Future Cadillacs Will Have Full Names Rather Than Alphanumeric Designations

Back in the early 2000s, Cadillac attempted to mirror its German rivals as far as model designations were concerned, opting to utilize letter and number combinations instead of sticking with its rich naming heritage.

First came the likes of the CTS, SRX, STS, XLR, DTS, and a decade later, sedans were named CT4 through CT6, while crossovers XT4 through XT6, with the Escalade being, probably due to its popularity, the exception to the rule. Well, it seems GM has had a change of heart.

Cadillac is officially planning on dropping its alphanumeric nameplates and use actual words again, as the automaker begins electrifying its lineup.

Also Read: Cadillac Previews Its First Fully Electric Vehicle With Stylish New Crossover

“The rollout of electric vehicles is the time we’ll start to move back toward naming,” said Cadillac president Steve Carlisle, while also mentioning that by 2030, most if not all Cadillac sold will be battery-electric. GM meanwhile wants to sell 20 new all-electric models globally by 2023, as Autonews reports.

“We’re entering the decade as an internal combustion engine brand,” added Carlisle. “We’ll exit the decade as a battery-electric brand. It’s the end of the ICE age for Cadillac.”

Recently redesigned Caddys are scheduled to go through mid-cycle updates early in the upcoming decade, before making the switch to an EV architecture.

What to expect in terms of names

For starters, it’s a safe bet that the Escalade name will endure long-term. Apart from any brand new names that might get introduced, we wouldn’t be surprised to see the U.S. carmaker dust off the Seville, DeVille and Eldorado nameplates.

They will however need to find crossover-appropriate names for the next-gen XT4, XT5 and XT6, perhaps something equally stylish to what Lincoln has done by turning the MKX into the Nautilus and the MKC into the Corsair.

Here are a few Cadillac concept car names from various time periods that we like: Elmiraj (2013), Escala (2016), Orleans (1953), Provoq (2008). Now all we have to do is wait and see which ones the powers that be in GM will approve…