General Motors has released numerous concept cars over the past couple of years, representing their progression as a brand.  The Escala was revealed as a luxury sedan with a striking, elegant chassis. The Escala embodies “a commanding presence that is both revolutionary and unmistakably Cadillac”, according to the company. Cadillac aims for the high-end market with a design that is mathematically proportioned and technology-rich.

An interior made of cashmere, leather and embossed branding enhances the luxurious experience with a unique charm. Cadillac revives styling elements and icons from a previous era while making the Escala truly modern. The car may become symbolic of Cadillac’s high-end sedan line, entering production in 2021 with a 4.2L V8 or electric powertrain. Let’s take a closer look at the details surrounding the Escala concept.

The Escala Combines Luxury, Technology And Comfort

Cadillac Escala Future Luxury Sedan Concept General Motors
via media.cadillac.com

The Escala was presented at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show alongside the upcoming XT4 Crossover. It was also showcased a the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where the “expressive flagship sedan” received attention and acclaim.

Beautifully curved OLED screens grace the interior with a high-tech luxury feel. Dual design environments emphasize technology in the front and comfort in the back. “The interior is about precision and ingenuity in craftsmanship and the artistic integration of technology”, said Malcolm Ward, Cadillac Design director. “The Escala interior also foreshadows our design approach - carrying through the exterior themes of confidence, simplicity, and an economy of line work.”

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Embedded within the fascia are OLED lighting elements as part of Cadillac’s “vertical lighting” design. Cadillac logos are hand-stitched and embossed throughout, and gauges are compiled into a “center stack” to reduce entropy in the cabin.

The sedan is designed with both the customer and their chauffeur in mind. A control center allows for haptic and voice control, designated with Cadillac’s historic “Flying Goddess” icon. “My brief to the designers was to create a car you desperately want to drive, and also one in which you want to be driven”, said Andrew Smith, executive director of Cadillac Global Design.

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Escala Will Be Built On the Cadillac CT6 Platform

Cadillac Escala Future Luxury Sedan Concept General Motors
via media.cadillac.com

The Escala will be derived from a similar platform to the Cadillac CT6. The Escala will be slightly longer, however, at approximately 5347mm total. This platform is constructed of mixed materials and designed for optimal weight. The “Vehicle Strategy Set - Rear” (VSS-R) platform incorporates components that are shared amongst various models to reduce expenditures.

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The Luxury Sedan Will Have A Redesigned Powertrain

Cadillac Escala Future Luxury Sedan Concept General Motors
via caranddriver.com

In the original announcement, it was stated that the Escala would be fitted with a 4.2L V8 with Active Fuel Management. As with the CT6, it would have a rear-wheel-drive design and extensively developed body architecture.

According to recent reports, the Escala will be reimagined as an all-electric concept called the “Celestiq”.  Celestiq, according to GM CEO Mary Barra, "combines the exaggerated proportion and style that made Cadillac famous with its electric future."

This fits with projections in GM’s 2019 Sustainability Report naming the Celestiq as their upcoming flagship sedan. The Celestiq will undoubtedly be accompanied by a hefty price tag, with some estimates topping $200,000.  Although Cadillac hasn’t officially released a Celestiq demonstrator, the Escala or an electric derivative will most certainly be part of the upcoming Cadillac line.

SOURCES: Cadillac, General Motors, GM Authority, MotorTrend

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