General Motors is making a significant strategic pivot at its luxury brand Cadillac, announcing a new generation of gasoline-powered models that will begin arriving next spring. The move marks a clear departure from GM’s earlier ambition to turn Cadillac into an all-electric lineup, a goal that had been central to the company’s EV narrative. According to multiple reports, the shift is driven by a reassessment of EV adoption rates and the realization that internal combustion models remain crucial for profitability and customer demand in the luxury segment.
Cadillac’s most tangible return to gasoline power comes in the form of the XT6, a three-row mid-size luxury SUV that will once again feature a gas engine. The XT6 had been expected to either go electric or be discontinued entirely as Cadillac pivoted to an EV-only future. Now, Cadillac has confirmed the model will live on, though the exact launch timing remains unspecified. For buyers in the competitive three-row luxury SUV space — where rivals like the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, and Volvo XC90 offer both gas and plug-in options — the XT6’s survival ensures Cadillac doesn’t cede that segment entirely to electrified competitors.
The XT6 Returns — But Not as an EV
Cadillac’s decision to bring back the XT6 with a gas engine is the most concrete signal yet that the brand’s all-EV ambitions are being recalibrated. The XT6 originally debuted in 2020 and was considered a strong seller for Cadillac, offering a spacious interior with optional Super Cruise hands-free driving assistance. However, its future became uncertain when Cadillac committed to an all-electric lineup by 2030. Now, the brand is walking that back. By continuing to offer the XT6 with an internal combustion powertrain, Cadillac can maintain a presence in the three-row SUV segment without forcing buyers into a fully electric vehicle — especially important given that many luxury SUV customers still prioritize towing, range flexibility, and established fueling infrastructure.
General Motors hasn’t provided exact pricing or specs for the returning XT6, but the confirmation itself is a major shift in messaging. It also suggests that Cadillac’s EV-only plan was premature in a market where electric vehicle adoption, while growing, hasn’t reached the tipping point required to sustain a luxury brand entirely on EVs. The XT6’s return gives dealers a familiar product to sell while the brand figures out how to pace its EV transition.
A Broader ICE Revival: Blackwing Successor and Beyond
The XT6 isn’t the only gas-powered Cadillac getting a reprieve. According to reports, a successor to the acclaimed CT5-V Blackwing is reportedly in the works. The current CT5-V Blackwing, widely praised as one of the last great manual-transmission super sedans, is set to end production after the 2026 model year. While Cadillac hasn’t officially confirmed the successor, the report indicates that GM is planning a next-generation performance sedan that will keep internal combustion alive in Cadillac’s lineup. This would be welcome news for enthusiasts who feared the Blackwing nameplate would vanish entirely as Cadillac shifted to EVs. A new gas-powered Blackwing would allow Cadillac to continue competing with rivals like the BMW M5 and Mercedes-AMG E63, both of which are transitioning to hybrid or electric powertrains but still offer high-performance combustion options.
Meanwhile, the broader Cadillac lineup is also getting new gas models starting next spring — though the exact models haven’t been specified. Given that the XT6 is confirmed and the Blackwing successor is reportedly planned, it’s likely that other nameplates like the CT4, CT5, or even the Escalade will continue with internal combustion options for the foreseeable future. The shift also means that Chevrolet and Cadillac essentially have no new EVs planned over the next few years, according to industry sources. That’s a stark contrast to just two years ago, when GM claimed it would sell only zero-emission vehicles by 2035. Now, the company is adjusting its timeline to reflect real-world market conditions.
For Cadillac buyers, the return to gas-powered models offers more choice in the short term. Those who want a luxury SUV with a traditional engine can stick with the XT6, while those looking for outright performance can look forward to a new Blackwing. And while the EV transition isn’t dead — Cadillac still sells the Lyriq and has the Celestiq and other EVs in the pipeline — the brand is no longer betting the farm on battery power. Instead, Cadillac is hedging its bets, ensuring it has products for every type of luxury buyer.
The new gas-powered Cadillac models will begin arriving next spring, with the XT6 expected to follow soon after. Exact pricing, powertrain details, and availability will likely be announced closer to launch.