Cadillac forging ahead with EV-only Aussie line-up

Cadillac has recommitted to an EV-only line-up in Australia as it applies the finishing touches to its first Experience Centre designed to showcase the American brand Down Under.

The move effectively shuts the door on the much-loved V8-powered Escalade large luxury SUV, a car that has helped define the Cadillac brand in the 21st century.

Despite a softening of the 2030 EV-only plan for Cadillac globally, General Motors Australia and New Zealand managing director Jess Bala says there are no plans to sell petrol-powered Cadillacs locally.

“One hundred per cent EV is our plan right now,” Bala told carsales last week. “We think it’s the right play for the market right now.

“We’re really positioned as a luxury brand … and we know that those customers are definitely still there.”

She has a point. Despite growth in EV sales slowing from triple to single digits in the first half of 2024, there’s still healthy demand for electric luxury cars.

Almost half of all mid-sized SUVs priced over $60,000 – the market in which the soon-to-arrive Cadillac Lyriq will play in – are now powered solely by electricity.

And almost one-third of BMW sales are now electric, figures indicative of high EV take-up for brands with attractive electric offerings.

There’s another reason Cadillac is committed to EVs in Australia: supply.

Bala pointed to the availability of right-hand Cadillac EVs, something currently not available with any of the brand’s ICE vehicles, including the Escalade.

“The beauty of bringing the EVs and the Ultium platform is the fact we’ve got right-hand drive built on the factory straight out of the plant,” she said.

And, of course, there’s an all-electric version of the Escalade – the Escalade IQ – due on sale within months, something that could eventually make its way Down Under (GM has trademarked the Escalade IQ name in Australia).

In the short term, the focus for Cadillac in Australia is opening the first of three planned Experience Centres.

The architect-designed Sydney store – due to open on October 30, 2024 - is part of the Rosebery Engine Yards between the CBD and airport.

The heritage listed converted warehouse will feature exposed beams and brickwork as part of the open-plan space that will also act as a delivery centre, with servicing nearby.

The Engine Yards also houses Zimmerman, Oroton and will soon have a Lune Croissanterie, which blends well with the luxury/fashion focus for Cadillac.

“It feels natural to bring Australia’s first Cadillac Experience Centre to such a contemporary, open and authentic space,” said Bala.

Selling direct to the public with fixed pricing through the Centre and online, Cadillac is also planning Experience Centres in Melbourne and Auckland.

Bala also says the company is working on a Brisbane space to showcase the brand, while would-be Cadillac customers will be able to experience the brand with tailored test drives in other parts of the country.

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