As Chevy prepares to make the Corvette its own sub-brand, rumors are circulating that the same could happen with the Cadillac Escalade. Although most have always seen the Escalade as their own, it has always been a Cadillac. That could change as General Motors looks to expand its presence in the electric vehicle market, with plans for the Cadillac Escalade EV.
Is there an electric Cadillac Escalade?
There are plans for an Escalade EV SUV, but it’s not here yet. Electric SUVs are becoming quite popular, and if GM electrifies the Cadillac Escalade, it would give consumers another luxury option in the segment. Also, according to Car and Driver, a V8 variant would still be sold. So GM wouldn’t be limiting the lineup.
Concepts of the electric Escalade have been shown. And with the Hummer EV already in production, it’s quite possible that this SUV could benefit from up to 1,000 horsepower, which is a serious number. A Cadillac Escalade EV is expected to go on sale in 2025.
Is the Escalade your own make?
According to autoblog, an electric Escalade could lose its Cadillac brand. GM apparently feels this SUV has enough recognition to stand on its own. This change is likely to occur in both the US and China. These kinds of luxury SUVs are extremely popular in the Chinese market, so GM doesn’t want to miss out on that kind of revenue.
The news that the Escalade SUV became its own brand comes after rumors that GM would turn the Chevy Corvette into a sub-brand. For purists, that’s pretty controversial because there will be a four-door Corvette and an SUV version. For something that’s always been a two-door sports car, it’s definitely a departure.
In the case of the Cadillac Escalade, it will remain the large SUV we know and love. So an electric version shouldn’t offend anyone. Even if the iconic Cadillac badge is removed from the interior and exterior.
Cadillac goes EV
There is no doubt about it; the future of the automotive industry is electric. Love it or hate it, most brands plan to electrify their lineups. Cadillac is no different, having several vehicles that get the EV treatment. In fact, Cadillac will be among the first luxury brands to fully transition to electric.
If the Escalade becomes its own sub-brand, it will likely lack the Cadillac badging. Cadillac isn’t the only GM product that could get this treatment. The Chevy Camaro might be known simply as “Camaro” in the near future. Like the Corvette, the Camaro could have an SUV variant.
Of course, at this point, this is all speculation. But according to car and driver, it is very possible that it could happen. The good news is that even though an Escalade EV is on the way, it will be sold alongside the V8 version. So if you’re not ready to make the jump to electric, you can still get a huge, gas-guzzling SUV.