No Cadillac Escalade for Australia

The Cadillac Escalade has been all but ruled out for a local launch, with the previously touted extra-large SUV now unlikely to arrive Down Under as the large three-row VISTIQ SUV arrives to tide over Aussies hungry for a big American SUV.

The super-sized Escalade was previously on the cards for Australia but according to the managing director of General Motors Australia & NZ, Jess Bala, its local introduction hinged on the success of the GMC Yukon Denali – another large American SUV with an equally large price tag.

Priced from $174,990 before on-road costs, the Yukon Denali is powered by the same 6.2-litre V8 offered in the US-market Escalade, but it was the battery-electric Escalade IQ Bala said was the more likely option for Oz as it would ensure the local Cadillac range was exclusively electric.

It seems now, however, General Motors has shifted gears, with the arrival of the OPTIQ and VISTIQ electric SUVs, the latter of which has been dubbed the “baby Escalade”.

“We’re always looking at what else we can do for Cadillac and Escalade,” Bala said.

“Right now, there are no plans to bring Escalade or Escalade IQ to market. We want to focus on these three – OPTIQ, VISTIQ and LYRIQ – and make them luxury household names here locally.”

The brand’s local marketing boss, Heath Walker, was confident VISTIQ appeal to Aussie fans of the Escalade.

“I think once consumers realise what VISTIQ is – which is truly a baby Escalade in terms of the look and delivery – I think that will suffice many of the people’s wants and desires,” he said.

“I think the Escalade love and passion comes from seeing it on TV. It’s just that VISTIQ isn’t known yet. I think that’s one of the core things.”

Given the Yukon’s slow sales in Oz – 156 units so far this year ending May – likely dampened by high fuel prices driven by ongoing war in the Middle East, it seems unlikely the brand will bring yet another large SUV to market, particularly with the VISTIQ now on sale.

But Bala didn’t completely slam the door, saying the company will always keep its options open when it comes to future product.

“We continue to assess what the right products are to bring to market for Australian and New Zealand customers."

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