Cadillac is making big moves in several all-electric vehicle segments, with the luxury marque debuting a wealth of different battery-powered models so far, including the Cadillac Lyriq, Cadillac Celestiq, Cadillac Vistiq, Cadillac Optiq, and the Cadillac Escalade IQ. Notably, there’s an emerging design trend among Cadillac EV CUV models, with horizontal lines spotted around the rear of several vehicles. Now, GM Authority is taking a closer look.
Cadillac Optiq prototype
For those readers who may be unaware, this new design trend can be seen in test mule photos of the Cadillac Optiq and Cadillac Visitiq. In both cases, the prototype models look quite similar to the official photos released with the model debuts, with the exception of horizontal lines around the window / panel between the C- and D-pillars.
The exact purpose behind these lines remains unclear. At first glance, the lines don’t appear to have any obvious function beyond aesthetics, as the lines are included as part of the window graphic and don’t stick out from the body. If these lines were in place for some kind of aero function, they would be more than just graphics.
Assuming these lines are simply there for aesthetic reasons, the look does fall in line with the design used for the front fascia of Cadillac’s EV models. As we’ve seen before, the latest Cadillac EV fascia design includes a series of silver lines set against a black background, creating a grid-like pattern for the nose and blocked-off “grille”.
That said, the horizontal line design feature is missing from the Cadillac Lyriq, Cadillac Celestiq, Cadillac Escalade IQ, which makes it a bit odd to see them exclusively on units of the Optiq and Vistiq. But again, perhaps this is some future design trend for Cadillac EV models that’s only ramping up now, perhaps as part of a package or specific trim level. Also notable is a possible connection to the horizontal lines seen on Cadillacs designed by Harley Earl in the ‘40s, such as the 1941 Cadillac Series 75.
Regardless, we’ll keep an eye on this design trend and report back any developments, so make sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Cadillac news, GM electric vehicle news, GM business news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
So much incongruity here….a series of features forced in a short space.
Looks like it was “rear-ended” and the frame got bent downwards..
No lines, and a gloss black D-pillar would be an improvement. Lines on glass looks like a cheap E-bay purchased embellishment.
These lines are present on the Celestiq’s Roof glass
Not a fan of the lines or Cadillacs current design direction in general.
Cheesy tricked-up styling details. 1st the Mack Truck DRLs. Now this .
Great job, Mary .
I think the qtr panel glass lines are a contemporary, ‘in-motion’ look that enhances said vehicles with a nod to Cadillac’s past classics. ‘The more things change, the more they remain the same’??
The Vistiq looks really elegant and modern in the renderings. But those graphics look tacky and cheap. Disappointing to see an excellent design diluted by this.
A real nod to Harley Earl would be to design a CAR and bring it to production, not all these POS CUV’s and SUV’s. Not Cadillac buyers want one of these things or an EV.
Great job of f-ing the Cadillac market and buyers.
LOL I’m sorry but have you seen what Cadillac sells the most? It’s not the CT4 or CT5.
I was just at a Cadillac dealership yesterday and the only thing they had were the XT4, XT5, XT6 and a Lyriq. I talked with the GM and he said they have placed orders for CT4’s and CT5’s but they constantly get cancelled. I am in a large university town with diverse population, so I know the dealership sells. They also have a Volvo and Mercedes dealership, and they can’t keep sedans on the lot.
Cadillac needs to bring the 2nd gen CT6 back to the US where it was designed and tested unfortunately for the Chinese market. That market is on its way to a collapse, so we’ll see how GM fares with that. Not all buyers want a CUV, SUV or the compact CT4 and CT5.
Marketing plays a big role in sales. Look at Toyota, Mercedes, Genesis and BMW. They are actively marketing their sedans and are selling them.