Under the leadership of Jess Bala, Cadillac Australia & New Zealand are moving closer towards the introduction of the all-electric LYRIQ into these two important new markets for the brand. This point in Cadillac’s history and its move towards an all-electric future felt like the right moment for GM to re-introduce this historic brand back into Australia and we are the first market to get the built from factory right-hand drive LYRIQ.
Mrs Bala has 15+ years of proven global experience in leading and implementing winning product strategies and she also played a key role in the transition of the Cadillac brand to an all-electric future, including the launch the Cadillac LYRIQ in North America and China, and developed plans to introduce autonomous driving on future Cadillac vehicles. Mrs Bala also served as the Business Planning Manager for GM’s Chair and CEO and her experience will be key to the success of Cadillac in Australia.
To get a feel of what we should expect Bryan Nesbitt the Executive Director, Global Cadillac Design, and Australian Michael Simcoe, General Motors’ senior vice president, Global Design, recently sat down in a round table with some of Australia’s automotive media, including Driven Women Magazine.
Some of the award-winning vehicles designed under Mr Nesbitt’s leadership include the 2008 NACOTY Chevrolet Malibu, 2008 Buick Enclave, 2009 ECOTY Opel Insignia, the 2015 Cadillac Escalade, GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe, and the 2021 BrightDrop EV600.
Mr Simcoe’s team focuses on all aspects of design including advanced, production and industrial design operations supporting GM’s brands and subsidiaries. Recent designs developed under his leadership include the Cadillac CELESTIQ, Cadillac LYRIQ, GMC HUMMER EV, Chevrolet Blazer EV and Buick Wildcat Concept.
GM Australia & New Zealand are still staying tight lipped on the specs of LYRIQ, like battery size and energy consumption, before it makes its way to Australia later this year. What they have said though is that Cadillac Australia will be a fashion forward brand, targeting luxury buyers with this initial offering with a vehicle that customers will want to have in their driveway because it is “something different” that they will be able to “show off.”
Mr Nesbitt has been driving a LRYIQ for some months now during the harsh North American winter. In addition to the instant acceleration on offer some of the design features he particularly liked about the luxury SUV were its rich looking interior that really dazzles at night, thanks to ambient lighting, and the fact that even though its all-new there are still nods to Cadillac heritage sprinkled inside and out of the vehicle.
The ambient lighting is inspired by the sun filtering through trees with laser-etched door panel patterns in the cabin. A 26-colour LED spectrum of choices lets you reflect your mood or create emotion that adds warmth or energy, uplifts or soothes.
The flat floor of EVs allows designers some degree of freedom when laying out the interior of new vehicles. The LYRIQ has plenty of centre console storage including a pull out “junk draw” as Mr Nesbitt called it. No transmission tunnel also means more room for legs, seating and storage. The storage includes a lined jewellery box and generous bins that offer protection for handbags, electronic devices and other valuables.
On the car industry’s obsession with removing as many buttons as possible, especially in EVs, Mr Simcoe explained that he was aware of customer’s dislike for this. So, Cadillac have made a point that primary vehicle functions have not been imbedded into a menu on the infotainment screen.
From a family friendly standpoint Mrs Bala said from her experience should could fit three car seats across the rear seat of the LYRIQ and the large boot was also a highlight for her. Mr Simcoe added that the large panoramic sunroof, which does have a blind, is something that passengers in the rear seats will also appreciate.
To be notified when reservations open for the all-electric LYRIQ and stay up to date as Cadillac embarks on their exciting journey in Australia and New Zealand, register your interest via their www.cadillacanz.com/au-en/register
Images by GM Australia & New Zealand.