Late last month, we asked where are the Cadillac crossover coupes in an opinion post exploring Cadillac’s reluctance to embrace the crossover coupe body style to the same extent as the brand’s European competitors. The only thing in the Caddy portfolio close to this sort of body style is the GT4, a Chinese-exclusive with an attractive roofline that, in our opinion, could provide the design cues for other Caddy-branded coupe crossover models. In fact, we’d go so far as to argue that all Cadillac crossovers need a GT4-style treatment.
For those readers who may be scratching their heads, the crossover coupe body style is essentially a CUV with a sloping rear roofline, providing a more elegant shape compared to the boxier silhouette presented by traditional utility vehicle body styles. One could argue that these models are essentially identical to the crossovers on which they are based, but with new bodies on top and passed on as a different vehicle. Either way, “coupe-ification” is a popular strategy among the German automakers, with a few examples including the BMW X6, Porsche Cayenne Coupe, and Audi Q8. It’s also finding traction at Infiniti with the QX55, and Land Rover with the Range Rover Evoque.
While considered to be something of a niche segment with relatively low sales volume, crossover coupes still bring in solid profits, given the models typically command a premium price over the “regular roofline” vehicles upon which they are based.
Which brings us to the Cadillac GT4. While not quite a true “SUV coupe”, the GT4 still offers a sleeker, sexier body compared to the Cadillac XT4, the crossover upon which it’s based. Basically, think of the GT4 as an XT4, but with a sleeker, more-youthful wrapper, all without sacrificing much in terms of practicality.
With that in mind, we think it would be a good move if Caddy decided to give the XT5 and XT6 a similar GT-style treatment. While unlikely, a hypothetical GT5 or GT6 would offer similar mechanicals and features as the XT5 and XT6, but with a much more attractive exterior. In fact we even rendered what a possible XT6 Coupe model could look like way back in 2020.
If Caddy did offer such a lineup, the hypothetical GT5 could rival the Infiniti QX55, while the hypothetical GT6 could rival the Audi Q8. Add to it that the sleeker styling could attract a younger audience while simultaneously bolstering profits, and well, the deal just keeps getting sweeter.
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Comments
Uh well, the GT4 is fine and all, but a discrete note to the XT6 rendered above: 1980 Chevy Citation called, it wants its body and soul back. Kthnx.
I like the GT4 but not the GT6. I have a 2024 XT6 and love the clean, conservative lines. I also like the additional luggage space it provides over the XT5.
Mr. Lopez;
You know as well as we do you’re getting your wish. Most of the EV replacememts for current Cadillac CUVs seem to be sporting the lowered roof line.
I am all for the GT like XT4 and XT5, but XT6 would be too much. Since the XT6 is a streached XT5 anyways, it would amount to something like an ugly duckling to the GT5
i love the GT4 look, sleek ,clean and modern. But i had to buy my XT5 at end of lease.GM has sold its customers out, not bringing the model to the USA. I ‘ve owned Cadillacs for the last 20 years. Idon’t want Electric, i’ll have to look at foreign brands. Breaking my Cadillac brand purchasing. Thanks GM