GM Benchmarking Audi E-Tron At Milford Proving Grounds
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Late last June, we reported that GM was benchmarking the Tesla Model X at the Milford Proving grounds. Now, we have further evidence of The General’s future all-electric crossover ambitions thanks to exclusive photos of an Audi E-Tron testing in the same location, running hard down the north-south straight.
This latest set of spy shots follows on the heels of reports of an entire convoy of non-GM electric vehicles headed to Milford. In addition to the Tesla Model X we reported previously and the Audi E-Tron we’re reporting today, the convoy also included the Jaguar iPace, yet another electron-only premium crossover model. No doubt about it – GM is working on some kind of all-electric answer to these machines, most likely with a Cadillac badge attached.
Back in January, Cadillac dropped an unnamed all-electric crossover concept at the 2019 North American International Auto Show. With gorgeous styling highlighted by sleek body panels, angular cuts, and long, horizontal cues, the concept certainly looked like a possible rival for the Audi E-Tron.
GM is obviously staying tight-lipped on this, but we do know that Cadillac’s first all-electric crossover will run on GM’s next-generation, top-secret EV platform, believed to be called BEV3, or third-generation Battery Electric Vehicle. While similar in title to BEV2, the platform that underpins the Chevrolet Bolt EV, BEV3 will be completely different, with some similarities to the GM Gamma platform.
Unnamed Cadillac EV crossover concept
GM is planning at least nine new vehicles for integration with BEV3, with support for front-, rear-, and all-wheel-drive applications, making the platform highly flexible. BEV3 is expected to finish development in 2021.
It’s also worth noting that Cadillac will be the main driver of GM’s electrification efforts going forward, with Caddy technology trickling down to the rest of the GM stable over time, including autonomous tech and electric propulsion tech.
As for Cadillac’s Audi E-Tron rival, we would expect at least 300 miles of range per charge considering previous statements made by GM President Mark Reuss and current EV standards. Cadillac’s Super Cruise technology will also play an important role in the model rollout.
All told, it’s gonna be a while before we see an all-electric Cadillac SUV to rival to the Audi E-Tron, as development will likely take at least two to three years. That said, we’ll stay on the lookout for any and all future Cadillac vehicle and product updates, so make sure to subscribe to GM Authority for 24/7 GM news coverage.
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Starting to see a lot of “GM benchmarks this, GM benchmarks that…” While I KNOW it is a common practice among automakers, it just makes them look like the follower and not the leader. Especially when many reviews report they simply go par for the segment, and not expand the tech/product…
I think you’re misunderstanding why auto companies benchmark other cars while developing their own products. Regardless of what you’re developing, you absolutely have to know what your competitors are doing so you don’t overlook any details that might put your vehicle at a disadvantage. Details ranging from exterior/ interior design all the way down to material look and feel.
You know Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Porsche were all used as benchmarks for the C8 Corvette and when it was revealed, GM surprised everyone by undercutting them all in price by by at least $40,000 while not sacrificing performance or Luxury.
Even the supposed leaders in the industry benchmark other vehicles.
Vehicle development doesn’t and shouldn’t happen in a vacuum.
I think you misunderstand my statement. The fact that I state that it’s COMMON, is a clear indication that I understand what you have written. However, in this space (luxury), there are clear LEADERS and FOLLOWERS. America, arguably GM, invented the SUV. However they have fallen way behind. There are many GERMAN branded SUV styles that GM doesn’t have. These vehicles DROVE the market and therefore dictated what it should be, and the current craze. Who did THEY benchmark? No, they INNOVATE, change perceptions, and LEAD the market. Therefore, they are seen as market leaders and innovators. GM is seen as a “we have one too” company as evidenced by their cadence and who they benchmark (follow).
But my main point is emphasized in the new XT6. Its NOT a bad vehicle, but most reviews say it is only par for the segment. So, while I’m sure they benchmarked as you suggest, they did little to differentiate themselves from others in the segment. In fact, some suggest that even while being late to the party, they STILL fell short in some areas such as powertrain options.
GM has GREAT designers and engineers. I just see them as followers at this point. Not the LEADERS they once were, pushing design and technology forward. Some good product out now, sure. Just NOT consistent.
I remember when GM was a leader in electric cars, not a follower benchmarking vehicles that are, themselves, follower vehicles.
A real missed opportunity.
GM still is a leader in electrical cars… and will continue to grow in the field over the next 24 months. Name one other mainstream electro vehicle that sells as well as the Bolt…
At 20,000 sales of the Bolt a year, that is not saying much. Tesla outsells GM’s EV’s 10 to 1
Well, Tesla Model 3 of course. I’m not going to get into a debate about “mainstream” as the car, while luxury in price, sells over 100,000 per year in the US. That’s mainstream.
I live in SE Mich (where domestic makes dominate) and I see easily more Model 3s than I do Bolts, and the sales numbers back that up.
And GM / Barra have been talking about “expanding the field” for quite some time (eg in Nov 2017 she said there would be two Bolt-based offerings in 18 months). In reality, those will come in 2021 and later. That’s not leading.
GM certainly will compete in BEV, but a leader would have had a Cadillac BEV already. Instead they’re following Tesla, Audi, and Jaguar.
100% what you said. You can’t come LATE and be considered the leader. GM now follows the trends and plugs in product holes in segments that others start. Wasn’t always this way, but after the BAILOUT, they have become a fickle bunch. Sad really. Great engineering and design, run by BEAN COUNTERS out of fear. Same said dear will be their undoing as a market leader. Profits now are bolstered mostly by cost cutting. So sad!
And how much money Tesla made this year?. If it was GM with the same balance sheet they’ll be dragged over the coals. Remember Tesla is part of SpaceX, Boring Company, darling of Silicon valley etc while GM is related to failed Mid-western company names like Sears, JC Penney, etc.
No, GM is not a “failed” company but they have to watch their steps in order to not be BKd again. And I’ve been in a E-Tron early this year, not all that to write about but it’s foolish not to have a competition for this vehicle.
I agree. Not “failed” just not really anything really. Just “general.” While I know business is business, you need to have a pulse on what consumers want and get there first. Or, have such brand cache that you can actually influence what people want because having your product in the garage IS THE TREND.
I want to say this benchmarking is related to the Cadillac electric SUV concept they unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show.
Contrary to what people here think, the Bolt is head and shoulders better than the e-Tron due to superior range and reliability. It’s like buying a X5 Vs. Equinox, which one sells better ? I think GM’s next EV will have Audi like interiors with the range of a Model X. They need this to compete against the Mustang inspired crossover from Ford, and VW’s future EV’s.
PS: I used to drive Toyota’s, but I now have a Malibu hybrid with 53K miles. Great car, very reliable, and much better drive quality & Tech than my previous Toyota.