Skip advert
Advertisement

Bertone Cadillac Villa

Here's the clearest view yet of Cadillac's future direction. The US firm is working with European styling houses to raise its profile further and the inaugural result is the Bertone Villa, revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March. And Auto Express is first to drive it.

With its low centre of gravity, long wheelbase and large wheels, the Villa rides impeccably. We can't rate its handling or performance yet, but as a showcase for future Cadillacs, the car's novel doors, extensive use of glass and mobile office credentials confirm the American maker's move towards luxury models for Euro executives.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Here's the clearest view yet of Cadillac's future direction. The US firm is working with European styling houses to raise its profile further and the inaugural result is the Bertone Villa, revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March. And Auto Express is first to drive it.

Bertone built the car on a bespoke chassis which is close to the proportions of Cadillac's SRX. Although it is road legal, as a show model the Villa has only a small engine mated to a single-speed gearbox. It is not very fast, but the huge wheelbase and massive rear make for a spacious cabin. And, of course, the extensive use of glass in the bodywork helps to make the car a seriously interesting proposition.

The clamshell doors rise and pivot at the touch of a button on the centre console or keyfob. This exposes the interior completely, because the roof is incorporated into the moving panels.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

X-Trail

2015 Nissan

X-Trail

27,855 milesManualDiesel1.6L

Cash £13,899
View X-Trail
A-Class

2021 Mercedes

A-Class

28,742 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £19,100
View A-Class
C3 Origin

2021 Citroen

C3 Origin

49,676 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £9,200
View C3 Origin
5 Series

2023 BMW

5 Series

58,826 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £24,126
View 5 Series

Even with the doors shut, however, from the driver's seat you feel totally exposed to the outside world. The see-through surround would have to be polarised for a production version, as luxury buyers value their privacy. And they wouldn't appreciate getting slowly roasted on a hot summer's day, either.

On a more positive note, the front seats provide impressive shoulder and legroom, while passengers in the rear have lots of space for their legs, shoulders and head due to the use of independently adjustable reclining chairs. Another showpiece is the wireless keyboard in the back, which is linked to a screen incorporated into the small table in the armrest.

Add the indirect, soft blue mood lighting and vast 23-inch central front display screen, which monitors all the dashboard and driving functions, and the Villa can be a sleek rolling business centre when the need arises.

Because each door incorporates a significant section of overhead glass, accessing the cabin couldn't be easier, as there is no need to crouch or shuffle out of the seat. You simply stand up and step out: even the tallest basketball star can walk away. The design is also ideal for people with limited mobility. So while the Villa looks odd, it is highly practical. Let's just hope Cadillac takes some of these ideas to production.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £4,500 off RRP*
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,364 off RRP*Used from £9,500
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,115 off RRP*Used from £14,295
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,003
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort review: the best BYD yet
BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort - front

New BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort review: the best BYD yet

The new BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort is arguably the Chinese brand's most convincing model in its range
Road tests
11 Jun 2025
New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power
Peugeot E-208 GTi - reveal front

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power

Hot Peugeot E-208 gets racier styling, 276bhp and does 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds
News
13 Jun 2025
Best cars to own: Driver Power 2025 results
Driver Power 2025 - header

Best cars to own: Driver Power 2025 results

The best new cars to own in the UK right now according to the people who already do. It’s the 2025 Driver Power results!
News
10 Jun 2025