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2021 Cadillac XT5 Gains Wireless CarPlay, Android Auto Functionality

The 2020 Cadillac XT5 brought a refresh (otherwise known as a mid-cycle enhancement), delivering a slew of updates to Cadillac’s popular midsize crossover. And the 2021 Cadillac XT5 will offer one key improvement over prior model years.

Cadillac Society has learned that the 2021 XT5 will gain wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto functionality. The feature will be standard across all 2021 XT5 trim levels, from the base Luxury to the up-level Premium Luxury and Sport.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are currently the benchmarks for feature-rich vehicle-to-smartphone integration and connectivity. Adding wireless functionality makes that connectivity even easier, which will surely be appreciated by customers.

Once the initial phone-to-vehicle pairing procedure has been completed, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto kicks in once the driver starts the vehicle with the smartphone on his or her person. The system automatically connects the device to the vehicle and provides the Apple CarPlay / Android Auto interface, all without the clutter of cables.

The addition of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto becomes even more convenient when used in conjunction with wireless phone charging (also known as inductive phone charging). Not needing wires to keep the phone connected or charged delivers a true cable-free experience. In the case of the 2021 Cadillac XT5, wireless phone charging is standard on Premium Luxury and Sport trim levels; the feature is not available on the base Luxury trim those who opt for the base XT5 Luxury trim will need a cable to charge their phone.

It’s also worth noting that, for those that wish to use a cable for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wired functionality remains in place for Premium Luxury and Sport models.

2020-2021 Cadillac XT5 trim levels:

  • Luxury (base) – FWD or AWD
    • Premium Luxury – FWD or AWD
    • Sport – AWD only

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 will go into production this week at the Spring Hill plant in Tennessee. We’ll have more about the 2021 XT5 in the days ahead, so make sure to subscribe to Cadillac Society for more Cadillac XT5 news and Cadillac news coverage.

Cadillac XT5 Photos

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Alex Luft

Alex is the founder of Cadillac Society. He has a deep passion for automotive business strategy and enjoys driving his ATS sedan on twisty mountain roads.

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