Cadillac has been heavily invested in electrifying its lineup of luxury vehicles. But while the brand (and GM as a whole) has talked a big game, in the case of Cadillac this supposed push into electrification has only produced two production models: The ultra-rare Cadillac Celestiq and the Lyriq SUV. While the duo are good at showing off Cadillac’s innovative spirit, they are also a figurative drop in the proverbial bucket. That’s changing though, with the brand unveiling the all-new Opulent Velocity concept.
Opulent Velocity puts Spotlight On Performance
Cadillac chose to tease the concept in a brief teaser video that hides much of the core details and gives us very little to work with. However, what is visible paints a very promising picture for Cadillac performance as a whole. The concept is not an SUV but it appears to be a low-slung coupe. Cadillac says that the styling of the Opulent Velocity is supposed to reflect Cadillac’s past present and future. While it’s hard to see the retro side of the coin, the bulk of the design language appears to follow the same script that we have seen on the Lyriq, Vistiq, and the Escalade Iq with the front fascia getting large LED daytime running lights a large grille panel and large taillights.
The other interesting item is that this concept also appears to have a digitized exhaust system. While Dodge is beating GM to the punch by putting the “Fratzonic Exhaust” into production on the 2025 Dodge Charger, the Opulent Velocity also appears to have a rumbly exhaust sound though it remains to be seen what Cadillac is trying to replicate here with its twist on providing EV buyers a memorable driving noise (especially when showing off to their friends.)
Opulent Velocity is designed to foreshadow a zero-emissions expression of performance and modern luxury leadership
While this statement by Cadillac Executive Director of Global Design Bryan Nesbitt appears to confirm that the Opulent Velocity will be previewing future V-Series models, there are still plenty of questions left unanswered. They include the full performance figures for the concept as well as what we can expect from the interior though we’re confident that the latter will have an evolution of Cadillac’s OLED screen technology for the infotainment system and other features.
When Will We See It?
Cadillac is playing the waiting game here with the Opulent Velocity concept and stated that it will reveal more details later. However, it’s no accident that Cadillac’s announcement happens to be on the 20th anniversary of the V-Series’s debut which took place in March of 2004 (back when this author was still in high school.)
As such, we suspect the wait here will be shorter than some might think with the concept potentially making its appearance later this month. Cadillac has stated in the past that it has big plans for its racing divisions including an appearance at the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring this weekend to celebrate the aforementioned 20th-anniversary while also defending top spot in the winner’s circle after the brand got 1st place last year via the No. 31 Whelan Cadillac team.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.