Cadillac, Infiniti flaunt Model X competitors at Detroit Auto Show

Electric SUVs are all the rage. 

At this year’s North American International Auto Show, or the Detroit Auto Show as it’s also known, electric vehicles took center stage. But several car makers known for their electric vehicles didn’t make an appearance: Tesla, BMW, Audi Jaguar, Volvo and others. Instead, the most noticeable Tesla competitors were Cadillac and Infiniti’s various ideas for SUVs, which resemble a certain electric SUV already on the market: the Model X.

General Motors is putting its electric eggs into the Cadillac basket, leading its electric vehicle platform with a recognizable name. Although details were sparse, GM is making a Cadillac SUV its first
“next-generation EV.” We don’t know its name yet, but it’s part of a push to put out new Cadillac models every six months through 2021.The EV will be Cadillac’s first foray into battery power.

GM announced last year it was discontinuing its Chevy Volt hybrid vehicle, leaving just the all-electric Chevy Bolt as the car maker’s electric vehicle.

Infiniti teased its concept EV before the show started, but now we have more details about the QX Inspiration. Golden State Warriors Steph Curry even took a tour of the electric concept car. 

The midsize SUV doesn’t need a grille since there’s no gas engine, but it still has a large front, perfect for displaying the Inifiniti logo. It features Liquid White, vermilion red, and gold colors on the exterior, while the inside is all about open space. It’s supposed to feel like a lounge for four people. With the battery underneath the car, the cabin isn’t even that reminiscent of a traditional car.

A wide-screen monitor replaces the dash (again, very Tesla-like) and the rectangular steering wheel has its own monitor. As a hint of what’s to come, the steering wheel collapses into the dash and the pedals retract into the floor. Time for the car to drive itself.

Nissan also showed off an electric sedan concept, featuring a similar interior look to the Infiniti (they come from the same parent company after all). The sport sedan, known as the IMs EV concept, is a boxy vehicle with 380 miles of anticipated range on a single charge.

The interior is sporty and ready for autonomous driving with an open cabin space. Again, the battery is underneath the car. A “premier seat” comes out of the rear for an oversized, lounge-like experience. The headlights and rear lights turn blue and travel from front to back to show other drivers and pedestrians that it’s self-driving.

Nissan plans to launch seven electric vehicles by 2022. Last week at CES, the updated Nissan Leaf e+ was announced.

Other trends that kicked off the show were revived car lines, like the Toyota Supra that was discontinued in 2002. 

Nostalgia is almost as powerful as an electric motor.

The auto show continues through Jan. 27.