Cadillac’s Big Comeback: Best Sales in Over a Decade, Thanks to EVs and Escalade

Cadillac’s Big Comeback: Best Sales in Over a Decade, Thanks to EVs and Escalade

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Back in the 1980s and 1990s, Cadillac’s image as America’s premier luxury brand took a serious hit. Cost-cutting and missteps like the Cimarron—a badge-engineered Chevy Cavalier with a Cadillac badge—damaged its reputation. For years, Cadillac struggled to shake off that decline.

Fast-forward to 2025, and the story looks very different. General Motors just released its third-quarter sales report, and Cadillac is thriving. The brand posted its best sales since 2013—both for Q3 and for the year-to-date. So what’s behind this comeback?

EVs Driving Cadillac Forward

GM’s overall Q3 sales rose 8% year-over-year, with EV sales surging 105%. Cadillac has been a standout in this shift, becoming the number-one luxury EV brand in Q3. It even pulled customers away from rivals like Audi and Mercedes.

The Lyriq was Cadillac’s second-best-selling luxury EV overall, moving 7,309 units in Q3. The new Optiq followed with 4,886 sales, and the Vistiq added 3,924. Even the pricey Escalade IQ contributed with 2,264 units. In total, EVs made up 40% of Cadillac’s Q3 sales, a milestone most legacy brands haven’t matched.

Escalade Still Dominates Gas Models

On the gasoline side, Cadillac’s sales strength is anchored by the Escalade. The full-size SUV sold 11,332 units

in Q3 (including the extended ESV), a nearly 30% jump. Despite its steep starting price of $91,100—and trims that push well into six figures—the Escalade remains Cadillac’s best-seller. Other solid performers included the XT5 (5,771 sales), CT5 (4,000), and XT6 (3,828).

Why This Resurgence Matters

GM executives say Cadillac’s revival is no accident. President Mark Reuss pointed to Cadillac’s historic golden era of the 1950s as inspiration for today’s lineup. Since 2018, Cadillac has pursued a clear strategy: unique interiors, exclusive powertrains, and high-end design that separates it from other GM products. The ultra-luxury Celestiq now serves as a halo product for the brand.

The payoff is clear: Cadillac has more market share, stronger pricing power, and higher profit margins—exactly what GM needs as it balances EV growth with ICE sales.

While other American luxury names like Lincoln have struggled to regain past prestige, Cadillac’s resurgence shows it may finally be on the path back to true luxury dominance.