The SRX crossover, also known as the best-selling car from Cadillac in 2015, has a proud successor. Named XT5 and scheduled for an official release in 2017, the model is supposed to dissociate Cadillac from being just a Detroit luxury brand and turn it into a global player.
The car manufacturer's first move in the new strategy was to relocate its headquarters to the SoHo district of New York City. Fashion design brand Public School from New York is preparing an XT5-inspired capsule collection to be presented before the Dubai International Motor Show in November.
"This is a new way for two American brands to join forces, share a passion for design and grow globally," Andrew Smith, Cadillac executive director of global design, said.
Cadillac's connection with the fashion world began with the launch of the XT5 Crossover. It happened during New York Fashion Week, when the XT5 was flown over the Hudson River by chopper, in a stunt that made the news.
The car company promises to give more details and a full display of the vehicle in November at the Dubai International Motor Show. This sends a powerful message regarding the importance of Middle East's market for the sales of the company.
Distinctive design features of the SRX will be recognizable in the XT5: tailfin-shaped brake lights, blunt front fascia, and steep side character lines. A general upscale look and the brand's vertical LED running lights are expected in the final design. For now, only glimpses of the car have been caught, which means that the final touches might be a surprise.
In 2015, Cadillac sold over 43,000 SRX models, making up more than all sedan orders put together. The increasing popularity of SUVs in North America makes most manufacturers focus on crossovers or SUVs when targeting the U.S. auto market.
Cadillac president Johan De Nysschen confirms that the Detroit car maker is putting its effort together to rival German and Japanese luxury brands when selling four-door cars, and underlines that SUVs and crossovers will get even more attention in the future.
Prices for the new model have not yet been announced.
