There have been rumors and reports of a plug-in hybrid->ke4486 version of the upcoming CT6,->ke4935 but they remained unconfirmed until now. Today, at the Shanghai Auto Show,->ke2470 Cadillac->ke18 confirmed that there will indeed be a plug-in version of its upcoming flagship.

When Cadillac first unveiled the 2016 CT6 at the 2015 New York Auto Show,->ke226 it arrived with a trio of engine options. The smallest of the group was a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that pumped out 265 horsepower. The two optional engines were both V-6s, but one was a 3.6-liter that produced 335 horsepower, while the other was a twin-turbo 3.0-liter with 400 ponies.

As of 2015, it appears as if the CT6 PHEV will only have to butt heads with the Mercedes S550 Plug-In Hybrid, as neither Audi->ke14 nor BMW->ke178 have released range-topping plug-in hybrid sedans->ke142. With the hybrid flagship market still in its very early stages, can this thrifty but expensive sedan thrive?

Continue reading my full preview of the 2016 Cadillac CT6 PHEV.

Exterior

On the outside, the CT6 PHEV will be nearly indiscernible from the standard CT6, from the looks of things. It of course will have badges to distinguish it, but the differences in the actual body are nearly non-existent from the images that Caddy released.

Some of the mild differences that may help set it apart are the possibility of more aerodynamic wheels and the addition of grille shutters to help make the sedan sleeker when the engine doesn’t need cooling.

I personally like the idea of making the PHEV version almost identical to the standard model, as this class of vehicle wouldn't look or feel quite right with any major differences added in.

Exterior Dimensions

Interior

The interior, like the exterior, will likely be structurally identical to the standard CT6 sedan. The only differences will be the addition of a monitoring system for the electric->ke1030 side of the drivetrain. This means there will be screens that read your driving style, estimate the range in the battery pack, monitor the regen braking, and more.

Drivetrain

Combined, the gasoline engine and two electric motors pack a healthy punch at 335 horsepower and 432 pound-feet of torque. If I were a betting man, I would say this luxury sedan will hit 60 mph in about five to six seconds.

Cadillac didn’t announce exact fuel-economy estimates, but it did mention that it expects the CT6 PHEV to double the fuel economy of the gasoline-powered models. Cadillac will also include regenerative braking to help boost the charge of the battery, and its regen on-demand feature will give the feeling of downshifting. The driver can activate the on-demand feature via a paddle on the steering wheel.

The battery is an 18.4 kWh unit with 192 cells that Cadillac stuffed between the rear seats and the trunk. This battery can be charged using a 120- or 240-volt outlet. There are no initial estimates for EV range or charging time.

The CT6 PHEV will also feature a trio of driving modes: Normal, Sport, and Hold. Normal mode is for the daily drive to and from work. It offers the best mix of power and range (EV and hybrid). Sport mode adjusts the mapping of the accelerator and it stiffens the steering. The result is improved acceleration and better road feel. In Hold mode, the driver chooses when the CT6 uses its gasoline engine. This allows the driver to reserve the battery’s charge for city driving.

Drivetrain Specifications

Prices

Pricing remains unknown for now, but look for the CT6 PHEV to call for at least $70,000. There is no initial estimate for its release date.

Competition

Mercedes-Benz S550 Plug-In Hybrid

The Mercedes-Benz S550 is a key model that the entire CT6 lineup has in its crosshairs, which means the S550 Plug-In Hybrid will be the key competitor for the CT6 PHEV. In terms of luxury, the S550 will likely trump the CT6, but with added options, the CT6 should be a dollar-for-dollar better value.

Powering the S550 Plug-In Hybrid is a 3.0-liter V-6 biturbo engine and an electric motor mated to its seven-speed transmission. This system puts out 436 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, which is enough to get the big sedan to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. On electric power alone, the S50 Plug-In Hybrid can travel up to 20 miles.

Read our full review of the Mercedes-Benz S550 Plug-In Hybrid here.

Conclusion

It took a while, but we’re finally seeing plug-in hybrids infiltrate the large, luxury sedan market. First came the S550 Plug-In and now comes the CT6 PHEV. This means that Audi and BMW are likely right behind Caddy and Mercedes.->ke187 I think this will be a huge seller, as even the most wealthy of folks are becoming more eco-conscious and are doing what they can to help the environment – without impacting their lifestyles, of course.