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“We’re driving Cadillacs in our dreams,” sang New Zealand’s pop prodigy Lorde in her 2013 hit Royals. And truly, Cadillacs have long been synonymous with luxury, style, and unmistakable prestige. Revered not only for their elevated performance but also for their cultural cachet, Cadillacs have been immortalised in songs, movies, and the collective imagination as the ultimate symbol of iconic American motoring.
With a rich history packed with groundbreaking innovations and unforgettable appearances on screen, Cadillac has continually set the standard for excellence. From pioneering the world’s first mass-produced V8 engine to debuting the first fully enclosed cabin and proudly adopting the slogan “Standard of the World,” Cadillac’s legacy is both technological and cultural. Its starring roles in classic films like Goodfellas have further cemented its place in popular culture.
In The Godfather, the black Cadillac, particularly the 1941 Series 75, became a symbol of power, luxury, and silent intimidation, used by the Corleone family to conduct business with style and menace. Its on-screen presence was so iconic, that collectible figures and toy replicas were later made, turning the car into a pop culture artifact of the film’s legacy.
Here, we take a journey through the most iconic moments in Cadillac’s storied history… moments that helped shape the brand’s enduring legend.
1915: The V8 Revolution Begins
In 1915, Cadillac unveiled the world’s first mass-produced V8 engine in the Type 51. This 5.1-liter powerhouse, engineered by D. McCall White, delivered a smooth 70 horsepower, a feat unheard of in its era. The V8 set a new benchmark for power, reliability, and refinement. Cadillac’s gamble paid off immediately: over 13,000 V8 Cadillacs flew off showroom floors in the first year alone, sparking a sales surge that would cement the V8 as an icon of American muscle and luxury.
1954: Steering Into the Future
Fast forward to 1954, and Cadillac was again ahead of the curve, pioneering power steering as a standard feature across its lineup. As cars grew larger and roads became busier, this innovation transformed the driving experience, reducing fatigue and providing effortless control in the driver’s hands.
1999: The Escalade Enters the Spotlight
Then came 1999, the year Cadillac made a bold leap into the SUV arena with the launch of the Escalade. Conceived quickly but executed brilliantly, the Escalade became an instant icon. Its towering presence, plush interiors, and street cred skyrocketed it into the realms of hip-hop videos, sports arenas, and celebrity garages. Far from just a luxury vehicle, the Escalade became a cultural phenomenon, doubling sales from 2019 to 2023 and dominating markets from North America to Dubai with custom editions and cutting-edge tech.
Early 2000s: The Cadillac Hits the Beat
By the 1980s, Cadillac had transcended its image as the car of the corporate elite to become a symbol of street prestige and personal success, thanks largely to hip-hop culture. Legends like Rich Boy and Ludacris rapped about Cadillacs, making them a statement of style and aspiration. Models like the DeVille and Escalade rolled through urban streets and music videos alike, embodying the fusion of luxury and swagger that helped redefine Cadillac’s cultural footprint.
2002: Reinvention with the CTS
In 2002, Cadillac reimagined itself with the CTS. Sleek lines, aggressive styling, and sporty performance made it a favorite of younger, global drivers. Its cameo in The Matrix Reloaded cemented its cool factor, signaling Cadillac’s new era; edgy, modern, and unapologetically bold.
Pop Culture’s Cadillac Cameos
The Escalade and Cadillac models have rolled through pop culture with style: Macklemore’s “White Walls” name-checked Cadillac; Tony Soprano cruised in one during The Sopranos’ final seasons; and celebrities from Paris Hilton to 50 Cent and Kim Kardashian have all embraced the brand’s blinged-out luxury, fueling its star power.
2021: Electrifying the Future with LYRIQ
Cadillac’s future-forward vision took shape in 2021 with the LYRIQ, its first fully electric vehicle. Marrying luxury with sustainability, the LYRIQ marks Cadillac’s serious bid to lead the electric luxury segment, combining sleek design with cutting-edge technology for a new generation of discerning drivers.
2023: The Bespoke CELESTIQ
In 2023, Cadillac announced the CELESTIQ, its ultra-luxury hand-built masterpiece. Every detail, from bespoke finishes to advanced tech, is crafted for exclusivity and supreme luxury, a bold statement aimed at competing with the world’s finest bespoke sedans and reasserting Cadillac’s place at the pinnacle of automotive elegance.
2025: The Escalade Keeps Reigning
The latest 2025 Escalade continues the legacy with cutting-edge tech; including a muscular 6.2L V8, Super Cruise hands-free driving, expansive curved displays, and premium AKG Studio audio. Plush interiors and smart safety features keep it king of the American luxury SUV segment, still a favourite for those who demand size, sophistication, and modernity in equal measure.
