CADILLAC XT5

Cadillac to Ditch Latest Naming Convention

December 12, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

GM’s luxury brand plans to return to its traditional naming roots.

This Cadillac XT4 will eventually sport a traditional nameplate

There’s good news for anyone who cannot stand Cadillac’s current model naming convention. GM’s premier marque will soon begin transitioning its model names away from the current alphanumeric nomenclature to names that make sense, according to a report in Automotive News. The automaker announced the change as it laid out its plans to roll out dozens of electrified vehicles over the next decade.

Out With the Traditional

Cadillac began ditching its traditional names in the early 2000s, when the Seville became the STS and the DeVille was renamed the DTS. These changes took place as Cadillac introduced the CTS, its smallest sedan. However, one model name never changed — the Escalade (SUV), which immediately built a bling-loving following all its own.

Cadillac not only changed the model names once, but they changed them again beginning about five years ago. Its SRX crossover became the XT5, and then was followed by XT4 and XT6 models. As for the ATS and CTS sedans, these were replaced this year by the CT4 and CT5. In the interim, Cadillac rolled out the CT6, but even that model is slated to disappear in 2020. And don’t forget the Volt-based ELR, which lasted only a few years before it was canceled.

GM’s other brand never embraced an alphanumeric nomenclature, although Pontiac was on its way to making that change before the brand was canceled a decade ago. Indeed, Pontiac used G5, G6, and G8 to distinguish several models, although they still used names such as Gran Prix, Solstice, Torrent, and Vibe for the others.

Cadillac Follows Lincoln

The Lincoln brand, long Cadillac’s chief rival, has also done an about-face regarding its model names. For over a decade, Ford’s luxury marque used names that began with MK (as in Mark) and followed by a third letter. The MKC is now the Corsair and the MKX was replaced by the Nautilus. Like Cadillac, Lincoln reserved a traditional name for its largest model, the Navigator SUV.

Cadillac and Lincoln experimented with using European naming conventions for its vehicles, but eventually realized that consumers don’t like them. Whereas the European brands have used them for decades, American consumers never embraced the trend.

No Timeline Set

Cadillac hasn’t announced when its naming convention will start transitioning or what names will be used. We do know a new electric model is slated for 2021, which is about the same time a new Escalade debuts. There’s also a rumor Cadillac will get a sports car based on the mid-engine Corvette. If it does, it most certainly won’t resurrect the XLR name used to identify an earlier Cadillac model which also was Corvette derived.

We Bid the Fourth-Generation Cadillac Escalade a Fond Farewell

October 9, 2019 by admin 8 Comments

The Sport Edition is available on all but the base trim. Features include a gloss black front grille and exterior trim; 22-inch 12-spoke alloy wheels, and Midnight Silver paint.

The Cadillac Escalade has always represented excess with its imposing presence, oversized grille, and massive amounts of bling. It has evolved through four generations and remains the best seller in its class.

The all-new fifth-generation and 2021 Cadillac Escalade will arrive sometime next year. And if the spy shots are any indication, it’ll feature a dramatically restyled front end. We’ve also heard that additional autonomous features and perhaps a rejigged powertrain lineup are in the offing. These changes should help the big Cadillac stay ahead of the Mercedes-Benz GLS and the Lincoln Navigator in their collective quest for full-size luxury SUV shoppers.

2020 Cadillac Escalade

Now in its sixth and final year, the fourth-generation 2020 Cadillac Escalade might be easy to overlook, especially with a new model soon to follow. But we know some customers simply will not wait, which is why we’ll examine the model at hand. The following are the Escalade’s highlights:

1. Standard and stretch models.

Cadillac offers the Escalade in two configurations: the standard model rides on a 116-inch wheelbase, while the stretched ESV version sits on a 130-inch wheelbase. The ESV adds significantly more third-row legroom and overall cargo space. It is our recommended model for anyone needing to carry more than five passengers and their trappings.

2. One powertrain combination.

The Escalade’s 6.2-liter V8 engine is a familiar one, utilized in various capacities across the GM network, including in the Chevrolet Corvette and Camaro, and the GMC Yukon XL Denali. With an output of 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, this burly engine gets it done. Cadillac pairs the V8 with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy, however, is not one of its strong suits as it makes an EPA-estimated 14 mpg in the city, 23 mpg on the highway for a combined 17 mpg. Four-wheel drive versions are rated 14/21/17 mpg.

3. Four Cadillac Escalade trims for your consideration.

Cadillac offers the 2020 Escalade in four trims: Escalade, Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Platinum. You’ll pay from $76,490 for the base model with the Escalade ESV starting at $79,490. Key standard features include magnetic ride control, LED exterior lighting, a hands-free power liftgate, keyless entry with push-button start, a power-controlled tilt-and-telescopic steering column, a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, three-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, heated second-row bucket seats, and a 12.3-inch cluster display.

4. Ample tech and safety features.

The Escalade comes with an 8-inch touch-screen display, navigation, and a 16-speaker Bose audio system. Moreover, Cadillac includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone compatibility, a Wi-Fi hotspot, five USB ports, and wireless charging. Automatic parking assist, front and rear parking assist, and a surround-view camera system are included.

5. Trim-level upgrades make a difference.

Although already well equipped, there are numerous upgrades available that improve upon the base model. Depending on the trim, you’ll find a unique grille design, a leather-wrapped instrument panel, semi-aniline leather seating surfaces, ash wood trim, an 18-way power driver’s seat with massage, a front console compartment with cooler, and a microfiber suede headliner. Cadillac adds safety features too, including forward collision alert, lane departure warning, lane change alert with side blind zone alert, and automatic emergency braking.

Cadillac Utility Vehicles

The Escalade sits at the top of a now four-model utility vehicle assembly. Further, it is followed by three crossovers — the XT6, XT5, and the XT4. With two Escalades to choose from, Cadillac shoppers have much to consider when shopping for a high-profile people mover.

2020 Cadillac Escalade Specifications

Cadillac	2020 Escalade
Segment	Full-size luxury SUV
Price Range	From $76,000
Destination Charge	$1,295
Standard Engine	6.2-liter, V8
Horsepower	420 @ 5,600
Torque (lb.-ft.)	460 @ 4,100
Transmission	10-speed automatic
Seating	8
Curb Weight (pounds)	5,578 to 6,088
Wheelbase (inches)	116.0, 130.0
Length (inches)	203.9, 224.3
Width (inches)	80.5
Height (inches)	74.0, 74.4
Headroom (f,r…inches)	42.8, 38.7, 38.1; 42.8, 39.1, 38.5 (ESV)
Legroom (f,r…inches)	45.3, 39.0, 24.8; 45.3, 39.7, 34.5 (ESV)
Shoulder room (f,r…inches)	64.9, 64.4, 62.6
Hip room (f,r…inches)	60.9, 60.2, 49.3
Storage (cubic feet)	15.2, 51.6, 94.2; 39.3, 76.7, 120.9 (ESV)
Gross vehicle weight (pounds)	NR
Towing (pounds)	7,900 to 8,300
Payload (pounds)	NR
Fuel	Regular
Fuel Tank (gallons)	26 to 31
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined)	14/23/17 (2WD); 14/21/17 (4WD)
Manufacturing Plant	Arlington, Texas

Data compiled by Tom Keegan. Specifications supplied by the manufacturer.

See Also — The History of the Cadillac XLR

Photo copyright Cadillac division, GM Company.

A Trio of Cadillac Crossovers

January 18, 2019 by admin

Updated March 8, 2019, to reflect XT6 pricing.

Cadillac crossovers will soon number three.

Three Cadillac Crossovers

Cadillac read the market correctly in the late 1990s, when it introduced its Escalade SUV. At the time, Americans were looking at utility vehicles as the people-mover of choice and the Escalade became this GM luxury brand’s initial entry.

Five years later, Cadillac followed with the SRX, a wagon-like SUV which shared its underpinnings with the CTS sedan. But something happened along the way as the marque failed to keep up with the competition, which continued to roll out more models to fill out their product lines. Cadillac seemed to get sidetracked, choosing to invest more in new sedans, coupes, wagons and even plug-in electric vehicles. The Escalade and SRX (later XT5) continued, but wide gaps in product availability began to take its toll on sales.

Cadillac is quickly closing the gap, adding the XT4 in Fall 2018 and will follow with the XT6 by summer 2019. This trio of crossovers plus the Escalade will give Cadillac most of the products consumers demand. We still see room for an even larger XT7 model to roll out someday, perhaps along with a subcompact XT3. As for the Escalade, an all-new model debuts in 2020.

Here’s a look at the three Cadillac crossovers along with a chart for comparing statistical highlights.

1. Cadillac XT4

2019 Cadillac XT4 — The Cadillac XT4 is a compact luxury crossover, the smallest of four SUVs offered by this marque.

Fifteen years is a long time to expand Cadillac’s crossover line, but the wait has produced a handsome compact model, the XT4. This one seats five, comes with standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive.

Every XT4 is motivated by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Cadillac offers the XT4 in Luxury, Premium Luxury and Sport trims.

The XT4’s design is closely related to the XT5 and comes with similar trim and options. Its mid-30s starting price place it in the thick of the market. You’ll find many package options, especially with the two top trims. Quite easily, your final price may approach $55,000, although well-equipped models can be had for about $45,000.

See our latest Cadillac XT4 review.

Competing Models: Acura RDX, Audi Q3, BMW X3, Infiniti QX50, Lincoln MKC, Lexus NX, Mercedes-Benz GLA Class, and Volvo XC40

2. Cadillac XT5

2019 Cadillac XT5 — Originally offered as the SRX, the Cadillac XT5 is the first true Cadillac crossover model.

The XT5 kicked off Cadillac’s current naming convention or at least it did so among crossover models. Cadillac crossovers begin with the two-letter “XT” designation and are then followed by a number. Cars begin with a “CT” designation and are also followed by a number.

Arriving in 2017, the XT5 replaced the previous SRX, assuming the new model name as the previous nameplate came to the end of its model run. The XT5 is a midsize, two-row crossover with room for five. It offers standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive.

All models have a 3.6-liter V8 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The XT5 comes in base, Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Platinum trims, the latter with standard all-wheel drive. Cadillac prices the XT5 from just under $43,000. Fully optioned, this crossover costs upwards of $68,000.

Competing Models: Audi Q5, BMW X5, Infiniti QX60, Lexus RX, Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, Volvo XC60.

3. Cadillac XT6

2020 Cadillac XT6 — The Cadillac XT6 seats up to seven and will offer more room than any other Cadillac crossover.

The Cadillac XT6 is a future vehicle, but we do know several things about it, thanks to its debut at the 2019 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Essentially, the XT6 is the XT5 with a third-row added. There’s only a 0.2-inch increase between the wheels, but about nine inches in its overall length.

Thus, the XT6 seats up to seven. It has the same V6 engine as the XT5, but it works with a nine-speed automatic, supplying one more cog than the XT5.

Pricing as of March 2019 is as follows. For the standard Premium FWD (front-wheel drive) model, the cost including destination is $53,690. The XT6 line also includes the XT6 Sport, with standard Sport Control AWD, which starts at $58,090.

Competing Models: Audi Q7, BMW X7, Infiniti QX70, Land Rover Discovery, Lincoln Aviator, Lexus RX L, Mercedes-Benz GLE, and Volvo XC90.

Cadillac Crossovers: XT4, XT5, and XT6

Specifications (inches or as specified)	XT4 Compact Crossover	XT5 Midsize Crossover	XT6 Midsize Crossover
Price (2019 MY)	$34,795 to $39,295 (plus $995 destination)	$41,695 to $65,895 (plus $995 destination)	$53,690 to $58,090+ (includes $995 destination)
Number of Seats	5	5	7
Engine - Horsepower - Torque	Turbo 2.0-liter I4 237 @ 5,000 rpm 258 @ 1,500 to 4,000 rpm	3.6-liter V6 310 @ 6,600 rpm 271 @ 5,000 rpm	3.6-liter V6 310 @ 6,600 rpm 271 @ 5,000 rpm
Transmission	9-speed automatic	8-speed automatic	9-speed automatic
Wheelbase	109.4	112.5	112.7
Overall Length	181.1	189.5	198.8
Overall Width	83.5 (w/mirrors)	75.0	77.3
Overall Height	64.1	66.0	68.9 (70.2)
Track Width F/R	63.2 / 63.1	64.4 ; 64.4	66.4; 66.2
Ground Clearance	6.7	N/A	6.65
Headroom F/R (w/ sunroof)	39.4; 38.3	38.4; 36.0	39.8; 39.1; 37.2
Legroom F/R	40.4; 39.5	41.2; 39.5	41.2; 39.1; 29.5
Hip room F/R	54.5; 49.8	56.0; 54.7	56.1; 55.7; 39.1
Shoulder room F/R	57; 55.1	58.3; 56.2	58.3; 57.4; 53.5
Base Weight (lbs.)	3,660 to 3,847	3,985 to 4,061	4,441 to 4,644
Passenger Volume (cu.-ft.)	100.6	104.5	N/A
Cargo Volume (cu.-ft.)	22.5; 48.9	30.0; 63.0	12.6; 43.1; 78.7
Trailering Capacity (lbs.)	3,500	3,500	4,000
Fuel Economy City/Hwy/Combined	22/29/24 (AWD) 24/30/26 (FWD)	18/25/21 (AWD) 19/26/22 (FWD)	N/A

See Also — Raise the Stakes: 2019 Genesis G70

Cadillac XT4 photo montage copyright Auto Trends Magazine. Cadillac XT5 and XT6 photos copyright Cadillac.

About the 2019 Cadillac XT4

September 20, 2018 by admin 2 Comments

The XT4 is the latest crossover for the Cadillac brand.

The 2019 Cadillac XT4 is a subcompact luxury crossover, the latest model for GM’s luxury marque. It has a bold style and delivers a quiet ride. However, its part-time all-wheel-drive system isn’t as user-friendly as some competing models.

Cadillac’s XT4 operates in a segment occupied by the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA. It is larger than the German trio, an edge Cadillac hopes to exploit as it markets its latest SUV. The XT4 slots beneath the compact XT5. The Cadillac Escalade remains the largest utility vehicle offered by the brand. You might also consider the Volvo XC40.

Shopping for a 2019 Cadillac XT4

The 2019 Cadillac XT4 offers room for five. Besides its spacious passenger space, the XT4 has 22.5 cubic feet of standard storage space. Fold down the rear seat and that space expands to 48.9 cubic feet.

Powering all models is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine works with a nine-speed automatic transmission. When equipped with the available towing package, this crossover can pull up to 3,500 pounds.

This model has standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive. Unlike some competing systems that automatically engage the rear wheels as they slip, the Cadillac system must be activated by pushing the appropriate button.

2019 Cadillac XT4

Three Available Trims

When considering Cadillac’s smallest crossover, you have three trims to explore. The base Luxury trim is followed by Premium Luxury and Sport models, which are given equal weight.

Package options for the base model include the Trailering Package ($300) and a Battery Protection Package ($130). A Cold Weather Package ($850, automatic heated steering wheel, heated driver and front passenger seats and heated rear outboard seats) round out the choices.

Both the Premium Luxury and Sport trims offer eight packages, including the three on the base model. Customers have a choice of Comfort and Convenience ($1,050 Premium Luxury; $2,400 Sport), Enhanced Visibility ($1,500), Technology ($1,650 Premium Luxury; $1,400 Sport), Driver Assist ($1,100) and Driver Awareness ($770) packages.

Choose all-wheel drive and you’ll add $2,500 to your starting cost.

2019 Cadillac XT4

2019 Cadillac XT4 Luxury

The 2019 Cadillac XT4 Luxury is priced from $35,790, including a $995 destination charge. Standard features include LED headlamps and tail lamps, heated and power-controlled side mirrors,18-inch alloy wheels, and a manual liftgate.

Inside, the XT4 has imitation leather seats, a power driver’s seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, dual-zone automatic climate control, and four cargo tie-downs. Tech equipment includes an 8-inch touch-screen display, Bluetooth connectivity, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone compatibility, and a 7-speaker audio system. Cadillac also includes HD Radio, satellite radio, two USB ports, a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot and OnStar services.

Safety features include an HD rear vision camera, Teen Driver monitoring and park assist. If you want advanced driver-assist features, you’ll need to explore the other two trims.

2019 Cadillac XT4 Premium Luxury

Priced from $40,290, the Premium Luxury represents the middle model in the XT4’s product range. This one builds on the base model by adding roof rails, a power liftgate, interior ambient lighting and leather seating surfaces. You’ll also find front and rear park assist, lane change alert with side blind zone alert and rear cross traffic alert.

Choose the Comfort and Convenience Package to gain such amenities as driver and front passenger ventilated seats, driver and front passenger seat massage control, an 8-way power front passenger seat adjuster (upgrade from 6-way), 4-way power driver and passenger lumbar control, and a hands-free liftgate.

The available Technology Package adds such items as an 8-inch reconfigurable gauge cluster, a head-up display, a power rake and telescoping steering column, wireless charging and front cornering lamps and LED front turn signals.

2019 Cadillac XT4

2019 Cadillac XT4 Sport

Sharing the same $40,290 price as the Premium Luxury is the XT4 Sport. Where the Premium Luxury opts for a luxurious take, the Sport puts its emphasis on sportiness. No surprise there.

The most significant differences in this model include its sport mesh grille, gloss black exterior trim, sport tail lamps, carbon fiber or wood interior trim, power-adjustable seat bolsters and a sport steering wheel.

Shoppers wanting driver-assist features will look at the Driver Awareness Package. This package includes low-speed forward automatic braking, front pedestrian braking, forward collision alert, following distance indicator, lane keep assist with lane departure warning and automatic high beams.

There is also a Driver Assist Package, which adds forward and reverse automatic braking and advanced adaptive cruise control.

2019 Cadillac XT4

Buyer’s Choice

From Cadillac’s perspective, the XT4 is just the tonic this luxury brand needed. Its low price point, roomy interior and peppy engine work to its advantage.

That said, we think either the Premium Luxury or Sport trim will appeal to most shoppers as these offer the equipment and package upgrades shoppers want. Yes, you have to pay extra for some items that are standard equipment in models such as the Lexus NX.

Overall, we think the XT4 offers a strong entry in the segment, although as of this writing we haven’t driven one. We expect that will change, therefore we’ll update this page accordingly. In any case, Cadillac offers incentives to current and conquest owners, which can lower your costs as you shop for the segment’s newest model.

US Auto Trends: First Half 2016

July 7, 2016 by admin 3 Comments

Is the US automotive market at its peak?

Jaguar F-PACE — Jaguar’s first-ever SUV is pacing the brand.

The dust has settled following June’s US auto sales manufacturer reports, giving analysts ample fodder to examine the current auto trends. As you probably already know, light truck and utility vehicle sales are up, while car sales are down.

Yet, there are some models bucking the trend and there is a very good chance the perennial car category leading Toyota Camry may lose its top spot this year as car shoppers pursue the all-new Honda Civic. The Ford F-150 continues to dominate truck sales, while the Toyota RAV4 is now the best-selling utility vehicle in America.

Let’s examine the top auto trends for the first half of 2016:

1. Chevrolet’s controversial F-150 attack ad isn’t working. Late this spring, Chevrolet launched its most aggressive attack ad against the Ford F-150 we’ve seen in years. Advertisements show both the F-150 and Silverado trucks lined side-by-side as rocks and later a toolbox were dropped in each bed. The aluminum-based F-150 suffered serious damage, while the steel-based Silverado held up. In June, F-Series sales rose by 28.6 percent while Silverado sales fell 3.7 percent. Through the first half of the year, the F-Series is enjoying double-digit growth. Not so for the Silverado, as sales are off 0.8 percent for the year. Consumers appear to be ignoring the Chevrolet ad.

Cadillac XT5.

Two new models are lifting the Cadillac brand.

2. New Cadillac models are on sale, reviving the brand. Cadillac has a pair of new models to show for it: the XT5 crossover and the CT6 sedan. The Cadillac XT5 is the replacement for the SRX, while the CT6 is the all-new flagship for GM’s luxury brand. As expected, sales of the XT5 are running strong and have already helped the Cadillac brand reverse course. Brand sales are still down through the first half of 2016 (9.5 percent), but the new models may go far in helping Cadillac regain lost market share.

3. Buy a car, save a great deal of money. Car sales continue to fall, dropping 11 percent in June alone. Shoppers have made it clear they prefer utility vehicles and pickup trucks over coupes, sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons. Unless you are absolutely set on a certain body style, you may be overlooking some tremendous deals on cars. Even before incentives are considered, the smallest utility vehicles start around $20,000 and that’s about $5,000 more than the smallest cars. But that’s only part of the story — many models such as the Ford Fiesta offer cash back in addition to 0 percent financing. Choose a slow selling model such as the Hyundai Elantra, a compact sedan, and you may qualify for $2,750 in discounts for a car priced from $17,250.

4. Jaguar and Land Rover are a force to be reckoned with. The UK’s twin Jaguar and Land Rover brands are on fire, lighting up sales and at a pace far ahead of the competition. Combined sales are up 18.7 percent through June with the Jaguar brand up 40.3 percent alone. Two new models, the XE sedan, and the first-ever SUV — the F-PACE — are unleashing the cat. Land Rover has long outsold Jaguar by 4-to-1 in the US, but the greater momentum is with this traditional car brand. Don’t be surprised if the F-PACE is followed quickly by a second SUV, slotting in above the current one. Other manufacturers need to take notice: the two quintessential British brands are winning new customers and often at their expense.

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG Coupe

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG Coupe.

5. Mercedes-Benz leads the luxury pack. Among luxury makes, three brands are constantly vying for top honors: BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz. All three have taken the top crown in recent years, but this year Mercedes-Benz is pulling away from the pack. Mercedes’ sales are flat through June 2016 as it has sold just 39 more cars to date than last year. The luxury segment is getting slapped as car shoppers turn away from cars and to utility vehicles. Still, sales are slipping over last year. BMW sales are down 9 percent and the brand has sold nearly 25,000 fewer vehicles to date than Mercedes-Benz. Lexus is also down (4.6 percent), but with just 2,000 fewer sales than BMW. Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Audi, Infiniti, and Volvo are among the luxury brands gaining market share.

6. We’re seeing signs of plateauing. Automakers love to paint rosy pictures and offer upbeat predictions. They have to, otherwise shareholders will take them to task. After bottoming out in 2009, US auto sales have risen year over year since. It isn’t common to see sales rise constantly from one year to the next for more than five years. Sales are up 1.1 percent through June, so we’re on pace for our seventh consecutive year of increases. Still, there are troubling signs out there as brands such as Mazda, Toyota, Chevrolet, and Mini are down year to date. Toyota may be the most surprising of the four as it adjusts to decreased demand for its bread-and-butter Camry as well as for its hybrids. Are we seeing the first signs of a recession in this election year? You need to go back eight years to September 2008 for when markets began to slide.

2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

The Toyota RAV4 is now the best-selling utility vehicle in the US.

The Race to Year’s End

To finish in positive territory this year, automakers must count on two things: 1), the financial markets remaining stable, and 2), consumer interest staying strong. If the first becomes unstable, it will immediately affect the second. At the same time, consumers may delay their purchases if they even get a whiff of potential instability. This year’s election cycle is an important one and if the candidates stoke fear or instability, the markets will undoubtedly react.

Recent News — Are Pull-Ahead Lease Offers a Good Deal?

First three photos copyright the respective manufacturers; Toyota RAV4 photo copyright Auto Trends Magazine.

GM Seeks to Breath New Life Into the Cadillac ATS

June 30, 2016 by admin 4 Comments

Cadillac’s BMW beater has fizzled.

Nearly four years have come and gone and the Cadillac ATS has failed to meet expectations. Once heralded as the first true small luxury car from GM’s luxury brand, the ATS was supposed to take it to the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Instead, Cadillac’s entry-level line has seen its sales slide every year since its introduction.

Two Engine Choices

For 2017, the ATS will return, but with some important changes. Chief among them is discontinuing the model’s current base 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine, a normally aspirated power plant found in more pedestrian models such as the Chevrolet Malibu. That engine made 202 horsepower and 191 foot-pound of torque.

Cadillac will continue with the ATS’ other two engine choices — a turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder and a normally aspirated V-6 displacing at 3.6 liters. The turbo makes 272 horsepower with an output of 295 foot-pounds of torque. The V-6 is rated at 335 horsepower and 285 foot-pounds of torque.

The turbo comes paired with either a 6-speed manual (rear-wheel drive only) or an 8-speed automatic transmission. The V-6 continues with the automatic only.

Combatting Declining Sales

Other changes will have everything to do with prices and trim packages. According to Automotive News, GM’s goal is to give the ATS more value without damaging residuals. Across the board, luxury car model sales have suffered extensively in the past year or two as consumers continue their wholesale shift to utility vehicles. Even the benchmark setting 3 Series has recorded double-digit declines.

With the turbo now the standard engine, the base price of the ATS will rise and come in slightly higher than the BMW. Instead of cutting prices, customers will find better-equipped models.

Indeed, the focal point of ATS’ group of advanced technologies is the Cadillac User Experience or CUE, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with advanced smartphone integration and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Beginning with 2017, these features are standard across the model line.

ATS and CTS Trim Levels

The ATS’ trim levels are also shuffled for 2017. Currently, customers can choose between Standard, Luxury, Performance, and Premium editions. For 2017 ATS, Luxury, Premium Luxury and Premium Performance trims are available. Other changes bring in a Carbon Black sport package, a pair of new exterior patinas, and new wheels.

Move up the product line one place and you’ll find the CTS. This model will also benefit from changes for 2017, including a new grille design upfront and an updated fascia at the rear marked by vertical exhaust orientation and valance panel modifications. Trim level changes accompany the 2017 CTS too — CTS, Luxury, Premium Luxury, V-Sport and V-Sport Premium. Cadillac says the changes are in line with what its two all-new models provide — the XT5 crossover and the CT6 sedan.

2017 Cadillac Line

For 2017, the Cadillac product line is composed of the following cars: ATS, CTS, XTS, and CT6. The ATS is composed of sedan and coupe models; the other three are sedans only. Both the ATS and CTS offer high-performance “V” lines. The plug-in hybrid electric ELR coupe has been discontinued.

As for utility vehicles, the XT5 replaces the previous SRX. The only other model is the Escalade, a model Auto Trends is currently evaluating and will publish a review next week.

Looking beyond the current models, a plug-in hybrid version of the CT6 sedan is in the works and will arrive in early 2017. Beyond that, any new models will be composed entirely of utility vehicles as Cadillac seeks to catch up with market changes as well as to match what its competitors are offering.

Competitively Priced: 2017 Cadillac XT5

February 11, 2016 by admin 4 Comments

Latest Cadillac model brings utility to the midsize segment.

The 2017 Cadillac XT5 arrives in showrooms this April, inaugurating a new naming convention for GM’s luxury marque. The model is all-new and serves as the successor for the outgoing SRX. Importantly, Cadillac has priced the neoteric SUV from $39,990 (includes $995 destination charge) with the top-of-the-line model retailing for $63,495.

GM announced the XT5’s pricing on Wednesday with about two months remaining before its on sale date arrives. The new model arrives as the market for all things SUV explodes, especially in the luxury theater where manufacturers can’t seem to build enough of them.

New Naming Convention

The XT5 name signals that future SUV models will each start with “XT” then follow with a numerical representation. Similarly, on the car side, Cadillac has chosen the “CT” appellative for its coupes and sedans. Thus, the all-new full-size CT6 will commence the nomenclature change for cars when it arrives this spring just ahead of the XT5. Cadillac, however, will phase in the change over several years as each model is updated or replaced.

As for the midsize Cadillac XT5, its price comes in below most of its competitors, including the Audi Q5, Lexus RX, and the BMW X4. However, that price is about $800 above the base Lincoln MKX and slightly above the price Mercedes-Benz is asking for the GLC-Class.

Four Trim Levels

Four trim levels accompany the 2017 Cadillac XT5. The range-topping Platinum is followed by Premium, Luxury, and Base models. Customers will have a choice of seven exterior colors as well as seven distinct interiors. Front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is available.

Upgrades include Cadillac’s proprietary rear camera mirror system on Platinum models. The system ties in with Cadillac CUE, the brand’s infotainment system and offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Active fuel management with engine stop/start technology should combine to enhance fuel economy.

Under the hood, a 3.6-liter, V-6 engine making 310 horsepower and 270 foot-pound of torque drives this SUV. It comes paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission with electronic precision shift for the first electronically controlled transmission utilization in a Cadillac conveyance.

Available Twin-Clutch All-Wheel Drive

Optionally available an all-new for 2017 is a “twin clutch” all-wheel drive system designed to steadily and recurrently provide optimum traction regardless of the current road conditions. That means up to 100 percent of the available torque may be sent to either the front or rear axle, as needed.

Further, that power can be sent to either wheel. Indeed, this package should be most beneficial when there is more water, ice or snow on one side of the SUV than on the other. Eventually, the technology should spread across Cadillac’s utility vehicle line.

Vision 2020

With two models coming in and one on its way out (ELR), Cadillac is poised to revamp and expand its entire product line. Within four years, every model will have been changed and gain new nomenclature in the process.

If Cadillac’s new way catches on, it’ll be better positioned to battle the middle brands in the luxury segment. Audi, Acura, and Infiniti are Cadillac’s nearest sales competitors in the US. BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz are part of the top tier, with Lincoln, Porsche, Land Rover, Volvo, and Jaguar also competing. Moreover, it will have a better mix of products to compete in other markets, including China, where it may eventually find its largest customer base.

See Also — Diesel Added: Range Rover Sport

Photo courtesy of Cadillac.

Auto Trends: Cadillac XT5 (SRX)

November 5, 2014 by admin 1 Comment

You heard that Cadillac’s naming convention is set to change again, right? Well, it will and the first model to sport the new nomenclature will be the 2016 Cadillac CT6, a large ultra-luxury sedan due out in late 2015.

Cadillac’s naming convention will begin with a CT for cars and XT for crossovers followed by a single digit. Thus, the SRX will be renamed the XT5 when the next generation model goes on sale soon after the CT6 arrives.

At some point the Escalade name may go away, maybe not entirely.

2017 Cadillac XT5

The Cadillac XT5 has been spotted in the wild, wearing the typical camouflaging that covers much of the body, but does a good job of showing its form. You’ll have to head over to Carscoops to get a look at its profile picture as well as the other photos shared there.

The SRX replacement will be a clean sheet work, placed on a new platform that will underpin the Chevrolet Equinox, GMC’s Terrain and a new and currently unnamed Buick model. Regular and long-wheelbase versions of this standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive platform will be sold.

Auto Trends believes that the Cadillac XT5 will be offered on the longer wheelbase and with all-wheel drive dominating the take rate. Likely, a pair of gasoline engines will be provided along with a turbo diesel in the mix, perhaps the same 2.8-liter diesel inline-four cylinder Duramax engine soon to power select Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickup trucks. GM is also hard at work building a nine-speed automatic transmission that should be ready in time for the XT5’s release.

Four Utility Vehicles

Cadillac ELR

Where does the ELR fit in Cadillac’s future?

Expect that by the end of the decade Cadillac will sell four utility vehicles. Below the XT5 would be the XT3, making its debut in China in late 2017 before hitting the US market the following spring. This front-wheel-drive model will only be slightly larger than the current Buick Encore and may be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine according to Automotive News.

Soon after the XT3’s arrival, the first large crossover utility vehicle for Cadillac will debut. That model will not be based on the same platform underpinning the Chevrolet Traverse, GMC’s Acadia and the Buick Enclave, but will offer dimensions similar to its GM rivals. GM could go with the Traverse/Acadia/Enclave platform for the Cadillac XT7, but that would run contrary to its new mission to offer further separation between its luxury marque and the other brands.

Escalade Lives On…Sort Of

It seems likely that Cadillac will maintain some sort of traditional sport utility vehicle along the lines of its current Escalade. The Escalade, like the GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban, are based on GM’s truck platform. The next generation of those trucks should arrive in 2019, with the utility vehicles following in 2020. Given the model’s rich name, eliminating it completely seems unlikely. However, by calling it the XT9 Escalade, Cadillac could keep its new naming convention in place while paying tribute to one of the brand’s best-known model names.

With four utility vehicles in the Cadillac line up, the brand will be better positioned to compete in a market where customer interest in utility vehicles continues to grow. Hugely popular as well as highly profitable, such vehicles are pushed by Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus with Acura, Lincoln, Infiniti, Volvo and others getting in the mix too.

As far as other models go, Cadillac will offer a convertible, one likely based on the ATS or possibly the CTS. That model should bow in the next 12 to 18 months. Some sort of sports car has been rumored too, but has not been confirmed. Most likely it won’t be an XLR-type variant of the Corvette Stingray and it may have to wait until the 2020s — or after Cadillac’s current new model rush has ended and its new nomenclature is well established.