The 2021 Cadillac XT5 luxury crossover is available in three distinct trim levels. Here, we’re focusing on one particular version in this Cadillac Society photo gallery: the XT5 Premium Luxury.
Through Cadillac’s “Y” trim strategy, the Premium Luxury is one step above Luxury and equivalent to Sport, though the two upper trim levels feature different suspension setups, equipment levels and styling details.
Even when painted in the same color (in this case Wilder Metallic, a $625 option), the XT5 Premium Luxury is generally brighter than the more dark-toned Sport. This is immediately obvious at the front, where the grille is surrounded by chrome and bright trim dresses up the front bumper lip. By these simple means, the Cadillac designers convey – even to an onlooker facing the vehicle directly – that this is the most luxurious trim level.
In standard form, the XT5 Premium Luxury rides on 18-inch six-spoke alloy wheels with a Pearl Nickel finish. The vehicle pictured here has been fitted with optional 20-inch Six-Split Spoke alloys with a Diamond Cut/Android finish, wrapped in P235/55R20 rubber, at a cost of $1,700. These wheels give the Premium Luxury model a more purposeful look, but they are less aggressive than any available set on the Sport, either as standard or optionally.
From the side, the character of the XT5 Premium Luxury is maintained through the use of chrome window surrounds and door handles. Once again, these are black on the Sport, giving that version a more intimidating look.
The two distinguishing features at the rear of the Premium Luxury are the bright bumper garnish and the regular red taillamps. As standard, the lamps on the Sport are clear. Premium Luxury buyers can have clear-lense lamps too, but at an extra cost of $980.
The 350T branding on the vehicle shown here indicates that it is fitted with the turbocharged 2.0L I4 gasoline engine (production code LSY), which produces 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque (or 350 Newton meters, as indicated by the badge). The Premium Luxury is the only 2021 Cadillac XT5 which can be ordered with one of two engines, as the naturally aspirated 3.6L V6 (production code LGX), rated at 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, is optional. The XT5 equipped with a V6 engine wears a 400 badge.
The 2.0L turbo is the only engine available for the base Luxury, while the Sport is fitted only with the V6. The Sport also includes an all-wheel drivetrain; Luxury and Premium Luxury buyers can choose between FWD and AWD setups.
With the Wilder Metallic color and the wheels shown here, the 2021 Cadillac XT5 Premium Luxury 350T has an MSRP of $52,115 (including $995 destination charge) in front-wheel-drive form, or $54,115 with all-wheel drive.
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