Cadillac dealers want a new convertible, and the carmaker might deliver such a vehicle with an electric powertrain, based on GM’s Ultium platform.
SUVs and crossovers are selling like hotcakes right now, grabbing sales from every other vehicle category. Cadillac is a perfect example of this—81% of its sales in 2020 came from the XT4, XT5, and XT6 crossovers and Escalade SUV. But the brand’s earlier experiment with the Cadillac Ciel concept is still lingering in people’s minds. As a result, multiple dealerships have expressed interest in a new convertible flagship, as confirmed by Cadillac National Dealer Council Chairman David Butler.
In the past, there have been multiple drop-top models from Cadillac, such as the Eldorado Biarritz, Allante, and Dual-Cowl Sport Phaeton. The most recent open-top in Cadillac’s line-up was the Corvette-powered XLR that the company axed in 2009.
Cadillac also recently announced its new CT4 and CT5 Blackwing family sports sedans. The long-awaited sports cars pack a twin-turbo V6 and supercharged V8 engine, respectively, bolstering visits to the company’s showrooms. However, a performance convertible could bring even more people to showrooms—and an electric powertrain could prove to be an even bigger magnet.
Interestingly, it seems like Cadillac could easily utilize GM’s Ultium architecture for its upcoming electric convertible. The luxury brand already develops the all-electric Lyriq SUV and Celestiq sedan on the same Ultium platform that is easily scalable.
Cadillac’s entry into the EV segment has given dealerships a chance to take part in the operation but also a tough choice—investing $200,000 to transition the equipment and train the staff on servicing electric vehicles or accept a buyout.
Although dealerships ask for it, don’t get your hopes too high on a Cadillac convertible. The vehicle might be interesting but certainly won’t sell in high numbers, even with an electric powertrain. Regardless, we’ll follow developments closely, so stay tuned!
