Cadillac's proposed Ciel convertible may be big, but it's also more efficient than the brand's "luxury barges" of the past, thanks to a hybrid system and lithium-ion battery.

Cadillac/GM

he video: In recent years, Cadillac has struggled to compete with European behemoths Mercedes and BMW. But last Thursday, General Motors' luxury brand introduced a new concept car that could change that. (View video below.) In Palm Beach, Calif., a few days ahead of the Concours d'Elegance car show, the automaker unveiled the Ciel convertible, a larger, "bold" car that is both an homage to giant Caddies of decades past (the Ciel is as long as Mercedes' S Class), and, with a V-6 engine paired with a hybrid system, a nod to the future. While the convertible is still just in the concept phase, Cadillac says the car, or one much like it, will be available in 2016.

The reaction: The Ciel "recalls the era when Cadillac was known as the 'Standard of the World' and is another sign that Detroit continues to make a comeback," says Jay Akasie in the International Business Times. It's stunning that "General Motor's luxury brand wasn't afraid to bring back the politically incorrect car for which it is best known: The luxury barge," says Chris Woodyard at USA Today.  Perhaps that's because the Ciel is big without being wasteful, thanks to a hybrid system powered by a lithium-ion battery. Regardless, the Ciel is "simply gorgeous," says Jonny Lieberman at Motor Trend. This is a Cadillac that could thrive in China, Russia, and the Middle East, where status cars with big price tags are all the rage. See for yourself: