The Cadillac XTS is an excellent choice for a full-size luxury sedan. It has the latest technologies in everything — power, suspension, braking, entertainment, information. It is truly innovative in the use of CUE — and every new Cadillac needs this dash display.
This weekend I am test driving a Cadillac XTS courtesy of Crest Cadillac. See my other posts — Pickup, Cadillac XTS at Cars and Coffee, Cadillac XTS Virtual Dyno, Cadillac XTS Dash Display. My test car is a Cadillac XTS with Premium Collection.
Highlights
I didn’t get to mention in the other XTS weekend test drive posts:
- The Cadillac XTS has tons of head room. Anyone should fit comfortably in this sedan.
- Light pipes on the door handles are slick and allow the handles to light up at night
- Interior light in the center console is a very thoughtful touch & makes it easy to find things at night
- The 304 hp LFX has several aftermarket options for adding power and tuning now courtesy of its use in the Camaro
- The way the door handle works with the keyless remote is different from my V but very functional. The button on the handle locks/unlocks the door if you have the key fob.
- The transmission in the XTS performs very well. I prefer it in sport mode, but with normal or sport or manual shift with paddles on the steering wheel every driver can have the transmission operate the way they want it.
- Total integration of vehicle information can’t be overemphasized. This Cadillac is a thoroughly modern interpretation of the full-size luxury sedan.
- Huge Trunk — the XTS trunk is a new standard in large trunks.
Headscratchers:
Items that made me go hmmm:
- Acceleration programmed to be smooth — the XTS is drive by wire, and even in sport mode the throttle goes to 100% with some minute delay to ensure smoothness. Not perceptible — I saw it in the data-log.
- Missing the premium engine? It is unusual for a Cadillac to only be offered with one power plant. I suspect the actual premium engine is a FWD variant of the upcoming twin turbo 3.6L V6, but it is not ready yet.
Cadillac XTS Summary
- Worth the loot? Yes — if you want maximum luxury + technology in a full-size Cadillac.
- Why would you choose not to buy? If you want max performance please look at one of the Cadillac V-Series models.
- Model I would get? XTS Premium
- Should I wait for the Cadillac ATS? The XTS and ATS are very different Cadillacs. If you want a full-size Cadillac with lots of leg room, shoulder room, full back seat, huge trunk, the Cadillac XTS is your ride. If you want a small, sporty luxury sedan the ATS is the one.