As we spied in September, a new hearse variant of the Cadillac XT5 is currently under development. Not much has been known about this model, but Cadillac Society has been able to unearth some exclusive details about the upcoming Cadillac XT5 hearse.
XT5 limo prototype pictured here.
The new XT5 hearse will arrive for the 2021 model year and will be sold as an incomplete vehicle, to which upfitters will then apply the necessary finishing touches per their individual specifications. New XT5 hearse models will also have a VIN starting with “1GE,” whereas the standard XT5 has a VIN starting with “1GY.”
For now, we know that the new Cadillac XT5 hearse will come equipped with the turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder (engine code LSY) gasoline engine, and will be offered with either front-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and fueleconomy.gov, both front-wheel drive models and all-wheel drive models are rated at 20 mpg in the city, 23 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined.
XT5 limo prototype pictured here.
While images of the new 2021 Cadillac XT5 hearse are currently unavailable, we spied a prototype undergoing some real-world testing recently. The vehicle was equipped with an additional door between the front and rear doors, and appeared to be based on either the Luxury trim level or Premium Luxury trim level, as indicated by the front grille and bright treatment for the window surrounds, also known as the DLO treatment.
XT5 limo prototype pictured here.
With the arrival of the new Cadillac XT5 hearse, Cadillac looks to make a quasi-return to the professional livery segment with the crossover. The brand previously withdrew from the segment with discontinuation of the Cadillac CT6 sedan, which was offered with a Livery Package. Cadillac also offered the XTS Professional Vehicles line, which included a limo and a hearse, as well as an armored model and a standard livery sedan.
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RichOne
The “professional cars,” or “livery vehicles,” such as a limousine (and likely a hearse chassis) should be dominated by the Cadillac brand. The prototype shown needs much work on its styling and design–let’s hope that one was made only to test out the extended wheelbase chassis. There should be a model other than the “six door” version, perhaps with a longer, single, second (rear) door. It would be much more elegant if the CT6 Sedan was still being built to transform into a limousine. Possibly there could be an extended length CT5 Sedan, somewhat like the famed Mercedes 600 Limousine “short wheelbase” model, and that would have a niche in the market for high end, chauffeured, transportation.
Alex Luft
Yes, the vehicle you see in our shots is a mule to test the chassis. The final model will not look like that.
The XTS and XT5 are easier to transform into longer models because they’re FWD, so there is no transmission/driveshaft running the length of the vehicle, which would have to be the case for the CT6 and CT5. It’s not so much an issue for Cadillac, but it is a factor for up-fitters who would prefer not to mess with the drivetrain components during their body modifications.
Breamworthy
Well said.