Set to become the first model to ride on General
Motors’ new electric vehicle platform, the unnamed model is a stylish crossover
which features a fully enclosed grille that is flanked by triangular air
intakes. The distinctive styling continues further back as the model has a
sculpted hood and expressive bodywork with pronounced shoulder lines. Designers
also used hidden door handles to keep the styling clean and uncluttered.
Cadillac is keeping details under wraps, but we can
see a rakish windscreen that appears to meet a panoramic glass roof. Other
notable styling features include plastic body cladding, massive alloy wheels
and a pronounced rear pillar.
The decision to unveil the electric crossover in
Detroit isn’t a coincidence as GM announced on Friday that Cadillac will become
the “vanguard of the company’s move toward an all-electric future.” As part of
this effort, the crossover rides on a purpose-built platform that is highly
flexible and will eventually underpin an assortment of models with a variety of
different body styles.
When the platform was originally announced in
November of 2017, GM confirmed plans for at least 11 vehicles based on the
architecture. Among them are a compact luxury crossover, a mid-size luxury
crossover and a large luxury crossover. There will also be a “lux low roof”
model which is believed to be a coupe.
Additional information will be released tomorrow,
but Cadillac hinted their future electric vehicles will have advanced
powertrains and batteries that have been designed for “maximum usability
throughout GM vehicle lineups in different countries.” The company also noted
the platform has been designed to support EVs with front-, rear- and all-wheel
drive.
In a statement, Cadillac President Steve Carlisle said
“Cadillac’s EV will hit the heart of the crossover market and meet the needs of
customers around the world.” He went on to say the model will “represent the
height of luxury and innovation while positioning Cadillac as the pinnacle of
mobility.”
