Having revealed the all-new XT4 at Cadillac House in Manhattan in March, Cadillac has announced plans to launch the new compact crossover in the Middle East later this year.
Curiously, the brand did not provide a specific launch timeframe for the new model in the market. However, “later this year” gives it a four-month-long window during which to introduce the vehicle.
A Great Fit For The Middle East Market
One of Cadillac’s key global markets, the Middle East also happens to be an ideal market for the new XT4 because the region’s overall population is comprised mostly of younger generations.
“Cadillac’s first-ever compact SUV is designed to stand out to the young, upwardly mobile consumer. Naturally, it’s also filled with the kind of leading-edge connectivity features that tech-savvy buyers demand”, said Christian Soemmer, Managing Director, Cadillac Middle East.
Expanding The Range
The addition of the XT4 expands the Cadillac utility lineup to three models, including the compact XT4, mid-size XT5 and full-size Escalade. Not officially announced by Cadillac but expected is a new crossover called the XT6 that will be larger than the XT5 but smaller than the Escalade.
In addition, the launch of the XT4 kicks off Cadillac’s product offensive that will bring a new model to market every six months – a total of five vehicle lines in the space of just two years.
Exterior
The exterior design of the smallest Cadillac crossover to date incorporates the luxury brand’s new forward-looking design philosophy introduced by the Escala concept. Simple and sculpted lines accentuate the compact crossover’s powerful proportions and aggressive presence. Headlamps and taillamps have been stretched horizontally, representing a modern interpretation of classic Cadillacs.
The XT4 measures in at 181 inches (4,600 mm) long, 74 inches (1,881 mm) wide, and 64 inches (1,627 mm) high on a wheelbase of 109.4 inches (2,779 mm) long. The width enables the XT4 to be the wides in its segment.
Interior
The cabin adopts a new direction for Cadillac interiors, with a new horizontally stretched center console. The cabin is ergonomically designed for a comfortable journey, while featuring exquisite design aesthetics that blend new color schemes with advanced technologies.
Propulsion
The XT4 is driven by a new-generation propulsion system (engine and transmission). An all-new 2.0L turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine (production code LSY) is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The combination makes 237 horsepower (177 kW) of maximum output and 258 pound-feet (350 Nm) of peak torque.
Front-wheel-drive is standard and a twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system is optional.
The XT4 features Cadillac’s first implementation of an electro-hydraulic assist brake system, along with the next-generation Electronic Precision Shift gear selector.
Technologies
The crossover is packed with the latest technologies, including the brand’s newest and most advanced infotainment system that’s controlled via two new rotary controllers, addressing a long-standing dissatisfaction with Cadillac’s touchscreen-only infotainment systems.
The crossover’s long list of technologies includes Active Noise Cancellation, second-generation Rear Camera Mirror, and Automatic Parking Assist.
Trim Levels
The XT4 also introduces Cadillac’s new “Y” trim strategy. Created to better serve the diverse and personalized needs of younger customers, the Y trim level strategy consists of a Luxury trim level that serves as the base. From there, two other trim levels – Premium Luxury and Sport – build on the Luxury trim by offering more features and a different persona:
- Premium Luxury models deliver a higher level of equipment and an appearance defined by bright accents
- Sport models get higher levels of equipment and an appearance defined by blacked-out or body-color accents
Colors
The 2019 XT4 will launch in the Middle East with the following eight colors:
- Atlantic Metallic
- Autumn Metallic
- Crystal White Tricoat
- Twilight Blue Metallic
- Shadow Metallic
- Red Horizon Tintcoat
- Stellar Black Metallic
- Radiant Silver Metallic
Production
The XT4 will be produced at two plants for global markets:
- Fairfax plant in Kansas City, Kansas, United States (confirmed)
- Jinqiao Cadillac or Jinqiao South in Shanghai, China (unconfirmed)
It’s believed (but unconfirmed) that XT4 units destined for the Middle East market will be sourced from the Fairfax plant.
Availability
Besides launching in the Middle East by the end of the year, the Cadillac XT4 will launch in China by the end of August and in North America this fall.
Availability information for South Korea and Europe has not yet been announced.
Cadillac XT4 Photo Gallery
Ralph L
I’m curious if they’ll try to sell vinyl or un-ventilated leather seats in the Middle East. The original ME CTS had standard cloth seats, which were never offered in the US, to my disgust.
I hope they’ll sell enough of these that they’ll make interiors not dominated by black, something else I wouldn’t want in the ME–or here.
Alex Luft
Interesting observation. When you say original ME CTS, which generation are you referring to?
Ralph L
The first generation CTS was sold in the Mid East, or at least offered for sale. No idea about the second.
I thought about buying one, but my butt needed ventilated seats or cloth, and my junk needed a bigger trunk.
Alex Luft
Ah, the first-gen. Got it.
Growing up in Miami, I totally get the want (need?) for ventilated seats… it’s not fun getting out of a car with a sweaty lower back!