The Escalade might be Cadillac’s most widely known nameplate in its current lineup, but that doesn’t mean it’s coming to Australia. So, what do customers buy if they’re after a V8-powered, right-hand drive Escalade? “The [GMC] Yukon is the choice that they will get,” said Lauren Indiveri-Clarke, communications director for GM International, to CarExpert. “[Cadillac is] going to be an EV-only business in Australia.
” Not only is Cadillac launching here this year as an electric-only brand, it has previously announced plans to be EV-only by 2030...
though it has subsequently said it’s being “led” by its consumers. “Would we bring [internal combustion-powered vehicles to Australia]? I think as soon as we talk about ‘would we bring ICE?’, now we’re back to converting,” said Ms Indiveri-Clarke. “We are going to keep Cadillac as an EV-only brand, because if we didn’t, then we’re back to converting.
” GM has poured cold water on the idea of offering petrol-powered or locally converted Cadillacs in Australia, though local managing director Jess Bala has previously appeared to leave the door at least slightly ajar for the V8 Escalade. “I can tell you that we’ve already shared that we’re an EV-only brand, but that doesn’t mean that we are stopping assessing everything that’s in GM’s portfolio and constantly looking at what might be the best fit for us as our market evolves because there are just so many options,” Ms Bala said in July. .