Major car brand returning to the UK with two new 'luxury' electric vehicles launching this year
The brand is aiming to launch two new electric cars before the end of the year
CADILLAC
A world-renowned car brand is looking to expand its operation across the UK with the launch of two new electric vehicles later this year.
Cadillac is one of the best-selling vehicle brands in the United States, headlined by its Escalade series of SUVs, with almost one million sold since 1999.
Until recently, drivers looking for a Cadillac in the UK have been left with extremely limited options, with just two dealers carrying the vehicles in the UK - one near Manchester and one in Surrey.
These authorised dealerships also only carry the Cadillac XT4, a powerful 2.0L turbo diesel engine-powered SUV, which retails for around $39,000 (£30,680).
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The 2025 Cadillac Optiq EV
CADILLAC
However, the Detroit-based manufacturer is returning to the UK with the Lyriq and smaller Optiq crossovers bringing more electric powertrains to British roads.
Cadillac bosses said they were aiming for the brand to return to the UK before the end of the year, with the two new electric vehicles headlining the return.
The 2025 Cadillac Optiq has an estimated 300 miles of battery range in the United States, while the brand said it would evaluate the European range in the coming months.
Jaclyn McQuaid, president and managing director of General Motors Europe, stated the brand would be coming to the UK later this year, with right-hand drive being available for drivers.
Cadillac's 2024 Lyriq model starts from $58,590 (£46,113), comes equipped with hands-free "Super Cruise", between 307 and 314 miles of battery range and fast charging speeds.
The 2025 Optiq will sell in 10 different locations, including Europe, where it debuted, as part of Cadillac's launch outside of the United States and Canada.
Drivers in the United States will see Super Cruise driver assistance technology come as standard, enabled by high-definition GPS mapping, a driver attention system and lane-changing capabilities.
John Roth, vice president of Cadillac Global, said: "Cadillac has always defined American luxury, and Optiq is an example of how our bold innovative spirit is propelling us into the EV future.
“Over the past five years, Cadillac has welcomed approximately one million new customers to the family globally, while our percentage of younger buyers has increased five per cent in the US.
"Optiq will be an important gateway to attract luxury EV intenders to Cadillac as we look to offer a fully electric portfolio by the end of the decade.”
The launch of the Optiq was seen in Paris, with Roth promising that further details of the European launch would be provided soon.
The Optiq could boost Cadillac's standing in Europe, with the crossover likely to challenge popular models like the Audi Q4 e-tron, Polestar 2 and Tesla Model Y.
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The 2024 Cadillac Lyriq EV
CADILLAC
The Optiq is expected to begin production in the autumn of 2024, with the European launch planned for the end of the year.