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.
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.
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.
