Cadillac Prepares LTS Flagship to Challenge S-Class and 7 Series
Cadillac is developing the LTS, a new luxury saloon aimed at competing with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series, with a debut expected at the 2015 New York Auto Show.
Cadillac is moving ahead with plans to introduce the LTS, a new flagship saloon designed to take on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series and Audi A8. The company intends to reveal the LTS at the 2015 New York Auto Show, targeting a late-2015 start for orders.
The LTS will serve as Cadillac’s answer to the established German luxury saloons. According to information from the company, the car will be built on a new platform and offered as a four-door sedan. While detailed specifications have not been made public, Cadillac is expected to offer a range of engines to compete directly with its German rivals.
Positioning Cadillac at the Top End
The LTS marks Cadillac’s most direct attempt in recent years to enter the upper luxury segment, where the S-Class and 7 Series have long dominated. The car’s design will draw on cues from the Elmiraj Coupe Concept, previewing a more assertive and modern look than previous Cadillac flagships. This move follows the company’s strategy of expanding its line-up to cover more premium segments.
The S-Class and 7 Series are benchmarks for technology, comfort and performance in the luxury saloon market. By targeting these models, Cadillac is seeking to shift perceptions of its brand and attract customers who might otherwise look to German or Japanese manufacturers for their next executive car. The LTS is also expected to compete with the Audi A8, further intensifying rivalry in the segment. For a comparison of interiors in this class, seeUpper-class saloon interiors: S-Class, A8, 7 Series or new Lexus LS?.
Design and Platform
Cadillac has confirmed that the LTS will ride on a new platform developed specifically for the model, rather than adapting an existing architecture. The Elmiraj Coupe Concept, shown previously as a design study, is said to influence the LTS’s proportions and styling details. This approach signals Cadillac’s intention to compete not just on features, but on presence and design as well.
- Four-door saloon body style
- Design influenced by Elmiraj Coupe Concept
- New, dedicated platform
- Range of engines expected
Launch Timing and Market Plans
The LTS is scheduled for its public debut at the 2015 New York Auto Show, with orders expected to begin before the end of that year. Cadillac has not yet released information on pricing, technical details or which engines will be available at launch. More specifics are likely to be announced closer to the show date. For details on potential European availability, seeCadillac Plans European Launch for LTS Flagship Sedan.
