General Motors reveals and teases upcoming EVs

GENERAL Motors (GM) has used this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) to go into more detail about its planned electric vehicle (EV) onslaught which will see the American auto giant launch 30 new models over the next five years.

In its 51-minute-long virtual keynote presentation, GM executives took the time to explain some the brand’s evolving EV technology and design plans before revealing/teasing some of the key upcoming models.

At the 21-minute mark, vice-president of global design Michael Simcoe took to the screen and stood in front of seven shadow-covered vehicles all displaying their unique lighting signatures.

Some of the vehicles included in the line-up are instantly recognisable – like the GMC Hummer EV situated front and centre – while others were a little less familiar, even brand new.

One of those new models is the Cadillac Celestiq, the new flag-bearer for Cadillac’s luxury and performance credentials, just like the S-Class is for Mercedes-Benz.

Speaking of Mercedes, the Celestiq will come with a full-width, “pillar-to-pillar” digital dashboard not dissimilar from the new MBUX Hyperscreen earmarked for the upcoming EQS EV.

Described by Cadillac director of interior design Crystal Windham as the “ultimate expression” of Cadillac design, the Celestiq’s front end is almost fully illuminated by daytime running lights with the grille and inner lighting tracing the outline of the brand’s shield-badge.

Combined with the sharply contoured bonnet line and vertically stacked outboard light strips, the overall expression is one of sleekness and subtle aggression.

While no mechanical details have been confirmed yet, the CES presentation did reveal the Celestiq will boast both all-wheel drive and four-wheel steering with standard equipment highlights set to include a four-panel ‘smart glass’ roof with individually adjustable tinting as well as separate comfort and entertainment screens for rear passengers.

The Cadillac Lyriq SUV also gets a direct mention however nothing particularly new about this model is revealed.

Given the Celestiq and Lyriq are two of the most notable upcoming models alongside the Hummer EV, it makes perfect sense as to why those three are the most prominently positioned behind Mr Simcoe who then goes on to mention and gesture towards a few of the other key models.

“Now over the next five years, General Motors will introduce 30 new EVs globally, representing a range of options whatever your priority,” he said.

“That includes the refreshed Chevrolet Bolt EV and the new Bolt EUV – both in dealerships by this summer (North America).”

He then went on to explain how Chevrolet will launch a particularly varied array of Ultium-based vehicles including pick-up trucks, compact SUVs and high-performance cars.

“There will also be new vehicles from Buick with a refreshed strategy based on electrification, connectivity and intelligent driving,” he said.

“Buick is now entering its third decade in China, the world’s largest EV market, and we’ll build on the popularity in China of the growing Buick Velite family of electric vehicles with three new Ultium-powered EVs, adding a new crossover and SUVs to the line-up, including two you see in the distance behind me.”

While the outline and light signatures of those vehicles can be seen, very few visual conclusions can be drawn due to the shadowy lighting, however both look to feature Corvette-inspired headlight arrangements.

It remains to be seen if any of these new models make it to Australian soil however it seems likely at this stage given the Ultium platform’s global intentions and the fact GMSV filed a trademark application last year to patent the Cadillac name and badge Down Under.

In regards to any plans for the upcoming Ultium family of vehicles, GMSV is keeping its cards close to its chest for the time being, telling GoAuto it was “not making any announcements for Australia or New Zealand at this time”.