Cadillac vehicles will do away with torque-based vehicle badges, Cadillac Society has learned.
Placed on the rear end of the vehicles, these badges are represented by numbers such as 350, 400, 600, 1000, to denote the powertrain’s torque rating in newton meters (Nm). The numbers has perplexed some Stateside buyers and industry observers. After all, why would an American automaker incorporate newton-meters of torque in its badging when Americans use foot-pounds? In fact, it’s likely that most buyers had no clue what the badges stood for or how they were derived.
When introduced, the thinking inside Cadillac was that the naming convention would streamline the luxury marque’s transition to fully electric powertrains, as the torque ratings are applicable to both EVs and internal combustion engine (ICE) models. Additionally, it would make Cadillac appear more of a global enterprise as opposed to a marque that is exclusive to North America.
The shift from using torque-based badges represents an effort to “help streamline the appearance on the rear of our vehicles,” Cadillac reps explain to Cadillac Society. Additionally, Cadillac also confirmed that, “starting in model year 2027, all Cadillac vehicles will remove Nm badging, beginning with [the] Vistiq.”
For reference, the outgoing 2026 Vistiq dons a 900 badge, which denotes the crossover’s 881 Nm of torque rating rounded up to the nearest 100th Nm (and in some cases Cadillac would round up to the nearest 50th Nm). Moving forward, an “E4” badge will be used to indicate the electric vehicle’s all-wheel drivetrain.
Cadillac
When it comes to ICE models, the “T” badge will still be included on vehicles with engines that are equipped with turbochargers. To that end, the CT5 sedan will drop its 350T and 550T designations but retain the “T”.
Meanwhile, the Escalade IQ will lose the 1000 badge but retain its E4 badge, and the gas-powered Escalade will drop the 600 badge.
As far as strong opinions about relatively unimportant things go, some of us think this is the right call while others felt the torque-based badging gave the vehicles a sense of elevated sophistication. What say you? Give us your thoughts in the comments.
Kevin
That’s not all they need to drop. That 6.2 & that 3.6 need to go who ever heard of a Damm CADILLAC with a chevy motor?
Kevin Carstensen
Have you ever heard of a CTSV?
Angel
The best thing to do is change the Cadillac Shield to a Gold or Blue shield like the Chevy Gold or blue bowtie. You’ll never have to change it again.
Tom
Good riddance – it was never a good idea and most people had no clue what it meant. Now about that ugly Celestiq…..
Larry E
Once again Cadillac has lost their way. Every few years they pull some stunt like, in this case, all-electric by 2030, and then the EV market tanks. The brain trust at GM has no clue about the global luxury market and how to build a strong brand that keeps customers returning. Lexus, BMW, and MB are kicking Cadillac’s butt in sales while Cadillac execs try some new experiment. I own three Cadillacs including an XT6, XT4 and CT5 Blackwing – all great automobiles. How about building on the success of these models with new exciting refreshed ICE and hybrid versions rather than wasting billions on EV’s that have limited appeal. Where is common sense?