Cadillac Australia's next model could be Vistiq seven-seat electric SUV
11/13/2024 05:00 PM
Vistiq large electric SUV could join Lyriq in Cadillac Australia showrooms as the premium brand looks to bulk out its line-up.
Cadillac has officially detailed the 2025 Vistiq electric SUV, a large three-row, all-electric model designed to take the fight to the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV.
While only confirmed for left-hand-drive markets for now, and Cadillac Australia has stated "we do not have any announcements to make at this time for Australia and New Zealand" in regards to the Vistiq, the brand's portfolio is set to expand next year.
Speaking to Australian media earlier this year, General Motors Speciality Vehicles (GMSV) boss Jess Bala confirmed two new models to sit alongside the Lyriq, one of which will likely be the Vistiq.
“We’re definitely going to follow up with more models, and we’ll share more on those next year, but it’s probably pretty obvious what they will be,” she said.
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“There won’t be many surprises, but we’re very excited about them. But I would say you’ll definitely learn more [from] probably Q2 [April-June], to the middle of next year.”
Cadillac will be an electric-only brand in Australia, ruling out the Escalade, CT4, CT5, CT6, XT4, XT5 and XT6 models.
This leaves the Optiq small SUV, Escalade IQ, and Vistiq as potential contenders to come Down Under, as well as the Celestiq sedan.
Given the Australian market's appetite for high-riders, it is likely the Vistiq and Optiq will fill out local Cadillac showrooms as they have the best chance of swaying customers away from the likes of the Lexus UX300e, Audi Q4 e-tron, and Mercedes-Benz EQS.
Though the Vistiq was already shown last year, full details have now emerged from Cadillac, which includes a dual-motor set-up for all-wheel-drive traction and a 459kW/881Nm output.
This enables a claimed zero-to-97km/h (0-60mph) acceleration time of 3.7 seconds.
With a 102kWh battery, the Vistiq is also rated to travel up to 483km before finding a charger.
The Vistiq also boasts a six- or seven-seat configuration, and as a luxurious electric car, in-cabin technology is a clear focus for Cadillac with a single 33-inch LED widescreen that encompasses the digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen inside.
There is also an additional screen in the centre stack to handle climate controls, while a 23-speaker AKG sound system, five-zone climate control, and bi-directional charging can also be found on the features list.
Standard equipment includes 21-inch wheels, but buyers can also option 22- or 23-inch wheels, as well as rear-wheel steering and noise cancellation.
Pricing for the Vistiq starts at $US77,395 ($AU118,650), but expect that figure to rise substantially if it arrives in Australia as the mid-size Lyriq starts from $117,000.
The post Cadillac Australia's next model could be Vistiq seven-seat electric SUV appeared first on Drive.
