Earlier this month, we brought you the first real-world images of the 2019 Cadillac XT4 in the base Luxury trim. It was the first time that we had seen the new XT4 in that equipment group. Today, what we have for you are the very first real-world pictures of the Cadillac XT4 in Premium Luxury trim.
The Premium Luxury equipment group is part of Cadillac’s new “Y trim level” strategy. In the case of the XT4, the new trim level hierarchy starts with a base trim called Luxury that delivers a certain level of equipment. From there, it splits off into two higher-end trims:
We’ll actually be looking at two separate vehicles today, each a Premium Luxury model coated in Twilight Blue Metallic, but with slightly different levels of equipment. One is equipped with AWD while riding on stock 18-inch 10-spoke Pearl Nickel wheels, while the other is FWD and is equipped with a set of optional 20-inch 9-spoke Diamond Cut/Medium Android wheels.
The two models have an almost identical front-end appearance, with the front grille containing bright accents and a galvano surround, while the lower fascia contains a Medium Silver insert. By comparison, the base Luxury trim features the same grille but lacks the silver lower fascia insert, while the Sport trim gets a high-gloss black grille (without the bright accents) along with a shiny black finish for the lower fascia insert. But there two key differences between the vehicles seen here.
The first is that the unit with the 20-inch wheels has integrated turn signal indicators in the outside mirrors, meaning that it is equipped with the optional Enhanced Visibility Package, which includes:
And though all XT4 units come with standard LED headlamps regardless of model or trim level, the model with the 20-inch rims has a more pronounced vertical LED light signature that extends further downward into the “teardrop” light cluster That’s because it’s equipped with the Technology Package, which includes optional front cornering lamps and an LED front turn signal, along with:
We should note that the XT4 Premium Luxury comes standard with automatic on/off headlamp controls with tunnel detection.
The bright bodyside window surround trim is present and accounted for. The base Luxury model also gets the same treatment. What the base model doesn’t get that the Premium Luxury model does are these two features:
The Medium Silver accent unique to the Premium Luxury trim can also be seen at the rear. In fact, the entire lower rear fascia appears to be different on this model than on the base Luxury trim. The red LED taillamps are common to the base Luxury trim as well as the Premium Luxury models, with the Sport trim featuring clear lenses.
The 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels with a pearl nickel finish (production code REP) are included only with the Premium Luxury trim level.
They don’t necessarily look bad. In fact, we prefer them over the 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels with a bright silver finish (same design wheel with a different, brighter finish) that are standard on the base Luxury equipment group. Even so, these rims don’t fill out the large wheel wells enough for us to be in love with them. For that reason, we would opt for the 20s on the other model.
However, the smaller wheels are not without purpose, as they should appeal to those customers who prefer a softer ride, and more sidewall on the tire definitely helps achieve that.
That said, we’d much rather have these 20-inch 9-spokes.
Cadillac refers to these units as as “Dynamic 9-spoke alloy with Diamond Cut/Medium Android finish”. They are assigned production code RQA, are wrapped in all-season tires and are available across any XT4 trim level, be it the base Luxury, the Premium Luxury seen here, or the Sport.
The bigger wheels fill out the wheel wells much better, thereby giving the small crossover a more commanding presence while enhancing its stance.
But still less than the industry average.
No, the V badge doesn't add horsepower... but nice try.
Due to an issue with oversized lifter bores.
Applicable only to models that are NOT eligible for the tax credit.
Dressed in black with bright silver accents.
Caddy swept both first and second.
