Cadillac took advantage of the Lyon Motor Show to unveil, for the first time to the French public, its new VISTIQ large electric SUV, for which orders are already open in Europe.
If the Cadillac stand catches the eye at the Lyon Motor Show, it’s not because of the number of models on display. No, if you can spot the American brand from afar, it’s because it took the opportunity to unveil its imposing VISTIQ electric SUV to the French public for the first time. We’re already familiar with the LYRIQ, an SUV coupé/breakback that’s already quite substantial, but now we’ll have to get used to its new companion, which is 5.22 m long, 1.80 m high and 2 m wide. That’s what we call, on the Old Continent at least, a beautiful beast.
A family limousine
But it’s not just its dimensions that impress. VISTIQ is also a success in terms of design. It exudes luxury and tranquillity: discreet lines, gentle curves and a harmonious whole. A special mention goes to the radiator grille, which is very elegant and not flashy, with a modernised light signature that is nonetheless faithful to the iconic Cadillac front end. Inside, once again, premium reigns supreme. Wood panelling, aluminium, a curved screen – our favourite! – and an augmented reality head-up display. The AKG Dolby Atmos audio system with its 23 speakers is of the highest quality, as are the massaging/heating/ventilated seats.
There are 6 seats, with the option of adding a third seat in the second row. Enough to take the whole family on a road trip along Route Nationale 7, the French equivalent of Route 66. And the good thing about such an imposing vehicle is that there’s plenty of room in the boot, even with six passengers: 431 litres! That figure rises to 2,271 litres with the seats folded down.
From 0 to 100 in 4 seconds for VISTIQ
And what about performance? Here again, it’s out of all proportion! With an unladen weight of 2.9 tonnes, you might expect it to drag itself along, but that’s not the case. With 623bhp and 881Nm of torque, its two engines and all-wheel drive allow it to accelerate from 0 to 60mph (96kph) in 3.7 seconds. That’s a hell of a time! In terms of range, it’s pretty respectable for a vehicle of this size and specification, coming close to 490 km, with the promise of a rapid 190 kW recharge that will regain 130 km in ten minutes.
With a price starting at around €100,000, the Cadillac VISTIQ is almost alone in its segment. But with the growing popularity of models such as the less expensive G9 from Xpeng, the Detroit-based brand has no choice but to distinguish itself through quality materials, performance and looks. Having seen the beast in action at the Lyon Motor Show, ECO MOTORS NEWS can confirm that it has succeeded!
