The 2025 model year marks the end of the ninth-generation Chevy Malibu, with production expected to come to a close next week. In addition, production of the Cadillac XT4 crossover is expected to end this coming January. Critically, the discontinuation of both these models leaves the Buick Envision as the last model standing on the GM E2 platform.
Chevy Malibu
Cadillac XT4
The GM E2 (or Epsilon 2) platform has served as the underpinnings for a variety of different General Motors vehicles over the years. In addition to the 2016 through 2025 Chevy Malibu and 2021 through 2024 Cadillac XT4, the GM E2 architecture can also be found underneath the Buick LaCrosse and Buick Regal, as well as various global variants like the Opel Insignia, Vauxhall Insignia, and Holden Commodore.
Buick Envision
The latest (and last) nameplate to ride on the E2 platform is the second-generation Buick Envision. Prior to a generational overhaul introduced for the 2021 model year, the Envision was built on the GM D2 platform. However, the second-gen crossover made the move to E2, alongside a long list of updates and changes that also includes all-new styling, a completely new interior, new safety technology, and a new powertrain to boot. Critically, the second-gen Envision is also built in China, with vehicle production taking place at the GM China (SAIC) Jinqiao plant in Shanghai.
Buick Envision
Now, the second-generation Buick Envision is poised to be the last E2-based vehicle in GM’s portfolio. The 2025 Chevy Malibu will end production at the GM Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas on November 15th, 2024, with an all-new, next-generation Chevy Malibu expected to debut for either the 2026 or 2027 model year. While details surrounding the next-gen Malibu have yet to surface, it will almost certainly not ride on the GM E2 platform, and is likely to be equipped with an electric powertrain.
What’s more, production of the 2024 Cadillac XT4 is scheduled to end in January of 2025, once again at the GM Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas. The XT4’s spiritual successor is the all-electric 2025 Cadillac Optiq. Looking ahead, the GM Fairfax facility will be retooled for production of the next-generation Chevy Bolt EV.
Comments
My wife and I are very upset by GM s abrupt cancellation of the xt4. We love that car and wanted a new 2026 or 27. Damn you GM for cancelling such a right sized Cadillac.
Yes, we agree. Just bought a XT4 and love it. Perfect size and great looking.
GM making big mistake wit too many electric cars too early.
Would have bought another XT4. Now have to go to another brand,
Bad decision!!!
The XT4 isn’t a competitive offering. Not enough people are happy with the car to justify not replacing it with the Optic.
Cadillacs are sitting on the lots longer so there will still be 2024s and 2025s for you to buy when you’re ready.
Yeah GM, go ahead with your all electric vision, and watch your customers flee in large numbers.
You just don’t get it !
Flowers for Fairfax-just like Lordstown. A sub-compact cuv for an American car factory will not keep doors open- imported battery makes the Bolt higher than the Mexico built Equinox and Blazer-FFX assembly will be in stand-by 12/25- not”closed” per the contract
Malibu is the third best selling car in it’s class, despite being fairly old, gutted of engine options and any updates, and absolutely NO marketing whatsoever. Yet people like it a lot, and have bought it in significant numbers, even without spending a dime on it for development. It’s like generating free money! No wonder GM is killing it! They also apparently didn’t notice who won the election, with his anti electric car (except Tesla now) stance. Really dumb moves. The market speaks!
Yes, the market speaks. Just read the latest financial results just published.
My dealer gave me a 2025 XT4 loaner and I was very disappointed. It had excessive road noise, torque steer, uncomfortable seats, and the infotainment system was dim and non intuitive. It struck me as a dolled up Chevrolet and certainly not a Cadillac. It needs to go !
Bob: You just nailed it. In late 2020, I picked up a CT4 (which I loved). It had a defective HVAC control panel (switch went bad) after the second week. I took it in and the dealer gave me a brand new 2021 XT4. I hated it, but thankfully it was only 2 days. Then a few months later my CT4 began to make a strange noise, so I took it in and they once again gave me another brand new (now 2022) XT4 Sport this time. Thinking it may be better, I drove off and the dealer had my car for a week. Although they couldn’t find the source of the noise, I was never so happy to get my CT4 back. However, the noise was getting more annoying, so this time I took it to another dealer to see if they could find it. As they pulled up my loaner, I noticed it was the XT4 and I said no way. So they pulled up an XT5. It was better, but still not close to my CT4 overall. Thankfully I only had the XT5 for 3 days as they quickly found the source of the noise (parking brake cable was our of place and rubbing against something). Once again, I was super happy to get back into my CT4.
People who think the XT4 is a nice vehicle must have very little experience with nice cars.
You must be a “seasoned citizen” who doesn’t appreciate the SUV craze.
Mick1: If being a vibrant and healthy 57 year old who enjoys driving means being a seasoned citizen, then yes I am. lol
Seriously though, it was kind of a strange thing for me. I fully understand that the XT4 is on the same platform as the Malibu for example. And yet, I also owned a 2021 Malibu 1LT and loved it. The drive was totally different. Part of it was the 9 speed trans in the XT4 which I found to be one of the worst I’ve ever driven. Way too many shifts and it seemed to be confused all the time. Thought it was just the first one, but the second loaner was exactly the same. Also, the suspension would bottom out and crash over bigger bumps and it felt like it was about to break. Horrible seating position and the dash (screen) was terrible to see.
But yes, being yet another SUV certainly didn’t help.
I rented a Malibu three times and really liked it. So much that I ordered a new 2021 Northsky blue Premier with every option including the sunroof. Due to the microchip shortage that year (remember that?) I had to wait 18 months before taking delivery of my new 2022 Malibu. Love the 2.0 engine and the real transmission. I never regretted this purchase. Almost up to 8,000 miles now without any problems!
The Malibu is a great car. I am on my third with this body style and also have a Cadillac CT5. I suppose I can scratch Chevrolet off my list. Seems everyone in Europe and Asia can make sedans while Mary keeps her obsession with EVs, trucks, and SUVs. Sorry, hard pass
With the XT4 going away, what’s going to happen to the volume of 2.0L turbocharged L-4 engines that powered the XT4? Hopefully, GM will make this 2.0 L turbo an option in the Chevy Equinox again!
Wow XT4 getting axed too (Surprise)? Thought it was just pausing production to retool factory for new Bolt, then will come back
Don’t know how many times I’ve vented this already, but still feel like I have to -> What an IDIOT decision to axe the Malibu, when it’s the 3rd best selling model for the brand (And was 3rd in its segment), despite it’s almost a decade old and ZERO marketing and advertisements
And what is the thought process that a mainstream brand like Chevrolet has no sedan at all in lineup (Well Ford has already done so for 4 years)
Malibu is a great car…The current gen still one of the sleekest and prettiest looking sedan on market…Reliable and affordable, fuel efficient. Who doesn’t want these?
My wife and love the looks of the XT4 and it’s just the right size to replace her 10-year-old Acura RDX. Looks like we’ll have to go to the Lexus NX or RX like everybody else.