The next-generation 2025 Cadillac XT5 is on the way, albeit exclusively for the Chinese market. While details regarding the luxury crossover’s finer points have been kept close to the thus so far, Cadillac Society recently spotted a prototype undergoing testing, revealing some key details about what’s in store for the XT5’s generational changeover.
This particular 2025 Cadillac XT5 prototype is obscured by heavy camo, but its general profile and exterior elements are identifiable beneath the shrouding. For starters, the overall size of the forthcoming XT5 will stay the same as the current generation model. We also see a more upright stance than its first-generation predecessor, with a blunter nose and boxier profile highlighted, along with what appears to be a more prominent C-pillar.
This prototype has placeholder headlights, which are not an indication of what will make it to the production model, but the vertical arrangement suggests that the final headlight pattern will follow the luxury marque’s signature, meaning that it will likely be similar to that of the Cadillac Lyriq or the refreshed 2024 Cadillac XT4. The story is roughly the same in the rear, as the prototyper is wearing placeholder tail lights, which are camouflaged with heavy vinyl camo.
The upcoming 2025 Cadillac XT5 will likely have a front end appearance similar to that of the refreshed 2024 Cadillac XT4
The more intricate design details of the forthcoming 2025 Cadillac XT5 are hidden and difficult to discern. What we do know, however, is that the 2025 Cadillac XT5 will utilize the C1-2 platform, which will be an evolution of the current model’s C1 platform. In fact, Cadillac Society was the first to report this back in 2021.
As previously stated, this model will be exclusively sold in China, as the XT5 is poised to exit the North American market upon conclusion of the 2025 model year without any major changes or updates, as it will be indirectly replaced by the Cadillac Lyriq.
It’s also unclear what will power the Chinese-exclusive 2025 XT5, but we have a feeling that the powertrain will consist of a turbocharged four cylinder engine mated to a mild hybrid system. Cadillac currently offers this configuration on several models, including the XT5, in China. The system mates Cadillac’s ubiquitous turbocharged 2.0L I-4 LSY to a 48V mild hybrid electric system, delivering 33.6 MPG, a five percent improvement over a non-hybrid setup. Cadillac’s nine-speed automatic transmission continues to handle shifting duties.
For reference, the current generation XT5 is offered with a choice of two engines in North America. The turbocharged 2.0L (production code LSY) engine is standard on the (base) Luxury and Premium Luxury models, where it makes 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. These models wear the 350T badge on the liftgate.
Meanwhile, the naturally-aspirated 3.6L V6 (production code LGX) is optional on the Premium Luxury trim while being standard on the Sport trim. The atmospheric six is rated at 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. These models feature the 400 badge out back. Both engines mate to Cadillac’s nine-speed automatic transmission
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