Cadillac’s Futuristic SUV Is Mad Max Meets Luxury

Cadillac has a long history of introducing concepts at Monterey Car Week, and this year is no different as they’re unveiling the Elevated Velocity. It’s a futuristic crossover that builds on last year’s Opulent Velocity and foreshadows some potential styling cues.

During a media briefing earlier this week, Cadillac officials told us the concept hints at the future of performance and explores new possibilities for the brand. The company seems open to off-road-focused models and encouraged fans to let their voices be heard. As one official put it, “If you like it, let us know.”

More: Cadillac’s Opulent Velocity Concept Is The Electric Hypercar Of The Future

Thankfully, there’s a lot to like as the Elevated Velocity resembles a luxurious version of the Local Motors Rally Fighter. It features an evolutionary front end that trades the typical black crystal shield grille for a body-color version. It’s joined by fluted lighting units, which bring a sense of grandeur and elegance.

Bigger changes are found further back, as Cadillac’s traditional bodywork is replaced by soft curves and flowing surfaces. Eyeballs are also drawn to the 24-inch wheels and gullwing doors, which provide easy access to the cabin.

Designers gave the concept a rakish windscreen and a coupe-like greenhouse, which features blue-tinted glass and Mondrian graphics. There’s also Vapor Blue paint and pronounced cladding for a rugged appearance.

The fanciful design continues out back with an eye-catching fascia and stylish lights. The model also has a sizable diffuser and a gun slit rear window.

A Minimalist Interior With Red Light Therapy

When the gullwing doors open, they reveal a minimalist 2+2 interior featuring Morello Red Nappa leather as well as Cerise and Garnet red boucle fabric. This creates an interesting mix of surfaces and textures.

While modern vehicle interiors are dominated by displays, Cadillac embraced restraint and put them in places you wouldn’t expect them – including on the steering wheel. There’s also a crystal-inspired display on the floating center console, with designers telling us they purposely avoided using rectangular screens.

The interior is a little plain, but the concept has an Elevate Mode that transforms it into an autonomous vehicle. When activated, the pedals and steering wheel retract while the cabin turns into a “recovery space for occupants.”

The idea is as crazy as it sounds, as the crossover embraces red light therapy and a breathing coach to help you relax. Aiding in this is an air fragrance and purification system, so you can unwind while the vehicle drives itself.

If you want to get in on the action, Velocity Mode dims the lights and deploys the steering wheel. The screen on the latter will show the speed, time, and battery health, while an augmented reality heads-up display provides navigation.

Hypercar Performance And A Self-Cleaning Mode

Since this is a concept, performance specifications are largely fantasy. That being said, Cadillac envisions the model would have a dual-motor all-wheel drive system capable of delivering hypercar thrills.

The company also envisioned several off-road settings, including a Terra mode, which provides additional ground clearance. Cadillac went on to mention a Sand Vision system, which echoes their existing Night Vision technology. However, instead of enabling drivers to ‘see in the dark,’ Sand Vision would provide improved visibility in a sandstorm.

Speaking of fantasy-land tech, Cadillac conjured up a self-cleaning system for the exterior. It would effectively ‘shake off’ dirt via “dust-phobic vibration.”

Last but not least, the concept comes with a handcrafted polo set in a Vapor Blue case. Opening it reveals a helmet, gloves, kneepads, and a mallet in Morello red. While this is an odd touch, it echoes last year’s Sollei concept that came with custom bird calls.