Having heard all kinds of rumors and seen numerous spy shots of the new Cadillac XT6, we’ve been (im)patiently looking forward to the new crossover’s reveal. Luckily, that day is finally upon is: feast your eyes on the 2020 Cadillac XT6.
The new, three-row crossover SUV aims to deliver a luxurious, adaptable and connected cabin along with responsive handling and a comprehensive suite of standard and available safety technologies.
“The first-ever Cadillac XT6 delivers a compelling blend of spaciousness, safety and convenience features for customers who thrive on doing it all,” said Steve Carlisle, Cadillac president. “It joins the all-new XT4, which has soared to the top spot in its segment, our global best-selling XT5 and the iconic Escalade to accelerate the brand’s global growth, with a spirit that is uniquely Cadillac.”
The exterior design of the 2020 Cadillac XT6 is founded in strong proportions, as well as distinct personas for the Premium Luxury and Sport models.
“The XT6 is unmistakably Cadillac,” said Andrew Smith, executive director of global Cadillac design. “It reinterprets our design language in a unique way, with the Premium Luxury and Sport models adding more sophisticated or aggressive character depending on preference.”
The Premium Luxury model is distinguished by Bright Galvano exterior accents, while the XT6 Sport is defined by darker accents and more aggressive, performance-inspired details, including available 21-inch wheels.
Both trim levels feature advanced lighting technology, including vertically-emphasized LED signatures that have been a hallmark of Cadillac design. Two headlamp variants are offered: a standard bi-function LED projector design or an available, performance LED headlamp system with a three-element projector array.
“The new Cadillac XT6 models provide two expressions of the signature Cadillac experience, allowing more personalized appearance and driving character,” said John Plonka, chief engineer. “Premium Luxury models provide an elevated level of refinement, while Sport models offer a performance-oriented feel.”
XT6 Premium Luxury Design Features:
XT6 Sport Design Features:
The XT6’s cockpit is very similar (if not identical) to that of the Cadillac XT5, which is not necessarily a bad thing. However, this also means that the XT6 does not get Cadillac’s all-new interior layout introduced by the XT4 and upcoming CT5 and CT4.
Even so, Cadillac says that “every inch of the XT6 has been carefully considered and developed to offer a refined, comfortable place to connect and enjoy the ride.”
Elegant, wide surface lines and simple interfaces create an expression that focuses attention on the quality and authenticity of materials and impeccable craftsmanship. Distinctive trim and interior colors delineate the Premium Luxury and Sport models. Premium Luxury models are trimmed with exotic wood decor, while the Sport features performance-inspired carbon fiber trim.
Available comfort features help ensure all passengers have a luxurious experience in every seating row, including Cadillac’s first use of the Bose Performance Series sound system with 14 custom-tuned speakers delivering immersive, powerful audio throughout XT6’s cabin. Additional available features include semi-aniline premium leather-appointed seating, Cadillac’s in-vehicle air ionizer system, automatic heated/ventilated front seats and heated second-row rear outboard seats, and a standard automatic heated steering wheel.
“Every seat is the best seat in the house,” added Carlisle. “From luxurious appointments, comfort and convenience to premium sound and technology features, every passenger gets an optimized experience.”
The biggest news is the introduction of the third row. Seven passenger seating is standard, while six-passenger seating (via second row captain’s chairs) is optional.
A standard power-folding third-row seat and remote fold-down feature for the second-row seat enhance versatility, while a tip/pitch-and-slide feature on the second-row seat allows easy access to the third row.
The 2020 Cadillac XT6 is powered by a naturally-aspirated 3.6L V-6 engine (production code LGX) mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission with next-generation Electronic Precision Shift. The duo is estimated to make 310 horsepower (231 kW). Fuel efficiency is enhanced by Active Fuel Management technology, which enables the engine to operated in four-cylinder mode when six-cylinder operation is not required.
AWD is available on Premium Luxury and standard on XT6 Sport. The Sport model features a Sport Control active twin-clutch AWD system, which helps enhance the driving experience with active yaw control. Sport models also feature Continuous Damping Control active handling and a faster steering ratio that is tuned to support a more enthusiast-level driving feel, with increased feedback and greater overall responsiveness.
The XT6’s driving experience offers a rewarding balance of responsiveness and refinement, with a feeling of solidity that enhances driver confidence. Those qualities are uniquely distilled between the Premium Luxury and Sport models, with a greater emphasis on road isolation in the Premium Luxury and a greater feeling of agility dialed into the Sport’s chassis tuning.
Customer-selectable drive modes allow the XT6 to adapt even better to driver preferences and changing road conditions. The modes are uniquely calibrated to support the characteristics of the Premium Luxury or Sport models.
Cadillac says that thoughtful technology integration is central to the XT6’s mission of offering a seamless and intuitive in-vehicle experience.
The 2020 Cadillac XT6 introduces a rotary controller with new jog function, a first for Cadillac. It is designed to address the downsizes and complaints associated with poking around a touchscreen while traveling at high speeds. The controls are complemented by hard buttons and steering wheel controls, making it even easier to navigate the user experience on the high-definition 8-inch-diagonal color touchscreen display.
It builds on the technology introduced on the XT4, adding the jog function to allow the user to tilt the knob in similar fashion to a joystick in order to easily navigate between the items on the touchscreen display.
Other features include one-touch phone pairing via NFC, illuminated Cadillac Crest hands-free liftgate, along with Keyless Open and Adaptive Remote Start.
When it comes to plugging in, all 2020 Cadillac XT6 models come with six USB ports – two for each row of seats. Personalization is made possible via various user profiles stored in the Cloud, allowing customers to access their custom profile in other properly-equipped Cadillac models. What’s more, the XT6 features updated navigation functionality with natural address entry. The vehicle also supports SiriusXM 360L.
4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot with a 3GB/3-month data trial (whichever comes first), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for compatible smartphones, next-generation, 15-watt wireless charging and
Teen Driver round out the in-vehicle technology highlights.
The Cadillac XT6 features a vehicle structure designed to help keep occupants safe thanks to premium body materials and features such as boxed, splayed front rails and a state-of-the-art restraint system, including seven standard airbags.
Meanwhile, a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and safety technologies can help drivers be more aware of their environment. These include radar-, camera-, and other sensor-based technologies.
Standard Driver Assistance Systems:
Following in the footsteps of the XT5 and XT4 in expanding the Cadillac CUV lineup, the XT6 is the third Cadillac crossover yet. The positioning is rather interesting: with three rows of seating and a 198.8 inch length, the XT6 is certainly larger than the midsize, two-row XT5 but is not as large as the full-size Escalade. We call this space “mid-size plus”, and that’s exactly what the new XT6 is.
Direct rivals in the segment include the Volvo XC90, Audi Q7, Infiniti QX60, Lexus RX-L, and Acura MDX. In addition, the new Lincoln Aviator is also a player in the segment, though the Lincoln might be priced noticeably above this model.
The Cadillac XT6 is based on the extended-length version of the C1 platform. The short wheelbase version of the same architecture underpins the Cadillac XT5.
The architecture is defined by a transverse powertrain layout driving the front wheels, with all-wheel-drive being an option.
The 2020 Cadillac XT6 will be manufactured at the Spring Hill, Tennessee plant for North America. The Cadillac Jinqiao plant in Shanghai will assemble the model for China.
The 2020 Cadillac XT6 makes its public debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, which runs from January 14th thru the 27th. It will become available to order this spring.
Cadillac will announce pricing and additional information closer to the start of production.
One of four new colors for the 2025 model year.
And it now represents the best value in its segment.
A curious sighting from a video of the Cadillac design studio.
