John Franklin Mason: nearly everything, if not everything you mention is the result of a brand in (major) transition. Cadillac has been damaged by its parent for years if not decades, so to undo and then overcome the damage will take time.
Now, the current product is good, but you are right — it does lack that special feeling which you mention German luxury cars have. It is noticeable when a Cadillac is sitting still and you have the time to compare the interior, the trim, the quality, the worksmanship. Like I said, it’s good, but there is quite a bit of room for improvement. That said, when a Cadillac is in motion and you are behind the wheel, all that fades away and you are left with a childlike grin on your face thanks to how well the cars drive.
The solution, in my opinion, is an improvement in the materials, in design, and in the integration of those who to create something that’s more than the sum of its parts. Though overused, it is the exact definition of synergy that the Germans do so well.
As for Johan de Nysschen conceding that Cadillac is inferior… I think those words were taken out of context. Again, it will take time to turn this ship around. Given time, resources, ingenuity, and patience, I believe the current team can do it. But it will take the combination of those elements to truly deliver Cadillac’s full potential.
