Back in 2018, Cadillac revamped its trim level structure with the introduction of the new Y trim level strategy, which starts with the Luxury trim as the base, then splits into the Premium Luxury and the Sport along two parallel paths. The trims each have their own unique offerings with regard to aesthetics and driving dynamics, and now, according to a recent report from our sister publication, Cadillac Society, we know that the take-rate for the Sport trim accounts for almost half of overall Cadillac sales.
The report, which cites unnamed “Cadillac product marketing personnel,” explains that the Sport trim accounts for roughly 45 percent of sales under the Y trim level strategy. Meanwhile, the parallel Premium Luxury trim and base-model Luxury trim account for the remaining 55 percent of Cadillac sales.
Clearly, the Cadillac sales numbers prove just how much the Sport trim level resonates with customers. As the recent Cadillac Society report points out, it would have been difficult to imagine the rise in popularity of Cadillac’s Sport vehicles just 10 years ago, given the brand was one of the last premium automakers to adopt a differentiation strategy between Luxury and Sporty model variants, unlike early adopters like Mercedes-Benz and BMW.
Cadillac Sport models stand out thanks to darker exterior accents and unique styling bits, plus more engaging driving dynamics, whereas the Luxury and Premium luxury models boast chrome accents and a more isolated, comfort-oriented character.
What’s more, the availability of the Platinum Package is now extended to both the Premium Luxury and Sport trims, which means customers can pair the look of the Sport with the features of the Platinum Package, boosting Cadillac sales in the process.
The Y trim level strategy was first introduced with the all-new 2019 Cadillac XT4 and refreshed 2019 Cadillac CT6, and later applied to the all-new 2020 Cadillac CT6 and refreshed Cadillac XT5. The all-new 2021 Cadillac Escalade also adopts the Y trim level strategy, as do the Cadillac CT4 and CT5 four-door sedans.
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This post was created in collaboration with our sister publication, Cadillac Society.
Comments
This could hopefully be the boost that Cadillac sales need. I like it. In my area of the country, central Ohio, many GM dealers have stopped selling Cadillacs. The nearest dealer is now in Columbus, Ohio. Very inconvenient for service. Is there a reason for this other than perhaps it’s unique technology & features?
Now if they just had the go to match the show
Exactly.
If most buyers of Cadillac vehicles are looking for performance then the current strategy of Cadillac management have made a tactical error in not making the 650 hp LT4 supercharged 6.2L V8 available in the Escalade and CT5; I would even try shoehorning the LT4 into the CT4 given that it share genetics with the Chevrolet Camaro.
They’ve already acknowledged the upgraded CT5 V (Blackwing?) will get that power and just hinted there is a V Escalade coming as well. Cadillac’s tactical error is not releasing the V’s first and then adding the base car next year. IMO…
The Sport versions might be popular, but the CT4 + CT5 Sport trims don’t get the faster engine at this point.
I thought that’s what the V series was for
But it does seem odd that the Premium Luxury can be had with the 3.0 6-cylinder, while the so-called Sport is limited to the 2.0 4-cylinder. I think that, if they were going to have this toned-down V-series, both the Premium Luxury and the Sport should have the 3.0 as an option. The V could then be further differentiated by having the 3.6TT like the previous CTS V-sport.
~The report, which cites unnamed “Cadillac product marketing personnel,” explains that the Sport trim accounts for roughly 45 percent of sales under the Y trim level strategy. Meanwhile, the parallel Premium Luxury trim and base-model Luxury trim account for the remaining 55 percent of Cadillac sales.~
This pretty much states that the Platinum trims make up 0%. Either its worded poorly or a bigger issue is being overlooked.
Under the Y strategy, Platinum is a package on the CT5 Prem Lux and not a separate trim.
IMO this is just an attempt by Cadillac to again chase the Germans .
As of right now the only thing sportier about their products comes from new badges , numbers and switches that try to give the customer a false sense of a sport SUV .
And GM can raise the MSRP to make more money selling fewer vehicles . Also with the black out treatment that customers like it’s just an attempt to give that style a made up name .