As consumers, we sometimes get stuck in our ways when it comes to brand loyalty. We get caught up in the notion that we know a brand, having already made up our minds about a product, sometimes without any first-hand experience. This really rings true when it comes to cars. We have certain associations with certain automakers. Maybe this brand is only for expensive sports cars, or maybe that brand is only for families. Maybe we’ve entirely neglected to form an opinion on certain automakers. We all know the saying about judging a book by its cover. Well, it’s 2023, and it’s time to start forming some new opinions.
Perhaps, when you’ve thought about Cadillac before, it’s brought up a sense of luxury. The less flattering side of Cadillac’s reputation is that it’s a fancy car for Grandpa. While that may have once been true, Cadillac has stepped up its game in recent years. Its models have undergone extensive redesigns to better suit today’s aesthetics. The result is an impeccable lineup of beautiful and upscale vehicles that are perfect for drivers of any age group. If you haven’t taken a look at what Cadillac has to offer lately, it’s time to refamiliarize yourself. Once you explore the new face of the brand, you’ll want to head straight to a Cadillac dealer and see what you’ve been missing in person. But it’s not just the sleek design of a Cadillac that will have you craving a test drive. There are a number of enticing qualities that will make you want to drive a Cadillac.
What Cadillac Models Are There?
Many of us are used to seeing VIP transportation in the form of a black Cadillac Escalade pulling to the curb of a red carpet event, tinted windows obscuring the passenger’s identity. But the truth is, there is so much more to Cadillac than just the Escalade. The Cadillac of today is about a lot more than just luxury. The brand has branched out, heavily focusing on EV technology, safety, efficiency, and more. The current lineup includes a variety of body styles including sedans, SUVs, electric vehicles, and Cadillac’s famous V-Series performance cars. The SUV segment includes models like the XT4, XT5, XT6, Escalade (of course), and all-electric Lyriq. Cadillac sedans include the CT4 and CT5. Then there are V-Series spin-offs of several of these models. Each offers many choices for trim levels, exterior and interior colors, and packages that allow you to customize your Cadillac to your exact preferences.
Reasons to Drive a Cadillac
There are numerous reasons to get behind the wheel of a Cadillac: prestige, comfort, legacy, and innovation, just to name a few. Cadillac has been around for over 100 years, perfecting the recipe for quality and style. Founded in 1902 by Henry Martyn Leland, even initial designs were based on luxury. The Cadillac brand became something to strive for, a representation of having reached the pinnacle of success. Purchasing a Cadillac has always been a status symbol for drivers to work towards. However, investing in a Cadillac is about more than making an impression.
Investing in a Cadillac is a move towards security. The brand has a strong reputation for building high-quality vehicles. Not only do they last, but they also retain their value better than the majority of other luxury brands. Even if you purchase a used Cadillac, you’re casting a vote for driving a dependable vehicle for years to come. Perhaps, it’s this devotion to quality that helped launch Cadillac into the stratosphere. After all, not every car brand gets to say that Bruce Springsteen wrote a song about them.
People are drawn to Cadillac for its appearance. The brand is notorious for how much detail goes into every model. From soft leather upholstery to wood trim finishes throughout the interior, no detail is too small for refinement. The Cadillac exterior might shift over the years, but it remains sleek and authentic to classic American styling. The iconic emblem is one of the easiest to recognize, and many of the materials used inside a Cadillac are unique to the brand. The blend of quality materials, premium stitching, and ergonomic seating make the Cadillac cabin inviting, even on the longest of commutes.
Another reason to drive a Cadillac is the brand’s ability to stay ahead of the pack with technology. If you’re the sort of consumer who values tech-forward features, Cadillac is the brand for you. Ever since its inception, Cadillac has been an industry leader in technology. Cadillac was the first automaker to use an electrical starting mechanism. It was also the first to use a V8 engine, revolutionizing engine sizes across the entire segment. In the 1940s, Cadillac introduced tailfins onto the backs of its vehicles, the first use of that design element. As the decades went on, Cadillac debuted models like the Eldorado and Seville, both unparalleled in their popularity. The Cadillac models of today continue to pioneer the use of technology for function, safety, and performance.
Which Models Should You Check Out?
If you’re angling toward an EV but are unsure which one best meets your needs, you should check out the 2023 Cadillac Lyriq. The Lyriq is one of the most attractive EV models in the market today. It doesn’t have that weirdly futuristic body style that so many brands seem to employ. The style looks sophisticated and modern, leaving behind the blandness of brands like Tesla and Polestar. The Lyriq powertrain features 12 lithium-ion battery modules that collectively create a battery capacity of 102 kWh. Producing up to 500 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque, the Lyriq is incredibly fast and incredibly efficient. It blows range anxiety out of the water with an EPA-estimated 312 miles of range on a single charge.
On the inside, a 33-inch curved LED screen is home to all your entertainment needs and settings. Part of the display features a configurable instrument cluster. The rest of the interior is punctuated with open-pore wood, laser-cut metallic overlays, and appealing backlighting. The roomy interior offers ample comfort for the driver and passengers alike. Cargo space measures 28 cu.ft. in the trunk or 60.8 cu.ft. with the rear seats folded down. The Lyriq feels so luxurious you almost forget it’s also great for the environment.
For something a little more familiar, the 2023 Cadillac CT5-V embodies all the elements we’ve discussed. As part of the V-Series, this sporty midsize sedan delivers on design and performance. The 3.0L twin-turbocharged V6 engine has a hair-raising output of 360 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. However, the flagship CT5-V Blackwing model swaps out the twin-turbo V6 for a supercharged V8 cranking out 668 hp and 659 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful car in its segment.
Once you’ve gotten past the heart-pounding performance, you can soak in the stylish details. The CT5-V has a bold grille and the low stance of an exotic sports car. The cabin shows off ambient interior lighting, a Bose 15-speaker audio system, a head-up display, leather seats, and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel. You can style it to your exact preferences by picking from a number of available packages like the Onyx Package, Platinum Package, Super Cruise Package, and many more.
What’s Holding You Back?
The Cadillac brand doesn’t have to be something that’s inaccessible. While it does represent luxury, a Cadillac is also a great long-term investment, and the lineup possesses all the qualities that make a great daily driver and family vehicle. Cadillac’s dedication to innovation and timeless appeal has drawn in lifelong fans. However, its continued pursuit of advancement opens the door to a brand new audience. A Cadillac is not just a status symbol; it’s also a commitment to moving forward. It takes a lot for a brand to cultivate such a rich history, and Cadillac will undoubtedly continue to revolutionize the automotive industry for many more years to come. If you haven’t experienced a Cadillac yet, there has never been a better time. It’s never too late to experience luxury.