Cadillac News: 2017 Cadillac XT5 Debuts in Dubai UAE

[Drew Dowdell]

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We've seen the coming XT5 peak out from behind the curtain a few times recently, but today, Cadillac finally took the wraps off the 2017 Cadillac XT5 Crossover in Dubai, UAE.

 

Chassis and Power

 

Replacing the SRX in the lineup, the new XT5 rides on a new chassis unique to Cadillac. Using the lightweight technology first shown in the Cadillac CT6, the new XT5 is better packaged with more interior room without adding weight. Compared to the outgoing SRX, the XT5 drops 278 pounds, making it 100 pounds lighter than the Audi Q5 and 650 pounds lighter than the Mercedes-Benz GLE. The wheel base is up 2 inches and track is increased 1 inch over the SRX. Rear seat legroom has increased 3.2 inches.

 

While weight is down, power stays about the same. The all-new 3.6 liter V6 gets a modest bump in horsepower over the outgoing unit, up 2 to 310 horsepower, while torque increases to 270 lb-ft, an increase of 5 lb-ft. This engine also features start-stop technology to save fuel in the city, and cylinder deactivation to run in 4-cylinder mode in low load situations. In the China market, the XT5 will be offered with a 2.0 Turbo direct injected 4-cylinder, also featuring stop-start.

 

Both engines will be paired with a new 8-speed automatic controlled by a new gear selector that Cadillac is calling Electronic Precision Shift.

 

Optional will be a new all-wheel drive system with a twin clutch that can transfer up to 100 percent of torque to either the front or rear axle while 100 percent of available torque can be transferred across the rear axle via an electronically controlled limited slip differential to either rear wheel. The driver is able to control the AWD system and disconnect the rear wheels for greater fuel economy.

 

Standard wheels are 18 inch with 20 inch wheels optional. All XT5s equipped with 20 inch wheels come with a continuous damping control system. Rear seat passengers in Platinum models get an even more comfortable ride via additional bushings and tuning to reduce road unpleasantness.

 

Inside

 

Also shown on the Cadillac CT6, the XT5 will feature the Rear Camera Mirror system that replaces a conventional inside mirror. The system effectively removes interior and body panel obstacles in the drivers rearward vision. Rather than showing the rear view in the CUE infotainment screen, the rear picture shows up in place of the center inside rear view mirror. A birds eye Surround Vision feature is also available to help with parking.

 

Speaking of CUE, the system has been upgraded with a much more powerful processor, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, while also providing a slot for wireless cell phone charging.

 

While the SRX never had a Platinum trim, the XT5 gets one featuring unique interior and exterior materials. There will be five interior color pallets offered with carbon fiber, three types of wood, and two types of aluminum trim offered.

 

Launch

 

The Cadillac XT5 will launch in the US in the Spring of 2016 right after the 2016 March launch of the Cadillac CT6. We'll get our first hands on look at the Cadillac XT5 next week at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show.

 

Source and Photos: Cadillac Media

 

 

Cadillac Press Release on Page 2

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New York, November 9, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cadillac XT5 Initiates New Series of Cadillac Luxury Crossovers

• Lightweight construction elevates efficiency and driving performance
• All-new design and structure increases interior space without adding bulk
• New V6 engine and advanced all-wheel drive
• New tech includes rear camera mirror, Apple Carplay & Android Auto Compatibility, New CUE system
  

Cadillac today unveiled the first-ever 2017 Crossover Touring 5 (XT5,) a comprehensively upgraded luxury crossover and the cornerstone of a new series of crossovers in the brand’s ongoing expansion. The first-ever XT5 premieres this month at the Dubai and Los Angeles auto shows and begins production in the U.S. and China in spring 2016.

 

Cadillac crossovers will wear the “XT” designation, a key aspect of the brand’s product-driven global growth plan.

 

“The all-new XT5 not only enters the most popular segment in the worldwide luxury auto market, it is the first of four new crossovers from Cadillac,” said Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen. “It’s pivotal to our ongoing growth, which is why we’ve developed XT5 from the inside out to provide customers more space, more technology, more luxury and more efficiency.”

 

The new luxury crossover joins Cadillac’s lineup immediately following the new range-topping CT6 Sedan, as the brand enters a new phase of product growth. The XT5 is the next chapter in elevating the Cadillac brand: it is bold, distinctive, sophisticated with superb driving dynamics. This new crossover perfectly reflects Cadillac’s positioning in the luxury automotive marketplace, de Nysschen said.

 

Chassis -- Lightweight, efficient package enables more space

 

The Cadillac XT5 is completely new, residing on a unique chassis and structure.

 

Cadillac’s new crossover embodies the company’s expertise for lightweight and agile driving dynamics. The new XT5 is 278 pounds (126 kg) lighter than the current SRX , and 100 pounds (45 kg) lighter than the Audi Q5 – despite the Cadillac being seven inches longer. The new XT5 is more than 650 pounds (295 kg) lighter than the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, achieving this with no compromise to body rigidity and crash performance.

 

Rear-seat legroom is increased 3.2 in. (8.1 cm) in the XT5, compared to the SRX. The rear seat reclines and slides fore and aft, as well.

 

Interior Design -- New Cadillac interior design theme emphasizes space and craftsmanship

 

The XT5 brings a new level of sophistication to showcase Cadillac’s evolving design language, recently seen on the upcoming CT6 Sedan. The XT5 has a strong visual presence with proportions that convey the driving experience and the lightweight construction underneath the surface. There is a lean, taut, liquid quality to the surfaces with flowing, uninterrupted lines separated by crisp edges.

 

“The XT5 has a great stance, with wheels further to the corners and overhangs reduced,” said Andrew Smith, Cadillac executive director of global design. “Our team continues to evolve the design language of Cadillac.”

 

The XT5’s interior is based on a philosophy of clean, modern elegance and craftsmanship.

 

“We believe that luxury crossover customers particularly focus on interior design and materials,” said Smith. “This design direction is predicated on modern craftsmanship and the artistic integration of technology.”

 

Interior surfaces inside the XT5 are wider and more horizontal in orientation, emphasizing efficient use of space. Like all Cadillac models, the interior is assembled with cut-and-sewn wrapped panels, rather than molded surfaces typical of mainstream vehicles.

 

“Our focus for the interior was sophistication and simplicity, ensuring an economy of lines to reduce visual noise and clutter,” Smith said. “A feeling of space is the ultimate luxury, so we sought to emphasize that. We also use a greater variety of authentic materials and palette of colors to deliver expressive interiors in all trim levels.”

 

 

Powertrain -- Advanced powertrains add to efficiency and dynamics

 

In the U.S. market, the 2017 Cadillac XT5 will be powered by the new 3.6-liter V6 engine which debuted earlier this year on the brand’s ATS and CTS sport sedans and is featured on the CT6. This engine has been completely redesigned and features Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation technology, which allows the engine to seamlessly and automatically switch to a fuel-saving 4-cylinder mode under low or moderate loads.

 

With an estimated peak output of 310-horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, the new V6 uses variable valve timing for strong response and smooth power delivery. Cadillac’s new Stop/Start technology automatically stop and start the engine when the vehicle is at rest in traffic stops, saving fuel and reducing emissions, while enhancing the quietness expected of a luxury vehicle.

 

In China, the XT5 will be offered with a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine. Powerful, yet compact, the 2.0T also features Stop/Start technology.

 

A new 8-speed automatic transmission is standard for the XT5, which also debuts Electronic Precision Shift – the first electronically controlled transmission shifter for a Cadillac. Electronic Precision Shift reduces noise and vibration, and allows further use of the cabin space with a storage space beneath the center console.

 

An optional new advanced “twin clutch” all-wheel drive system continuously and automatically delivers excellent traction across a variety of conditions. While engineered specifically for strong performance in wet, snowy or icy conditions, it also provides enhanced stability in dry weather.

 

Technology -- Advanced technology systems add luxury, safety

 

The first-ever XT5 includes Cadillac’s latest production systems for connectivity and safety.

 

Cadillac’s patented new industry-leading Rear Camera Mirror system debuts on the CT6 sedan and the XT5. The system enhances the driver’s rear vision by 300 percent, using a video display applied over the conventional inside rearview mirror. A high dynamic range camera records wider images behind the car, streams the image to video processing software which “removes” obstacles such as the roof, rear pillars and rear seat passengers, projecting an unobstructed view to a Liquid Crystal Display.

 

2017 Cadillac XT5 PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS (NORTH AMERICA)
Model:
2017 Cadillac XT5
Body style / driveline:
FWD or AWD, 5-passenger midsize luxury crossover
Manufacturing location:
Spring Hill Manufacturing, Spring Hill, Tennessee
Engine:
3.6L V6 DI VVT – 310 hp / 231 kW (est.)
Transmission :
Eight-speed automatic with Electronic Precision Shift
Wheels:
18-inch and 20-inch
Wheelbase (in / mm):
112.5 / 2857
Length (in / mm):
189.5 / 4815
Width (in / mm):
75.0 / 1903
Height (in / mm):
66.0 / 1675
Est. curb weight (lb / kg):
3999 / 1814 (FWD)
4277 / 1940 (AWD)

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[cp-the-nerd]

That interior!! Wow! I love the minimalist clean-yet-rich appearance. That's the real homerun.

 

The LGX V6 is clearly electronically limited for transverse applications, just as the LFX was. It's a bit disappointing they've pulled it all the way back to 310 hp and 270 lb-ft despite all the technology in this car's drivetrain.

[Drew Dowdell]

Some of that limitation is exhaust restriction... but if the torque curve shape is similar to the outgoing model, it is also tuned more for low end torque than high end horsepower.

 

The current SRX puts out 265 lb-ft at 2500 rpm.... that's actually not bad for a non-force-fed V6. 

 

And yes, I *really* like that interior.

 

[cp-the-nerd]

I'm sure it'll drive quite nicely with the benefit of the 8-speed and weight loss, I just would have liked to see more improvement from the LGX V6 than cylinder deactivation and start/stop. New Camaro V6 first tests haven't been much more impressive than the ATS with the outgoing V6.

[Cmicasa the Great]

Yeah CP.. because the women buying this will be out on the streets doing burn-outs and running down Corvettes.

 

The vehicle is EXACTLY what it needs to be. Gorgeous interior and richly laid out for the right clientele. Loving the powertrain capabilities.. and so as to make the likes of U happy.. there is a VSport supposedly planned. 3.0L TT maybe??? 

[William Maley]

Interestingly, the Chinese version gets the 2.0 turbo engine as standard (mostly due fuel economy and emissions). 

I'm wondering why Cadillac chose to skip this engine for the XT5 for the U.S. market.

[Drew Dowdell]

Interestingly, the Chinese version gets the 2.0 turbo engine as standard (mostly due fuel economy and emissions). 

I'm wondering why Cadillac chose to skip this engine for the XT5 for the U.S. market.

 

*And displacement tax.  Above 2 liters, and the tax starts to climb rapidly.... a 3.6 could be taxed over $556 a year if my calculations are correct, where as a 2.0 would be taxed about $94.

[cp-the-nerd]

Yeah CP.. because the women buying this will be out on the streets doing burn-outs and running down Corvettes.

 

Not sure you could have taken my point further out of context, chief.

[William Maley]

 

Interestingly, the Chinese version gets the 2.0 turbo engine as standard (mostly due fuel economy and emissions). 

I'm wondering why Cadillac chose to skip this engine for the XT5 for the U.S. market.

 

*And displacement tax.  Above 2 liters, and the tax starts to climb rapidly.... a 3.6 could be taxed over $556 a year if my calculations are correct, where as a 2.0 would be taxed about $94.

 

I forgot displacement tax, good point.

[smk4565]

I wonder what the price will be.  On dimensions it is the size of a GLE, so I wonder if they are going for X5 and GLE competitor, and planning a smaller XT3 for GLC, X3, Q5 competitor.

 

Base V6 for the crossover, turbo 4 for the full size sedan, yeah that makes sense.  Although maybe with Cadillac pricing strategy the XT5 will be $54,000 base since that is what a CTS V6 costs.

[Drew Dowdell]

I wonder what the price will be.  On dimensions it is the size of a GLE, so I wonder if they are going for X5 and GLE competitor, and planning a smaller XT3 for GLC, X3, Q5 competitor.

 

Base V6 for the crossover, turbo 4 for the full size sedan, yeah that makes sense.  Although maybe with Cadillac pricing strategy the XT5 will be $54,000 base since that is what a CTS V6 costs.

 

The full size sedan also weighs 400 lbs less than the XT5.

[ccap41]

Well, I admit, I initially criticized the looks quite a bit but it's grown on me quite a bit.

 

I agree about the interior. It looks fantastic!

 

I'm actually kind of surprised it won't base with the 2.0 here too. Figured it could be a way to keep base price down while giving them a little edge in mpg too.

[Drew Dowdell]

I actually saw one in person.  Cadillac must be doing some testing here in Pittsburgh and just yesterday an XT5 drove right by me in camo.

[Suaviloquent]

Slick.

 

Wow. 4200 lbs with AWD. And it's a V6 to boot. I like this a lot. It's got everything to crush anything in its path. 

 

RX, MKX, RDX, Q5 better watch out, this car is going to be a sleeper. Excellent interior too. M'mmm m'mm tasty. 

 

I expect not only usual performance stats like 0-60 and mileage improve, but with that weight and some good rubber, I expect massively improved braking distances, and that's really beneficial for crossovers like this.

[Drew Dowdell]

Slick.

 

Wow. 4200 lbs with AWD. And it's a V6 to boot. I like this a lot. It's got everything to crush anything in its path. 

 

RX, MKX, RDX, Q5 better watch out, this car is going to be a sleeper. Excellent interior too. M'mmm m'mm tasty. 

 

I expect not only usual performance stats like 0-60 and mileage improve, but with that weight and some good rubber, I expect massively improved braking distances, and that's really beneficial for crossovers like this.

 

It was already an excellent handling crossover..capable of stunts well beyond the driving acumen of the typical buyers... it should improve even more now.

[hyperv6]

Well it has the things I expected.

Less weight

As much or just a little more room inside with better packaging.

I expect better MPG and performance even with the slight drop in power due to the complete package.

The Power numbers are spot on what I expected in both engines.

The next step will be a TTV6 in a V sport.

I do not think they limited power because of the FWD. The new Transaxle should handle over 400 HP from what I have heard. I expect it was limited more for MPG and the fact they will have a sport option to slot over it.

Besides how much power do you really need in a high centered vehicle to start with.

Leave the more power to the RWD base AWD models to come. This one is to suck up all the FWD peoples money.

[smk4565]

An RX 350 starts at $41,900, so what do we think the SRX will be?  $40,995?

 

Still not sure why the XT5 and XTS get standard V6 power, while Cadillac tries to peddle 4-cylinder power in the CTS and CT6.  Why not just make every Cadillac standard V6 then.

[Robert Hall]

Sharp..nice interior.  I see it has the underconsole cubby for a purse  ( or man purse or tabby)

Edited November 11, 2015 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[Drew Dowdell]

An RX 350 starts at $41,900, so what do we think the SRX will be?  $40,995?

 

Still not sure why the XT5 and XTS get standard V6 power, while Cadillac tries to peddle 4-cylinder power in the CTS and CT6.  Why not just make every Cadillac standard V6 then.

 

XTS is dead after 2019.

 

XT5 weighs 400lbs more than CT6.

 

Even if the XT5 shaves a full second off of the SRX 0-60 time (7.1 seconds), the 4-cylinder CT6 will still be half a second faster to 60 than the V6 XT5.

 

Stop being a cylinder count snob and be a performance snob.

[smk4565]

Crossover buyers don't care about performance, luxury sedan buyers often do.  Plus there is a refinement issue that a V6 will in most cases be smoother than a turbo 4, and refinement should trump all in a car like the CT6.

 

XTS is here for 4 years still?!?!   I do think Buick should introduce a livery version of the LaCrosse and make the XTS $54,000 base price (make and standard), so the V6 XTS is priced more closely to the V6 CT6 and CTS.  This way if the Livery market still wants to buy a Cadillac, they will pay through the nose for it and Cadillac will make huge margins, while slowly forcing the livery market to Buick.

[Robert Hall]

Without the XTS, will the next decade see hearse, limo and flower car versions of the CT6?  (in theory there are versions the XTS w/ such livery mods).

[Drew Dowdell]

Johan has said they are getting out of that business.

[Robert Hall]

Johan has said they are getting out of that business.

 

Got to be low volume anymore...I've never seen any of the XTS based ones in person.

[smk4565]

I've seen XTS hearses, I saw one today actually.  Glad they are getting out of that business.   A hearse or Limo doesn't need acceleration, or handling her performance, which is what Cadillac sedans are supposed to be about.  Let Buick serve that market.

[Robert Hall]

I've seen XTS hearses, I saw one today actually.  Glad they are getting out of that business.   A hearse or Limo doesn't need acceleration, or handling her performance, which is what Cadillac sedans are supposed to be about.  Let Buick serve that market.

It's been a Cadillac market for probably a century, though...acceleration, handling and performance have been Cadillac marketing attributes only in recent times..

Edited November 10, 2015 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[smk4565]

But if Cadillac wants to go upscale and push their performance luxury attributes they need to leave the hearses and vinyl carriage roof Devilles behind.  And if GM wants to make Buick more premium and not just a slightly nicer Chevy, let them have Cadillac's old market.

 

And back to XT5, I assume they are going after Lincoln MKX and Lexus RX here and not the Germans.  Which it would be nice if Cadillac could decide who they are targeting.  The ATS and CTS want to copy BMW, the SUVs Lincoln, and the CT6 the Kia K900 I guess.  Johan needs to get a plan going. 

[Drew Dowdell]

Well the RX is the top seller in the segment... but search me as to why.  Long and short of it is they all swim in the same pool in this segment. No one is rally crossing their GLE or XT5 or RX... and the handling of even the old SRX was well beyond the needs of the segment.

 

Every XT5 sale is a sale the Germans and Japanese didn't get.  If someone buys an XT5, you can't say that Lexus lost a sale but Mercedes didn't..... BOTH of them lose a sale when an SRX or XT5 is sold. Cadillac is "going after" both.  

[hyperv6]

Well this is a class you do not need to be number one to win. The fact is the top 5 brands win due to the profit margins made here. Once you are in the club even at lower volumes you make a lot of money, add more volume you make even more. It is a less risk high reward segment. It is not like Chevy and Toyota needing to price cars to the point that they have to sell 100K units to just start to show a profit.

As for Hearses I can see them letting that go. It is a low volume and not a big profit deal. If needed the MFGS could still use the CT6 even without GM's help if needed. A hearse is not an image Cadillac is worried about.

As for Livery Service I could see them still working here as Benz still works this segment in NYC and they move a lot of cars and put a lot of affluent people in their cars that later consider or move to buy one. No lose issue there.

Also Buick has filled in for the Hearse deal many times in the past and could do it again even FWD. Lets face it they are not going to turn to a 4n Make as they have not in the past. Never saw a Lexus hearse have you?

[Robert Hall]

Well the RX is the top seller in the segment... but search me as to why.  

Brand, reputation, and lease deals, I presume.  Plenty of consumers won't consider Cadillac or the Germans (poor Consumer Reports scores) but anything Toyota gets their attention...

Edited November 10, 2015 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[El Kabong]

The interior looks promising, fer sure.

As regards livery sales: there's not a lot Cadiklac can do one way or the other if a coachbuilder wants to modify their products, other than to discourage it.

Edited November 10, 2015 by El Kabong

[Drew Dowdell]

The interior looks promising, fer sure.

As regards livery sales: there's not a lot Cadiklac can do one way or the other if a coachbuilder wants to modify their products, other than to discourage it.

 

Cadillac currently makes XTSes in coach builder prep form that have the full GM warranty post-conversion ... I'm guessing they'll stop doing that.

[smk4565]

I read the Lexus RX can go 100,000 miles between oil changes or tire replacement and that the hybrid model's exhaust saves baby seals. True Story.

[hyperv6]

Well the RX is the top seller in the segment... but search me as to why.

Brand, reputation, and lease deals, I presume.  Plenty of consumers won't consider Cadillac or the Germans (poor Consumer Reports scores) but anything Toyota gets their attention...

Well as we all know and some will not admit the CR scores are not consistent. A car and model can get a top score one year and nothing can change and it can drop like a rock. We have seen it happen often.

They like to report only owners who drive the car that subscribe to their magazine and that is not a very good way to qualify a cars quality no matter the brand. Many are loyal sheep that will vote as they deem no matter the issues involved.

This is why Toyota gets good scores as they vote for the home team. Toyota builds a decent car but it is no better or worse than anything else. These folks just vote for the home team.

I expect based on the people already buying they will rob sales from the Denali Terrain, Ford and most other FWD/RWD brands. Not much else out there that is of this level of finish and technology.

[Suaviloquent]

Now if only they can get more of that tan/latte/coffee leather with that wood in the CT6...

[regfootball]

A ford transit connect would be a good hearse.

[ccap41]

I went to Cadd's website to build one today and did you know you can get "carbon plum" as an interior color?!?! I absolutely LOVE that. 

 

[Suaviloquent]

I like the Plum leather.

 

But I gotta say man, I was at the Auto Show, and I was not impressed with many interiors be it Cadillac, Mercedes, Audi or Jaguar. LIke for the price, I just couldn't believe it. 

 

For the price, the freaking Ford Fusion Platinum and Malibu Premier are ridiculously good interior vise. the only SUVs I liked were the Volvo XC90 and the black label MKX with the black leather/saddle leather on the dash. And the chunks of wood - man are they excellent in both of them.