luxury General Motors brand is set to change all that, with a more structured “Y” trim-level strategy that branches off into two separate hierarchies – one for luxury, and one centered on performance. Here’s what that looks like:
As you can see, above the base “Luxury” model, the Cadillac vehicle range splits into two tiered paths, one for the luxury customer, and one for the performance customer. On the luxury side are “Premium Luxury” and “Platinum” models, which deliver successively more premium content – things like more advanced seat ergonomics, seat ventilation/heating/massage/other functions, more chrome-appearance exterior accents, advanced convenience/safety features, etc.
Some of that content also occupies the performance side of the trim-level structure – for instance, the Cadillac XT4 Sport features the same eight-way power passenger seat adjuster, driver seat massage, hands-free liftgate, etc. that the XT4 Premium Luxury comes equipped with. Yet in general, Cadillac’s sportier models will aim for more of an aggressive aesthetic, and at the higher end – i.e. with “V-Sport” and hardcore V-series models – bolstered performance.
The all-new, 2019 Cadillac XT4 and refreshed 2019 Cadillac CT6 will be the first vehicle lines to follow the new “Y” trim-level strategy, although not every product line will receive all models. Case in point: as far as we know, there are no current plans to build Platinum or V-Sport versions of the XT4. Higher-tier models will be limited to the Premium Luxury and Sport trims.
Stay tuned for the latest on GM’s premium Cadillac brand, including more Cadillac XT4 news.
Comments
Of course there are “no current plans to build Platinum or V-Sport versions of the XT4.” That would require Cadillac management to be consistent and logical with all their models, say like Audi, BMW, Lexus, Mercedes Benz, Infinity, et al. That would require more work and dedication to the brand than GM is evidently will to commit. Maybe there are a few customers left out there that don’t do any competitive research and they won’t notice the jumbled mess that is Cadillac’s lineup. If it doesn’t matter in China, then I guess, it’s good enough for the U.S.
Imo Audi have the best approach. They allow you to mix & match as you please. You can have an S-Line exterior with a luxury interior, a luxury exterior with an S-Line interior, or full fat either one.
I was hoping JDN would bring that mentality to Cadillac, Alongside starting a program similar to Audi Exclusive & BMW Individual instead of this Platinum nonsense. Uh well …
know its mainly an internal code but its kind of crazy they aren’t calling it the “V” strategy. Similar shape, same idea, consistent branding.
kudos for the way the differences were displayed in the article.
It’ll be interesting to see how this approach is applied to the sedans. For the XT4, “sport” seems to mean ruggedness, utility, or off-road worthiness (more exterior plastic) as opposed to the type of “sport” we are used to from Cadillac (V-Series).
So did Cadillac get rid of the V-Sport altogether?
I hope not. The Sport in my mind should be line an M Line, AMG Line, and S Line competitor. So the bigger engine but not the full M, AMG, RS trim.
The V should be straight up M, AMG, RS competitor.
“Luxury” should be called Base
“Premium Luxury” should simply be called “Luxury”
There should be no “V-Sport”. Rather the middle tier on the sport pathway should be simply “Sport” as shown on the graphic.
Then the Y strategy would be easier to interpret and understand. Keep it simple please.
Should have stayed with the SRX format. Style was better and unique to the Cadillac brand! Compare the sales data.
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What does the Cadillac emblem stand for?
These new SUV,s are like spaceships so cool looking
I am waiting to see what Cadillac has in store for the EV market? Is there a race in the GM family to see which market brand will produce this EV vehicle and whether it will be affordable and appealing to which age group? With the new Cadillac design managers in place, I wonder if they will bring back a luxury EV pickup line? Ford/VW/AUDI/MB/JAGUAR/TESLA and others are already working on EV pick trucks or suvs for introduction in the next 1-3 years.