- cadillac will begin to transition back to real model names starting in 2022.
- the current alphanumeric names (ct4, ct5, xt4, xt5, xt6) will be slowly phased out as new models debut.
- the upcoming all-electric cadillac crossover will be the first model with a name, other than the escalade.
cadillac is ditching alphanumerics like ct4 and ct5 and committing to real model names like eldorado and escalade. the nomenclature change will begin in 2022, starting with cadillac's first all-electric vehicle that's set to arrive that year. from then, the naming change will proceed on a rolling basis whenever new models are launched.
cadillac spokesperson katie minter told c/d that some of the names may draw from cadillac's heritage, while others will be new. the escalade is the only current cadillac model with a real name rather than an alphanumeric. cadillac first phased out its model names in the early 2000s when it introduced the cts and srx; it then changed course more recently and renamed sedans with the "ct" moniker and suvs with the "xt" moniker.
this move follows in the footsteps of lincoln, which recently ditched its confusing "mk" names for real names such as corsair, aviator, and continental, and stands in contrast to german luxury brands, all of which use alphanumerics. we look forward to seeing the names that cadillac comes up with, and can only hope that iconic monikers such as eldorado, seville, fleetwood, and coupe deville will return.