PARIS, Feb 26 Reuters U.S. automaker General Motors on Monday unveiled its luxury electric Cadillac Lyriq in France, an expansion of its market in Europe after returning last year and a test of whether onlineonly sales will attract wealthy car buyers.

In October GM announced it was launching sales in Switzerland, the first step in an allelectric return to European markets since selling off the Opel and Vauxhall brands in 2017.

Unlike in its home market where it relies on a large dealer network, European customers can customise and purchase their Cadillac EVs entirely online.

Europe39;s automakers are focused on trying to build more affordable EVs, under pressure from Chinese competitors and slowing demand growth. GM39;s European head Jaclyn McQuaid told reporters at a launch event in Paris that electric SUVs are expected to remain the fastestgrowing segment for zeroemission vehicles.

When you look at the battery electric vehicle market in France, it is the luxury market that grew to the greatest extent, McQuaid said. The luxury market is where the focus is right now.

The bestselling electric car in France last year was Tesla39;s Model Y SUV, which starts at 42,990 euros 46,500 in that market.

Highlighting Cadillac39;s French heritage the French adventurer Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac founded Detroit in 1701 McQuaid said other electric models would follow using the same architecture as the Lyriq, which is made in Tennessee.

In Switzerland the Lyriq has a…