The 2019 XT4 is Cadillac’s first-ever compact crossover that also introduces various firsts, including a new 9-speed transmission, rotary tactile controls for the infotainment system, as well as an electric brake booster. Another notable, yet perhaps minor, feature introduced on the 2019 Cadillac XT4 are auto-dimming exterior mirrors on both sides of the vehicle, as opposed to only on one side.
Auto-dimming exterior mirrors are nothing new in the automotive world. Simply put, auto-dimming glass automatically dims when being hit by a light source, which most times is emanated by a following vehicle. The feature improves and elevates the driving experience, while making driving safer by eliminating potential distractions and vision discomfort since light is not reflected directly into the cabin or into the eyes of the the driver and/or passengers, but is contained by the auto-dimming mirror instead. So, auto-dimming mirrors prevent the car behind you from blinding you or your passengers. In other words, auto-dimming mirrors are a good thing that are wanted and appreciate by drivers.
And that brings us to the following melancholy and sobering factoid: most current Cadillacs have the auto-dimming feature only on the driver’s side exterior mirror, but not the one on the side passenger side of the vehicle.
In fact, this is the case for the ATS, CTS, XTS and XT5 models. The only Cadillacs to get auto-dimming functionality for both of the side mirrors are the range-topping CT6 and Escalade. All this is problematic for two specific reasons.
First, not giving the passenger-side mirror auto-dimming functionality deteriorates the driving experience and the driver’s comfort, since light from the passenger side mirrors is allowed to bounce (completely unobstructed) inside the cabin and oftentimes into the eyes of the driver. In fact, this author has experienced this situation many times in his 2015 Cadillac ATS Premium during three years of ownership, wishing every time that Cadillac included the auto-dimming feature on the passenger-side mirror.
Second, Cadillac’s competition from Germany and Japan adds the auto-dimming feature on both of the wing mirrors on an overwhelming majority of their vehicles (significantly more than Cadillac does), leaving Cadillac at a competitive disadvantage. It’s a tough pill to swallow for potential customers and current; owners alike, especially given rumors that the auto-dimming functionality was not made available on the passenger-side mirror as a cost-cutting measure.
Before you ask, an auto-dimming passenger-side mirror/ glass is not available in any way – not as an option nor as as an accessory – from Cadillac on the ATS, CTS, XTS or XT5. One could say that it’s a total bummer of a situation, and that would be rather accurate – since the aforementioned models are great cars and deserve a basic features like a passenger-side auto-dimming mirror. Luckily, things are;about to change.
Cadillac has officially confirmed to Cadillac Society that the both the driver- and passenger-side exterior mirrors will feature auto-dimming functionality on the 2019 XT4.
The change is notable since the XT4 – Cadillac’s most entry-level crossover – will have auto-dimming mirrors on every model and trim, thereby boosting comfort levels for the driver and occupant(s), while also making the model competitive with its rivals.
Cadillac’s confirmation that the 2019 XT4 will have auto-dimming exterior mirrors on both the driver and passenger sides means that the information contained in the official order guide for the vehicle is incorrect.
For the sake of reference, the order guide states the following: “driver-side auto-dimming mirror”.
So there you have it: the 2019 Cadillac XT4 will feature auto-dimming driver- and passenger-side exterior mirrors. Remember, you heard it first right here at Cadillac Society.
The inclusion of both driver- and passenger-side auto-dimming mirrors on the XT4 is a step in the right direction for Cadillac, since it shows that the brand is paying attention to the details, while not partaking in dubious cost-cutting measures that riddled the ATS and CTS lines and prevented them from reaching their true potential.
We’re certain there will be those who would prefer to opine that dual auto-dimming mirrors is an unimportant and frivolous detail. To that, we say the following: details such as this contribute to the overall customer and ownership experience on any car, especially on luxury offerings. As such, not having this feature while the rest of the industry has it is simply inexcusable.
The 2019 Cadillac XT4 launches in the fall in the United States, by the end of August in China, and by the end of the year in the Middle East.
Stay tuned for ongoing Cadillac news coverage.
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