The Biggest GM Debuts Of 2019
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December is now coming to a close, and 2020 will be here before we know it. As such, we’ve gathered up all the big GM debuts that went down in 2019, providing an overview of the most-important models to drop cover in the last year. We have a lot of ground to cover, so let’s jump right in.
Cadillac XT6
The Cadillac XT6 has been the object of scorn for more than a few armchair critics out there, but its arrival is long overdue. GM missed the mark when it came to forecasting the explosion in demand for luxury crossovers, and the XT6 finally fills a spot under the Escalade that was long left vacant. And despite the fact that it shares a front-drive platform with a long list of GM products, including the Chevrolet Blazer, GMC Acadia, and Cadillac XT5, the XT6 is scooping loads of sales all the same.
Cadillac EV Concept
We here at the GM Authority office went back and forth on whether or not to include this on the list of important GM debuts, given the fact Caddy didn’t actually debut anything. Rather, the Cadillac EV concept was shown as a rendering only. Nevertheless, it’s importance to the future of the Cadillac brand as the tip of the spear in an upcoming electric vehicle offensive earns it a spot here all the same.
Cadillac CT5 / CT5-V
The Cadillac CT5 finally brings a luxury D-segment entry that’s larger than the segment average, not smaller, giving it a leg up on the competition in that respect. Meanwhile, the Cadillac CT5-V introduces the brand’s latest two-tiered V-Series strategy, with the “standard” CT5-V introduced ahead of an anticipated “next-level” V in the future. At one point, these “next-level” models were slated to carry the “Blackwing” nameplate, but that may change by the time they are introduced next year.
Cadillac CT4 / CT4-V
The Cadillac CT4 finally gives Caddy a fresh C-segment entry, something the brand hasn’t had in a while. Granted, the CT4 could be seen as little more than a re-skinned Cadillac ATS, but the CT4 still fixes a lot of what was wrong about the outgoing ATS. At the same time, the CT4 also brings over all-new powertrains, an all-new cabin, and an all-new electrical architecture as well, which means it definitely gets a spot on our list of big GM debuts of 2019.
Chevrolet Trailblazer
The crossover segment continues to suck up sales, and the new Chevrolet Trailblazer doubles down on that popularity with a sharp style inspired by the latest Chevrolet Blazer.
Buick Encore GX
Similar to the new Trailblazer, the Buick Encore GX helps to round out Buick’s crossover offerings with a fresh entry – a critical piece of the puzzle as Buick exits the sedan segment.
Chevrolet Corvette C8 Coupe / Convertible
No surprises here. The Chevrolet Corvette C8 is arguably the biggest GM debut of the year, if not the biggest debut of the year, period. With an all-new mid-engine platform, a fresh Small Block behind the cabin, and a list of achievements too long to enumerate here, the debut of the C8 was nothing short of history in the making.
Chevrolet Menlo EV
The Chevrolet Menlo EV proves that, unlike the egg-on-wheels Chevrolet Bolt EV, General Motors can indeed create a pretty nice EV design, if properly motivated. Unfortunately, this one won’t be headed to the Americas.
Chevrolet E-10 Concept
Speaking of good-looking EVs, the Chevy E-10 concept is definitely deserving of a spot on this list of big GM debuts. Not only is it gorgeous, but its electric crate engine hints at things to come in the world of electric performance, showing GM has the guts to take a risk when it matters most.
Chevrolet Suburban / Chevrolet Tahoe
Chevrolet pretty much owns the full-size SUV segment, and judging by the next-gen 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe, that won’t change anytime soon. With a new independent rear suspension, optional Air Ride, and exciting trim levels like the new Z71, both of these new GM debuts are sure to continue the automaker’s dominant position here – which is good news, given the hefty profits they bring in.
Honorable Mentions
- Chevrolet Blazer Redline Edition
- Chevrolet Silverado Redline Edition
- Chevrolet Silverado HD Z71 Sport Concept
- Chevrolet Silverado HD Carhartt Edition
- 2021 Chevrolet Colorado
What were your favorite GM debuts from 2019, dear reader? Let us know in the comments, and make sure to subscribe to GM Authority for ongoing GM news coverage all year long.
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just call the encore gx what it is … a rebadged chevy with a more conservative exterior with an identical interior, identical power train and 20% markup.
Every vehicle mentioned, with the exception of the full-sized, and the Vette, are simply duds.
Some great looking vehicles, but just more of the average GM blah ” Good enough ”
Like Mark Reuss said himself, ” we are here to win “, But he only said that about the full-sized SUVs !!!!
When he commented on the Cadillac line in the past, it was, EVs will be the last straw !!!
And the mid-sized and sub-compact, is simply beneath him, as to ” win ”
Mark is a performance Boomer, a GM V8 guy, and the entire mid-sized lineup is lacking, yet the entire full-sized lineup is just right.
I just don’t understand why Marry and the board can’t see this, and why Mark and the rest of the top, don’t want to command the same market share as the full-sized GM vehicles do ?
The words ” Win ” and ” Good Enough ” are different.
GM has just let the entire sedan market slip away.
GM has just let the entire Luxury market slip away.
GM is just letting the mid-sized market slip away. Just 2 jeep models outsell 4 GM models.
GM is just letting the small or sub SUV market slip away. Today they have a slight lead with 4 models, but each of the next 2 models both almost outsell the 4 GM models.
So why not be in it to win ALL ?
Or is GM just setting up to be a full-sized company ?
Questions without answers, makes the world go around.
GM will spend the money here to win,
GM will not spend the money to win there,
How does GM even keep their investors ?
Here is to hoping 2020 is a better year of GM offerings, unless you drive full-size, then you are set for the next 10 years.
Here is to hoping GM offering some customer support in 2020.
But just my opinion.
I would go further than that and say EVERY GM product introduced, including the Corvette and Tahoe/Suburban, falls short of expectations.
They make some good product, comparable to their competition and better MAYBE when it comes to cost of ownership (when not factoring in depreciation), but nothing is as it could be. No brand is as strong as it should be. And some, mainly Buick and Cadillac, are still being managed as if it’s 1979–they’ve simply failed to evolve in any meaningful way beyond what they once were.
When they do try and evolve, it’s only in response to their competition.
Sure, they’re selling some product, and gaining in some markets, but they’re losing the hearts and minds of their core market with every passing day. Their products are simply underwhelming. Their brands, underwhelming. Everything underwhelming.
Everything under performing.
Mary, Mark, and the lackeys running the show keep talking about tomorrow like they’re going to own it. They’ve not owned sh*t since the mid-seventies. Ford’s cleaned their clock where it counts since the 1980’s, the Japanese, Europeans, since before that. And now the Koreans. Next it will be the Chinese. Admit it, we all know it.
Cadillac was once sinking in mediocrity, the same for Buick, now they’re mired in entry level leftovers and sh*t. Chevrolet’s bread and butter feels cheap even when compared to the Kias of the 1990s. GMC has come to stand for General Motors Complacency. Buick is Chinese leftovers.
The time for a wakeup call has come and gone. Nothing is going to change. The culture of failure and mediocrity is here to stay.
It’s NEVER getting better.
Someone needs a Snickers! Just kidding.
I’ve often preached the same sentiments. I truly do not understand why, “being ok” is…well, ok?
You only win the game if you put in your best players. Of course, you have to GET the best players/product out on the field/road and build and maintain your goal of trying to be the best.
Sorry to all of the Browns and Jets fans for using you as an analogy, but rebuilding a deteriorated culture-while it slips further down the poo chute-is not an easy task. Plus, the further down you go…Well, we all know what happens then.