Cadillac Elevated Velocity Concept Is Opulent, Electric, Autonomous… And A Crossover

Cadillac may have extended the lifespan of its gas-powered offerings – which includes bringing the second-gen XT5 stateside – but the future is still electric. Showcasing Cadillac’s electrification efforts is the new Elevated Velocity Crossover Concept, which has just been revealed. Aside from its forward-thinking design language, the concept also showcases the luxury marque’s latest innovative technologies. In fact, Cadillac says this could very well be what its V-Series performance could look like down the road.

“Elevated Velocity seeks to demonstrate our interpretation of an uncompromised performance luxury experience, where one can repurpose their valuable time by commuting fully autonomously, then unlock a true hands-on high-performance experience in places not unlike the rich dunes of the Lahbab desert, leaving zero emissions in their wake,” said Bryan Nesbitt, VP, GM Global Design.

The design language of the Elevated Velocity Crossover Concept is an intriguing blend of rugged elegance. It builds on the Opulent Velocity Concept, which was revealed this time last year. As explained by Cadillac senior brand designer, Alexandra Dymowska, this is part of where its naming comes from. “The word ‘elevate’ serves a dual meaning – it is a reference to the lifted chassis that enables high-speed off-road capabilities, but it also refers to an elevated luxury experience.”

Cadillac says the concept is a progression of the design language implemented on its most recent products, namely the Celestiq and Lyriq. To us, it looks a bit like the Opulent Velocity Concept crossed with the Chevrolet Off-Road Concept – formerly known as the Chevy Beast Concept – but with an extra dose of opulence than that comparison might suggest. We can see how some might love it, while others may hate it. That said, we think everyone can agree that the gull-wing doors are a fantastic, show-stopping feature.

The capabilities of the aforementioned technologies are on par with the concept’s striking design. Highlights include e-Volicity mode, which is an evolution of the V-Mode offered in today’s V-Series models, and Terra mode, which activates the crossover’s air suspension in order to provide peak off-road performance.

There’s also Sand Vision, which is akin to Cadillac’s Night Vision feature, but it provides better visibility in a sandstorm rather than nighttime darkness. This might seem a bit random to those of us who don’t frequently experience sand storms, but Cadillac says part of its inspiration for the Elevated Velocity Concept comes from desert polo, which is like regular polo but in desert sands rather than grassy green fields.

We can already hear the politically-saturated comments about EVs, sand storms, and global warming. Cadillac must’ve anticipated this, too, and has already beaten keyboard warriors to the punch by dressing the Elevated Velocity Concept in a Vapor Blue finish, which features undertones of flinty grey inspired by glacial ice. Notably, the windshield and windows also feature a blue tint.

On the inside, various reds and textiles contrast the icy exterior. A Morello Red Nappa leather, Cerise fabric, and Garnet boucle fabric adorn the surfaces, creating a sophisticated and classy cabin environment. Cadillac says that the shades of deep red with brushed metal accents suggest the feeling of energy and movement.

Those who wish to see this art piece-on-wheels in person can do so on Friday, August 15^th, at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering in Carmel, California. Otherwise, feel free to peruse through the images shown in the gallery below.