Cadillac just told the world it’s not going all-electric after all. GM CEO Mary Barra confirmed new gas-powered Cadillac models are coming back starting in spring 2027. That reverses a plan that once had the brand going fully electric by 2030. So should you buy a Cadillac EV today, or wait for the gas comeback? Here’s what the announcement actually means and what I’d do with my own money.
Why is Cadillac bringing back gas models?
Cadillac is reviving gas engines because EV demand grew slower than GM expected. The company already booked billions in losses betting on an all-electric future. It’s a straightforward retreat to protect sales while EV adoption catches up.
GM has recorded $10.9 billion in EV-related charges since the second half of 2025. That’s tied to slower-than-expected EV adoption and looser federal emissions rules. On top of that, Cadillac’s U.S. sales fell 22 percent in the first half of 2026. Dealers are already bracing for a rough stretch until the new gas models actually show up in showrooms.
None of this means Cadillac is giving up on EVs entirely. Barra was explicit that the new gas vehicles will be sold “alongside” the brand’s current electric lineup, not instead of it.
What’s actually changing in the Cadillac lineup?
Cadillac is bringing back a discontinued gas SUV and refreshing two others. The first new gas model is due in spring 2027, with rollouts continuing into 2028. The lineup will include an updated CT5 sedan, a redesigned XT5 SUV, and the revived three-row XT6.
The XT6 is the real headline here. Cadillac killed it after the 2025 model year, leaving three-row shoppers stuck choosing between the full-size Escalade or going electric with the Vistiq or Escalade IQ. Now it’s coming back from the dead. GM is also putting $150 million into its Spring Hill, Tennessee plant specifically for a future Cadillac gas model. It’s shifting its Orion Assembly plant in Michigan, too. That plant was once slated for EVs; now it will build gas-powered full-size SUVs and pickups starting in early 2027.
| Model | Status | What’s next |
|---|---|---|
| XT5 (gas) | Current version stays in production largely unchanged | Redesigned gas version arrives, expected second half of 2027 |
| XT6 (gas) | Discontinued after 2025 | Revived as a gas model, timing not yet confirmed |
| CT5 (gas) | Currently on sale | Next-generation gas version launches starting spring 2027 |
| Optiq / Lyriq / Vistiq / Escalade IQ (EV) | Currently on sale | Remain on sale alongside new gas models, no replacement planned |
Should you buy a Cadillac EV right now?
Yes, if you actually want an EV. Cadillac isn’t discontinuing them. Today’s Optiq, Lyriq, Vistiq, and Escalade IQ aren’t going anywhere. The gas comeback is additive, not a replacement plan, so there’s no reason to wait on the electric side.
If you’re cross-shopping the Optiq specifically, we’ve already broken down whether the extra cost for AWD is worth it. And if you’re eyeing the big electric SUVs, our look at Escalade IQ vs. the longer IQL can help you pick the right size before you sign anything.
One caveat: federal EV tax credit support has already dried up in most states. Run the real numbers before you commit. Our EV decision framework walks through exactly how to weigh that against your driving habits and charging access.
Should you wait for the 2027 gas Cadillacs instead?
Only if you specifically need a three-row gas SUV like the XT6, or you’re just not ready for an EV lifestyle. Otherwise, waiting a year or more for vehicles GM hasn’t even priced yet is a long time to sit on the sidelines.
Here’s the catch: GM hasn’t announced trim names, engines, fuel economy, or prices for any of these new gas models. That’s a lot of unknowns to bet a purchase timeline on. If your current vehicle is aging out and you need something now, don’t panic. The current XT5 is sticking around largely unchanged through 2027, so there’s no urgency to avoid it while you wait for the redesign.
This is a similar spot to what we saw with the VW ID.4 discontinuation and 2027 replacement question. Sometimes the smarter move is buying the known quantity in front of you. Waiting on a redesign with no confirmed price tag is a real gamble.
Before you decide either way, run the full cost math. Check our EV total cost of ownership breakdown to see how fuel, maintenance, and depreciation actually stack up against a comparable gas Cadillac over five years.
My take
If you want a Cadillac EV, buy one now. Nothing about this announcement threatens the Optiq, Lyriq, Vistiq, or Escalade IQ. If you specifically want a gas three-row SUV, the XT6’s return is worth waiting for. Just expect to wait well into 2027 or later, with zero pricing certainty in the meantime. For everyone else, the current gas XT5 and CT5 aren’t going anywhere either, so there’s no rush in either direction.
FAQ
Is Cadillac discontinuing its electric vehicles?
No. GM says the new gas models will be sold alongside the current EV lineup, not replace it. The Optiq, Lyriq, Vistiq, and Escalade IQ remain part of Cadillac’s plans.
When will the new gas Cadillac models actually arrive?
GM says launches begin in spring 2027 and continue through 2028. The rollout starts with updated versions of the CT5 and XT5, followed by the revived XT6.
Is the Cadillac XT6 really coming back?
Yes. Cadillac discontinued the XT6 after the 2025 model year. GM confirmed it’s returning as part of the brand’s next-generation gas lineup, though exact timing hasn’t been announced.
Why did Cadillac abandon its all-EV plan?
GM recorded $10.9 billion in EV-related charges since late 2025 as EV adoption grew slower than expected. Federal EV incentives and emissions rules loosened around the same time. Together, that prompted the pullback across several GM brands, not just Cadillac.