Side view of Cadillac Opulent Velocity concept vehicle in Gilded Pearl exterior color.

Cadillac has unveiled the Opulent Velocity concept, an up-to-the-minute example of zero-emissions luxury hypercar performance. This innovative design study showcases Cadillac’s vision for the future of electric performance, blending advanced technology with bespoke luxury. Following up on the heels of the Sollei concept, Cadillac is on a roll.

The Opulent Velocity concept offers a distinct user experience, enabled by autonomous drive technology and a next-generation Augmented Reality Head-Up Display (AR HUD).

Cadillac Level 4 Autonomy

The Opulent experience emphasizes the luxury of leisure, enabling the personal freedom that full autonomous mobility can provide. With Level 4 autonomous capability, the vehicle creates a hands-free immersive environment. Multi-sensory modes are accessible via a widescreen display and AR HUD. Cadillac has incorporated insights of sound and light waves throughout the cabin, creating a sophisticated, individualized hands-free environment.

Close-up view of Opulent Velocity concept vehicle’s front fascia with illuminated Cadillac badge featuring 3D rear tunnel illumination.

Split Personality Caddy

In contrast, the Velocity experience is all about exhilarating performance. Triggered by the touch of a multi-functional controller, the vehicle transforms from autonomous mode to Velocity mode, where the steering wheel and pedals present themselves, allowing the user to take control. Inspired by Cadillac’s Blackwing track-proven engineering, the Velocity mode offers an authentic track experience with a “Ghost Car” function displayed on the HUD screen, enabling drivers to improve their lap times or compete against peers.

Rear view of Opulent Velocity concept vehicle with signature lighting and lit Cadillac badge.

Swoopy Styling

The exterior of the Opulent Velocity concept draws inspiration from Cadillac’s V-Series.R hybrid racecars. It features a dramatic draped surface, a clean modern appearance, and a low silhouette. The vehicle’s butterfly doors provide expansive openings, while the vertical lighting signature and illuminated badge emphasize sophistication and technology. The exterior is painted in a light Gilded Pearl hue, adding to its high-tech appearance.

Birds-eye view of Cadillac Opulent Velocity concept vehicle with open butterfly doors.

Stark, Sybaritic Cabin

Interior view of Cadillac Opulent Velocity concept vehicle in Selene Metallic dark blue, featuring 2+2 seating configuration.

Inside, the Opulent Velocity concept welcomes clients with a spacious interior with wraparound draped surfaces, a fully digital cockpit, and a racing-inspired Y-shape steering wheel. The interior color, “Selene,” complements the vehicle’s bold persona, while the use of 3D printing technology and meticulous craftsmanship creates a palette that embraces both design heritage and future possibilities. The Opulent Velocity concept is a testament to Cadillac’s commitment to leading in electrified luxury performance, blending past, present, and future seamlessly and sophisticatedly.

Rear view of Cadillac Opulent Velocity concept vehicle in Gilded Pearl exterior color.

Electrified Mag’s Take

GM’s Head of Design Michael Simcoe and Bryan “Me Too Cruiser HHR” Nesbitt are tackling new ground when it comes to Cadillac styling. Think of this new design language as “Art and Science” 2.0. We like it, but why is Cadillac’s planting its flag on the ultra-luxury market, out of touch for most Americans and Cadillac loyalists?

We would love to see a sub-$100K version of the Celestiq join the ranks at Caddy dealerships. Fleetwood IQ would be a cool name. Offer a coupe and a wagon along with a sedan as well. Think of an Ultium-based CT6 and you get the idea. The Chinese market still gets an “affordable” Cadillac sedan but not us Americans. All we can do here in the States is cry foul.

An Ultium-based sedan like this Chinese market-only 2025 CT6 would be cool.

All this might be wishful thinking as the sedan is “dead” in North America. GM is too scared of cannibalizing sales from Cadillac’s SUV-heavy lineup as well. So for now we have these stratospheric car concepts for the chosen few, shilled by fading stars like Lenny Kravitz.

The Lyriq, which is selling quite well, is the blueprint moving forward folks, and we doubt if there will ever be a full-size Cadillac sedan that middle Americans can afford again. In the meantime, Cadillac would love to sell you an Ultium-based Lyriq, Optiq, or upcoming Visiq.

All Images: GM Media