Cadillac debuts Escala concept, as a preview of new design direction 'coming soon'

With the Cadillac Escala Concept car, it seems Cadillac is ready to go upmarket again, back to its “Standard of Excellence” motto it created the status of, years ago in the Elvis Presley glory days.

“Escala is a concept with two clear objectives,” said Johan de Nysschen, president of Global Cadillac. “First, Escala is a statement of intent for the next iteration of the Cadillac design language, and also technical concepts in development for future Cadillac models. Secondly, Escala builds Cadillac’s aspirational character, signaling the brand’s return to the pinnacle of premium”.  “Escala is a concept car, but one based upon the unrelenting rise of our product substance.  He added that, depending on the development of the large luxury sedans market segment, Escala is a potential addition to the existing product plan. 

The name Escala is Escalade (the name of its successful luxury SUV) with the “de” lopped off.  The Escala Concept introduces the next evolution of Cadillac design, and previews craftmanship and technology being developed for many future Cadillac models.  Escala is also Spanish for “scale”, befitting of a concept for a larger, more elite and expressive companion to the recently launched 2016 Cadillac CT6, as the brand’s remarkable new range-topping prestige sedan.

Escala is designed to be both a driver’s car and an indulgent flagship sedan. The large 4-door sedan features an expansive liftback rear opening design, emphasising the car’s considerable scale and versatility.  Its overall length is roughly 6 inches longer than today’s CT6 (the current biggest Cadillac sedan).

Design direction 'coming soon'

The Escala concept features a new and evolved face of Cadillac design that will begin appearing on production models, ‘coming soon’.  This includes a new expression of Cadillac’s vertical lighting – a brand signature since 1948.  Organic light emitting diode (OLED) lighting elements are thinner and set deep within the fascia, creating a “sinister” look, day and night.  

The concept’s details invite closer inspection, including a 3-dimensional precision pattern in the grille design, and 22-inch wheels with 2 layers of spokes.

“This concept shares how Cadillac will bring forward a new experience that is uniquely American, and unmistakably Cadillac. Escala is an expressive symbol of reward and an exhilarating driving experience. On the interior, we pushed further. It’s about precision and ingenuity in craftsmanship, and the artistic integration of technology”.  So speaks Andrew Smith, as executive director of Cadillac Global Design.

Escala features a “dual personality” interior crafted with distinctly different zones: the front is about intensely focused modern technology, while the rear delivers relaxation.

An array of three curved OLED screens is a prominent feature in the front of the cabin.  The thin curved displays are layered in front of the driver, with the back sides wrapped in hand-stitched leather embossed with the Cadillac script.  The array of screens consolidate the traditional cluster of driving gauges with the centre stack into one integrated unit.

Inside the controller sits a new edition of Cadillac’s “flying Goddess” icon, as a nod to the brand’s illustrious heritage.

Back to big Cadillac?

Escala is also the 3rd in a series of concepts Cadillac has debuted at Pebble Beach in recent years, following the Ciel convertible in 2011 and Elmiraj coupe of 2013 (neither of which turned into production, unfortunately).  The current Cadillac line-up consists of mainly GM-altered sedans, cross-overs and SUVs (yes, Opels and Chevrolets are reworked into Cadillacs – sad).  If you have not been following the brand, you’d also be shocked to learn the biggest Cadillac sedan does not use a V8 but a choice of V6 engines!  Thankfully the order is said to be restored, as the Escala is to get 4.2-litre turbo V8.

The Cadillac ELR (electric hybrid coupé with crisp bold Cadillac styling) production was stopped, as was the CTS-V Coupé, leaving the mid-size AT6 as its only coupé model.  Let’s hope the Elmiraj will bring back the large Cadillac Coupé, and this Escala will put Caddy back in the high-end big sedan car market.