For those holding out hope that Caddy would produce high-performance variants of the Cadillac XT5 and Cadillac XT6, we’ve got some bad news: it ain’t happening.
According to sources familiar with future Cadillac product plans, Cadillac has no intention of offering go-faster versions for either the XT5 or the XT6, at least for the current generations. The news will surely come as a disappointment for those looking for more pep from their luxury crossover utility vehicles.
Cadillac XT5
For reference, the Cadillac XT5 is a midsize five-seat CUV first introduced in 2016 for the 2017 model year to replace the SRX. The latest 2020 model year receives a refresh and draws motivation from either the turbocharged 2.0L inline four-cylinder LSY gasoline engine, which produces 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, or from the naturally aspirated 3.6L V6 LGX gasoline motor, which produces 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. Both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive are available, with the Luxury models getting regular AWD and the Sport model getting the twin-clutch AWD system.
Meanwhile, the Cadillac XT6 “midsize plus” three-row CUV was introduced in the spring of 2019 for the 2020 model year, and features seating for as many as seven passengers. In North America, the standard powerplant option is the naturally aspirated 3.6L V6 LGX, which once again produces 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, sent to the ground via either front- or all-wheel drive (in regular flavor for the Luxury models and twin-clutch AWD for the Sport trim. In China, the XT6 is available exclusively with the turbo-charged 2.0L I4 LSY.
Cadillac XT6
While it’s certainly a letdown that high-performance variants aren’t in the cards for the current generations of the XT5 and XT6, the fate of the high-performance variant of the XT4, potentially called XT4-V, may be different.
Cadillac XT4
Cadillac may indeed be planning a hot-to-trot version of the XT4, as evidenced by rumors followed by a series of leaked images showing an XT4 model equipped with a V-Series badge. While not yet confirmed, an XT4-V variant gives hope that the brand’s crossover lineup will finally cater to those who want more from their CUV than a plebeian engine.
For its part, the XT4 is currently offered exclusively with the turbocharged 2.0L I-4 LSY engine making 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A new turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine has been announced for Europe.
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Dave Goldberg
This news is unfortunate to those of us who thought Cadillac was stepping up it’s game across the SUV/CUV line. Perhaps they are awaiting the reception the new Escalade V receives before committing to the entire line? As for the XT4 V, could you refrain from continually teasing us until you get more definitive notification of its existence? My lease is up in 2 years and I would love an XT4 V, but not getting my hopes up.
Geoff
It’s not a big deal in my opinion. Perhaps they are waiting for a better architecture to roll out “V” SUV’s.
Greg
I think we’ll see a V/ Blackwing Escalade. A RWD platform is better suited to High Performance vehicles.
I think the “XT’s” target market does not much care about High Performance Models. I don’t think Cadillac is missing much, if anything.
Alex Luft
We will see a high-performance Escalade, as we reported here:
http://cadillacsociety.com/2019/07/11/next-gen-cadillac-escalade-to-offer-high-performance-variant/
That said, Cadillac is missing a significant amount by not offering high-performance XT# models. The market is moving to crossovers… there is no doubt about it. In fact, the crossover is the new sedan. Cadillac’s absence in the space puts the brand out of the running for those who desire more than the average luxury crossover.
There is a reason all German luxury automakers are offering several high-performance and ultra-high-performance crossovers across their ranges. By not doing so, Cadillac is at a competitive disadvantage.
Phillip Joost
, Cadillac owner and I own a CTS-V is Cadillac planning to build anymore is Cadillac planning to produce any more v-series Cadillac in the sedan’s??
Alex Luft
Phillip – there will be the CT5-V Blackwing and CT4-V Blackwing:
http://cadillacsociety.com/2019/06/29/next-level-cadillac-v-series-cars-to-be-called-blackwing/
There’s also the CT6-V that you can buy right now, which matches up nicely with the CTS-V.
Bill Series 60
Cadillac is missing the boat on not offering a Higher performance package. It would not even need a large boost even a 10% increase would be fine.
Namarow
Cadillac is aiming at soccer moms and people who’s next wheels will be a wheelchair. I am sad to read this and I feel sad writing it, but after an ATS midnight package, an ATS V and now a XT5, today I bought a BMW X3 M40i.
After extensively looking into the Mercedes CLE AMG40 and the Audi SQ5 we went with the BMW. I tried the XT4 and it definitely felt more quick and nimble than my current frumpy and sluggish Xt5, and the black trim was a big step up, it was worth spending a bit more for the real thing.
In Toronto, there are Sports SUV’s everywhere. And after years of this Cadillac is still not fully in!? When I engage “sport” mode there is no noticeable difference in the Xt5. In the other cars, when you hit performance mode you can feel the difference big time. The exhaust suddenly pops and roars. Then when you want hit comfort and its all cushy again. And I know , not everyone will buy these models, but they give the brand prestige.
You walk into the Caddy dealers in Toronto and you see the SUV’s in basic plain form. No blackout trim, or 20 inch rims etc. The put the grey powder 18 inch rims… sexy!!! When I serviced my midnight package, more then once salespeople came up asking where I got it customized?? If sales doesn’t know the package existed, no wonder it failed.
Our sales girl was wonderful though. I really feel bad for her. Not because she lost us to BMW. More because she is selling a brand that’s core customer are starting to die from natural causes. And it seem no one in charge wants to do anything to change that. After years of pushing and educating people about the “new Cadillac” I have pretty much given up. I told my rep, they remind me of Pandas. An animal that won’t mate to keep it’s species alive.