Is Cadillac Preparing an Australian EV Onslaught?

Is Cadillac Preparing an Australian EV Onslaught?

According to General Motors, the transition of Cadillac to electric vehicles (EVs) has facilitated the introduction of the brand and a broad range of products to Australia. While specific vehicles beyond the Lyriq have not been confirmed, the brand has hinted at a substantial selection at hand.

Expanding Cadillac’s Portfolio

Shilpan Amin, senior vice president and president of GM International, expressed to Australian and New Zealand media that the developing Cadillac portfolio opens up more access to a full range of vehicles. “If there’s consumer demand, I would love to bring all of them there,” he stated.

Cadillac Optiq

Communications director for GM International, Lauren Indiveri-Clarke, also spoke about the expansion of the Cadillac portfolio. Indications point towards announcements for the second quarter of 2025, or around mid-year.

Australian EV-Only Lineup

GM has confirmed that Cadillac will have an EV-only lineup in Australia. Beyond the Lyriq, which is scheduled for an Australian launch this year, Cadillac has also revealed the slightly smaller Optiq SUV, the larger, three-row Vistiq, and the flagship Escalade iQ. All three nameplates have been trademarked in Australia.

Cadillac Vistiq

Interestingly, Cadillac has yet to reveal any electric passenger cars other than the ultra-luxury, hand-built Celestiq liftback, which will not be built in right-hand drive. Rumours suggest that Cadillac is working on an electric sedan or sedans to replace its current CT4 and CT5.

First Challenge for Cadillac in Australia

The first challenge for Cadillac in Australia will be the rollout of its debut model, the Lyriq. Cadillac will be using a direct-to-consumer model, selling vehicles itself through experience centres, with Sydney and Melbourne being the first two Australian cities confirmed to get one.

Cadillac Escalade iQ

Online Ordering and Fast Movement

Customers in other states will have the option to order the electric BMW iX rival online. “The flexibility we’ll have under the customer experience centres and then the technology that will come along with the vehicle will give us the ability to move fast,” said Mr Amin.

Future Plans

While the success of the Lyriq is crucial for the continuation of the portfolio, Cadillac already has more plans up its sleeve, which it has yet to reveal. With the engineering expenses for EVs being cheaper than combustion-powered vehicles, it’s easier for the brand to make right-hand drive versions economical.

Cadillac Vistiq

Right-Hand Drive Markets

So far, Cadillac has confirmed four right-hand drive markets: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and the UK. It says Australia will likely be the second highest-volume of those behind the UK, but hasn’t publicly disclosed any sales targets other than to say the brand will sell in “exclusive” volumes.

Cadillac almost came to Australia around 15 years ago, before its local launch was cancelled at the last minute. Now, with the advent of EVs, the brand seems ready to make a grand entrance into the Australian market.