Cadillac XTS 2018 Quick Takes

TESTDRIVENOW OVERVIEW: Cadillac XTS 2018 Quick Takes

The Cadillac XTS is a spacious and comfortable sedan with confident handling and performance.

For 2018, the XTS receives technical, chassis and appearance changes to heighten the appeal of this elegant sedan.

Beginning with the enhanced next-generation Cadillac user experience, which debuted on the 2017 CTS sport sedan, the XTS now offers a dynamic platform that can be adjusted over time to meet a customer’s evolving connectivity needs, leveraging the cloud to enable personalization, available connected navigation and applications via the Collection app store.

The updated chassis has revised tire designs for both 19” and 20” tires—improving ride comfort while reducing outside noise for a quieter more comfortable cabin. Drivers will find front-seat luxury much more comfortable thanks to changes to seat foam geometry, wire frame structure and heat pad redesign. An increased use of engineered sound insulators (to reduce exterior noise) reduces cabin sound to create an even more serene environment.

New exterior styling features freshened front and rear fascias. Updated interior color and trim choices – including a Platinum-exclusive Maple Sugar with Jet Black environment – and new alloy wheel options highlight the updates to the XTS. The appearance change includes new fenders, front and rear fascias, grille, and the addition of LED headlights and taillamp in keeping with today’s portfolio. It also brings the overall length of the car to 200.9 inches (1.1” inches shorter than 2017).

Also available is the XTS Platinum V-Sport, which takes performance to a higher level, driven by an exclusive twin-turbo engine and all-wheel drive.

Standard and available features across the lineup include:

• Updated chassis with improved ride comfort
• Brembo front brakes standard
• Available advanced all-wheel-drive system with electronically controlled limited-slip differential

• Standard 19-inch wheels and available 20-inch wheels, with a new wheel design for Luxury and Platinum models

• Updated next-generation Cadillac user experience infotainment system with the fastest response time ever, updated graphics, personalized profiles, smartphone-like navigation, Wi-Fi and active connection
• Adaptive remote start
• Four USB ports
• Standard eight-speaker Bose audio system

When it comes to trunk space, the XTS is in a league of its own, with 18 cubic feet (509 L), exceeding some midsize and full-size competitors — that’s more than the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The cargo advantage means room for five or more suitcases.

Technology and Connectivity — technology upgrades for a more connected ride

The next-generation Cadillac user experience is a dynamic platform that can be adjusted over time to meet a customer’s evolving connectivity needs, leveraging the cloud to enable personalization, available connected navigation and applications via the Collection app store.

With functionality that applies popular apps and smartphone practices in the vehicle, the new user experience system provides customers with easier access to the most common features. The more intuitive operation includes a Summary View in which all key applications – climate, audio, phone and navigation – are displayed on one screen.

Exterior Design: modern design enhanced by new LED lighting

The exterior design was altered to present a freshened style closer in line with the CT6 prestige sedan.

Changes include the addition of all-new LED headlights and taillamps, fenders and front and rear fascia and a new grille.

New designs are available on both 19-inch and 20-inch alloy wheels.

Interior Features: improved front-seat comfort with new color and trim options

Like the exterior, the XTS’ cabin features authentic cut-and-sewn materials and an artistic integration of technology.

New interior decor is available across much of the XTS line. There is a revised Jet Black with Shale-accented environment available for XTS, XTS Luxury and XTS Premium Luxury models. The XTS Platinum models include new Jet Black and Maple Sugar with Jet Black accents.

Platinum models feature a leather-wrapped interior with microfiber suede headliner, as well as premium wood trim on the steering wheel,

console, center stack, instrument panel and

door panels.

Seating trim offers full-leather seating on Kona, or semi-aniline full leather seating surfaces on Platinum models, both with perforated detailing. Heated and ventilated seats are also offered. The 2018 model includes the redesigned updates to the seat foam geometry, wire frame structure, heat pads for the heated seats and 40” of rear legroom for added passenger comfort.

Together, the changes elevate the riding experience for the driver and passengers.

Powertrains: Confident power from two V-6 engines

The Cadillac twin-turbo 3.6L V-6 headlines the XTS’ powertrain lineup and is standard on the V-Sport model, delivering SAE-certified 410 horsepower (306 kW) and 369 lb-ft of torque (500 Nm), making it one of the most power-dense six-cylinder engines in the segment. A pair of turbochargers and an efficient charge air cooler help provide more immediate power delivery, while peak torque is sustained over a broad range — 1,900 to 5,600 rpm — for a confident feeling of power when accelerating or overtaking traffic.

The XTS’ standard 3.6L V-6 is rated at 304 horsepower (227 kW) and 264 lb-ft of torque (355 Nm). Lightweight features help reduce overall weight for greater efficiency and a more favorable front-to-rear weight balance. Examples include a composite intake manifold that saves approximately 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg) over the weight of a comparable aluminum intake and an integrated cylinder head/exhaust manifold design that saves approximately 13 pounds (6 kg) per engine.

The engines are matched with six-speed automatic transmissions and tap-shift control.

Driving Experience: Revised chassis and tire designs further elevate ride quality

The newly updated chassis has revised tire designs for both 19- and 20-inch tires, improving ride comfort while reducing outside noise for a quieter and more comfortable cabin. The XTS can be equipped with Magnetic Ride Control and Rear Air Leveling for extra-sharp handling.

A layered approach to the driving experience relies on new and established technologies, all rooted in a stiff structure. The body is infused with strategically placed, ultra-high-strength steel for strength and crash protection and serves as the foundation for the advanced chassis system.

A smart all-wheel-drive system with Haldex technology splits torque between the rear wheels complements an advanced high-performance strut front suspension and available Magnetic Ride Control real-time damping to give the XTS sure-footed, confident and comfortable ride and handling. The rear suspension comprises a linked H-arm design with air springs.

Safety: confidence through sophisticated safety features

Cadillac provides available advanced safety based on its “control-and-alert” strategy, employing advanced technologies — including radar, camera and ultrasonic sensors — to help prevent crashes. The safety features bolster driver vision and awareness of road hazards and can even help drivers avert potential crashes.

In certain situations, Cadillac’s advanced crash-avoidance systems, such as automatic braking, can automatically apply braking in response to potential hazards.

The available Driver Awareness Package also features updates to provide the comfort of assurance in a safe drive. XTS models equipped with the Driver Awareness Package will find features such as Low Speed Automatic Braking, Following Distance Indicators and Lane Change Alert to complement Side Blind Zone Alert. The Driver Awareness Package is available on Luxury Trim and is standard on higher trims. The Driver Assist Package, which adds Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward/Reverse Automatic Braking, is available on Premium Luxury and standard on Platinum models.

2018 Cadillac XTS Platinum V-Sport AWD  MSRP $71,695

As shown with optional 18″ aluminum spare tire and tool kit: $72,040