General Motors’ luxury brand, Cadillac, unveiled a striking new EV concept last week called Opulent Velocity. While this vehicle won’t be heading to production, it serves as an “experience-based design study” that showcases Cadillac’s vision for the future of luxury electric vehicles.
The Opulent Velocity is a sleek, low-profile coupe with a distinct hypercar vibe. The most captivating feature is undoubtedly its butterfly doors. These doors open upwards and outwards like wings, providing a dramatic entrance for passengers. The car’s exterior is adorned with a light gilded pearl hue, while the interior boasts metallic dark blue accents, further emphasizing the luxurious feel.
Cadillac has envisioned the Opulent Velocity with a range of advanced technologies, including a 3D widescreen display, a fully digital cockpit, and a sporty, racing-inspired steering wheel. The design team has drawn inspiration from the world of motorsports, aiming to create a vehicle that is both visually appealing and performance-oriented.
The butterfly doors, while a standout feature, aren’t entirely new to the electric vehicle market. Tesla’s Model X, for instance, features Falcon wing back doors that open upwards. However, the Tesla Model X, even in its cheaper variant, starts at a significantly higher price point than a potential production version of the Opulent Velocity could be.
This concept car holds particular significance for Cadillac as they are currently leading the charge in GM’s EV sales in the United States. Following the discontinuation of the Chevrolet Bolt EV production in December, Cadillac has taken the lead with its growing EV lineup. In the second quarter of 2023, GM sold 21,930 EVs, with the Lyriq SUV contributing 7,294 units to that total.
The Opulent Velocity, while a concept, offers a glimpse into Cadillac’s vision for the future of luxury EVs. With its striking design, advanced technology, and emphasis on performance, the Opulent Velocity showcases Cadillac’s ambition to be a leader in the evolving world of electric vehicles.
