Cadillac Electric SUV available only online in France

US automaker General Motors (GM) unveiled its luxury electric Cadillac Lyriq in France, expanding its European market presence after returning last year, as reported by Reuters on Monday.

The move tests whether online-only sales will attract affluent car buyers. Unlike its home market, where it relies on a large dealer network, GM allows European customers to customise and purchase their Cadillac EVs entirely online.

Electric SUVs are expected to be the fastest-growing segment for zero-emission vehicles in France, GM’s European head Jaclyn McQuaid told reporters at a launch event in Paris.

The best-selling electric car in France last year was Tesla’s Model Y SUV, starting at €42,990 ($46,500) in that market. Cadillac plans to follow up with other electric models using the same architecture as the Lyriq.

The Lyriq’s starting price in Switzerland is 82,000 Swiss francs ($93,100), but pricing for France has not been provided. Cadillac will also open a showroom in Paris, and the Lyriq can be ordered online starting March 23.

The luxury EV is set to launch in other European markets, beginning with Germany by year-end. (1 United States dollar = 0.9244 Euro, 0.8811 Swiss francs)