Modern engineering is an amazing thing. It can transform the seemingly impossible into the commonplace, enriching lives and generally making things better for people. The current performance crossover movement is a good example of this: despite the tall stance, portly curb weights, and practicality-focused interiors so often associated with the body style, modern engineering has found a way to make these machines perform like sports cars, and buyers are eating it up. And yet, the Cadillac XT4, XT5, and XT6 do not have performance variants.
Cadillac XT6 Sport
As the premium brand’s crossover utility lineup, the Cadillac XT4, XT5 and XT6 have a lot riding on their shoulders. Sales are growing in the segment, but so is the amount of competitor – which means this trio needs to stand out wherever possible. Unfortunately, true performance isn’t on the menu.
2020 Cadillac XT5 Sport
Granted, Cadillac does offer a Sport trim level on all three models, but that isn’t a true performance package. Rather, the Sport trim brings with it some sporty body work, bigger wheels, and – depending on the model – a sport-calibrated suspension and a dual-clutch all-wheel-drive system on the XT5 and XT6. Those are great upgrades, but what we want is a Cadillac XT4-V, XT5-V, and XT6-V.
Now, we feel obligated to mention that the XT4, XT5 and XT6 all ride on transverse-engined platforms, which makes them nose-heavy and not exactly ideal for high-performance duties. Nevertheless, modern engineering has allowed Cadillac to do more with less, since these platforms are fully competent to handle more power.
What’s more, we’re not asking for balls-out “hammers” here, either. What we want is something in that sweet spot of an introductory-level V-Series vehicle, as per Cadillac’s new two-tier V-Series strategy. To that end, the chassis of all three Caddy crossovers are sufficiently well-sorted for an entry-level V-Series model.
Potential Cadillac XT4-V prototype
We may be on to something here, at least in regards to the Cadillac XT4. In August, we published exclusive photos of a potential Cadillac XT4-V variant, complete with badging and carbon fiber trim bits. Caddy has yet to confirm or deny plans to build such a vehicle XT4-V.
How about you, dear reader? Would you be interested in a performance version of the Cadillac XT4, XT5, or XT6? Let us know in the comments section, and make sure to subscribe to Cadillac Society for more XT4 news, XT5 news, XT6 news and around-the-clock Cadillac news coverage.
Cadillac XT4 Photos
Cadillac XT5 Photos
Cadillac XT6 Photos
John Fleming
Is “performance” really necessary in a SUV? Isn’t Cadillac recognized as a luxury brand and not so much for performance? Does Corvette need to produce a SUV? If an individual wants a performance vehicle. They can choose from a variety of brands. Its my thinking that consumers opting for SUV’s are looking for versatility not performance. From my observation Cadillac has been able to offer “luxury” SUV’s with adequate performance.
Triller
Okay, to basics, most (that doesn’t mean everyone!) folks who have some amount of money, if you ask them if they’ed like more, would most probably agree, they would. And there’s a good lot (not all!) of other folk who prefer a vehicle that doesn’t require owning two in order to satisfy MOST transportation wants (we NEED to get around, we WANT to do so in style, and / or with great handling, acceleration, family-space, “greenly” or whatever combination of mobile traits fits the bill). So, for those of us who’d like to have a comfortable ride ( MOST of the time), interior space, load / towing ability (SOME of the time), loads of power (ALL the time), tight, if not crisp, handling and either can’t afford or CHOOSE NOT TO have more than one vehicle to do so, then more powertrain choices & suspension options enable our goals achievement. Lincoln Aviator: 400 (Gas) or 497 (Hybrid) HP and 400 or 630 lb ft, respectively; Cadillac XT6: one standard eng that doesn’t come close to “flyboy’s” base-mill. What’s wrong this pic?
Dave Goldberg
I for one am all for a V series variant of these crossovers. Hopefully Cadillac will see the light within the next 2 years(when my lease expires on my 19 XT4 Sport) so I can upgrade. A little more power never hurt anyone!
Raymond Ramirez
I am of the opposite group, wanting economy and efficiency over performance, since 90% of my trips are on city streets, and only twice a month I travel on toll roads with a 55 MPG speed limit. When will Cadillac produce hybrid or electric models?
Alberto
Creó que Cadillac debe adaptarse a los cambios y me Refiero a que debe utilizar el motor 2.7 en una variante xt4 V luego tanto xt5 y xt6 por Ser plataformas de tracción delanteras deberían utilizar el motor del xts series V y así competir un poco más en el Segmento
Kyle Schultz
I would like to see more performance offered but not restricted to “sport” models. I equate performance with luxury as well. I still want the exterior brightwork and interior wood tones but with something more spirited than the standard 2.0 or 3.6 under the hood. I am thrilled that the CT4 Premium Luxury will offer the 2.7 as an upgrade. I am bored with driving vehicles that are just adequately powered, I want a little extra but not an all out track monster. My first car was a ‘96 Roadmaster and the LT1 with “only” 250 hp felt much more thrilling than the offerings today with higher ratings and less weight.
Johnls_39
I believe that we will get a V variants of all three coming. More than likely, they will be base V models since all of them will have FWD-based AWD that can do so much to make them neutral in handling and cornering. Hopefully, the next generation models go to RWD.
Pete
I just recently had a chance to demo a Lincoln Aviator. Very well done. Caddy needs something. The XT6 is not a serious competitor (to the Aviator)IMHO!
Jim
I own an XT4 sport and it certainly is not a performance automobile. Make no mistake, I love the appearance of the car, but the 2L engine paired with an 8 speed transmission leaves a lot to be desired. Driving in town is frustrating in that the car is constantly down shifting between 20 and 30 mph. On the highway it is wonderful. My point simply is that if Cadillac wants to go to “performance” they need to do a better job on the engineering before they take the product to the market.
Alex Luft
Jim – the job of engineering is already done with more potent powertrain packages. The 2.0L ain’t it, since it’s a base-level engine.
Gary
Cadillac would have done well to create CUVs using the Alpha and Omega platforms. Performance variants would be a no brainer. However knowing GM, it ran the numbers and figured it was better to use the mass market platforms used with other brands (Chevy, Buick, GMC,) for scale and less expense.
W.R. Jennings II
The only way I’ll stay with Cadillac is 1. They keep the CT6. Or put the V6 TT in the XT6 Or V in the XT6 my. Lease is up Oct 2020