I have to ask you: What do you think? Of the shape of this car, the gull wing doors, the ground clearance that’s higher than we usually see in sporty concept cars. What about the futuristic grille, the aerodynamic rear end, the minimalist interior, the lighted wheels, the lack of screens. What do you think of the Cadillac Elevated Velocity?
Cadillac gave us a sneak peek at its latest concept, the Elevated Velocity, a four passenger two-door off-road capable EV that is filled with almost science-fiction-like features. And as I’m asking you now, Cadillac’s engineers and designers asked us: What do you think?
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience, and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
The Nature of a Concept Is to Test the Waters—and Buyer Appetite
Think of this car as a one-of-one couture creation that will walk the runway, though this time it’s Monterey Car Week, the Paris Fashion Week of the car world and where you’ll see the poshest parade of super cars, vintage cars, expensive cars and yes, concept cars.
Events like this are where brands roll out their edgiest, most futuristic, most creative ideas and measure everyone’s opinions. And it’s where cars that set trends, that become collector’s items, that set sales and auction records are first seen.
Read: How the 2025 Cadillac Lyriq Defines Cadillac’s Future-And What Makes This SUV So Luxe
Not Just the Car, But Its Details, Are Being Evaluated
As Cadillac’s designers and engineers introduced the Elevated Velocity, they highlighted a number of features that they want to know if they should invest in: wheels that light up; a steering wheel with a screen at its center; a yoke-style steering wheel rather than a round one; gull wing doors; the use of wool bouclé paired with leather to create a hushed feeling inside the cabin; a red on red monotone interior.
And, a flexible interior that is capable of transforming from a driver-controlled ride to one that is autonomous. The idea is that with self-driving EVs, the driver will be able to sit back, relax and enjoy the ride. When that happens, the steering wheel can retract and the cabin becomes more of a luxury pod and feels less like a “car.”
And, an electric sports car that’s capable of hitting high speeds off road. Do we want this?
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“V” Is a Telling Sign, But So Is “Elevated”
Two things are pretty clear with the Elevated Velocity concept. First, Cadillac is thinking about how it brings high performance and speed to its electric car future. Building on the Lyriq V and the Optiq V, both sportier, faster versions of Cadillac’s flagship and entry-level EVs that carry the brand’s sport designation, V, the company can easily push the power level of its EV offerings. But will customers buy it?
Monterey Car Week is a great place to test the idea. Companies like Lamborghini and McLaren have added electric power to their cars and customers have responded with a solid approval; demand has increased. Still, purely electric sports cars are new territory and worth studying.
And then, Elevated, as in higher ground clearance, larger wheels—Cadillac showed this concept with 24” wheels—and a suspension and handling designed for dusty, uneven trails. Buyers have shown, too, an appetite for all things adventure and this trend of high-performance off-road vehicles has become a popular one. Rivian’s off-roaders can be had with 1,025 HP; the Land Rover Defender Octa produces 626 HP and can charge up a hill at 40 MPH or more—which I can attest too and it was pretty cool.
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Not Just a Mannequin Dressed for Show, The Elevated Velocity is a Road-Ready Concept
Every detail that Cadillac showed on the Elevated Velocity concept is buildable and road ready, though there are still some details to figure out, such as how to accommodate air bags on a yoke-like steering wheel with a screen at its center. But the Cadillac team seemed primed and ready to accept the challenge if they get the green light.
The concept we saw has been road tested in the desert, they told us. They can actually build wheels that light up and of course, gull wing doors are not new, just unusual. But the real question is: do we like them?
A Radical Concept But a Lot of Very Promising Features
I’ll say this: The Elevated Velocity concept is radical. I’m not sure it’s the one I’d put on my vision board. But a reduced number of screens? I can live with that. A screen on the steering wheel instead of in front of it? That’s pretty cool. Light up wheels, and gull wing doors? I like those too.
An electric off-roader that can deliver comfortable, hands-free driving on the highway—because of course, it’ll have Super Cruise? We’re already there and agreeing we like it.
Concepts are Just That; Reality May Tone Things Down A Bit
Of course, some of these details and features may morph into something more familiar as shapes and functions are adapted to meet safety codes and function demands. And others will adapt for mass-production capability.
I like where Cadillac is going and how their thinking is evolving. But the real question is, what do you think?
