Don't Expect the Cadillac Escala to Be Produced Anytime Soon

Cadillac might not be taking on the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class after all.

After debuting the Escala Concept during 2016 Monterey Car Week, many thought that the realistic-looking concept car would preview the future of the brand. The concept also suggested that Cadillac has a new flagship in the works, possibly called the CT8 or CT9, that would take on the likes of BMW’s 7 Series and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. But according to a recent report from The Detroit Bureau, plans to launch a large luxury sedan have been delayed and could even be axed.

According to various company sources and industry observers, the aggressive product growth strategy outlined by Cadillac president Johan de Nysschen will be sharply paired back, potentially delaying the full-size sedan as well as a twin-turbo V8 engine that would lurk under its hood.

SEE ALSO: Cadillac Escala Concept Previews the Future of American Luxury

Following the reveal of the Escala Concept, de Nysschen suggested that the twin-turbo V8 may not debut until the next-generation CT6. Considering the Cadillac CT6 just came to market not so long ago, the next-generation model likely won’t arrive until 2023 or 2024.

As for the immediate future, expect to see a plug-in hybrid version of the CT6 to arrive, but an all-electric version isn’t coming until beyond 2020, de Nysschen has confirmed. The American automaker will instead focus on its lineup of crossovers and SUVs, like compact competitors to take on the BMW X1 and X3 models. Rumor has it Cadillac is also working on a larger, three-row model.

Although the Cadillac Escala likely won’t head to production anytime soon, expect to see some of its design and technology to influence other models in the company’s lineup.