2017 Cadillac XT5 compact luxury crossover

2017 Cadillac XT5 compact luxury crossover

“An Automotive Love Affair”

By Joseph Mavilia

The new Cadillac XT5 is improvement over SRX. Interior is all comfort – shown in available Platinum edition trim.

Photos by Cadillac.

Not just a new SUV – it’s a Cadillac

Cadillac’s current marketing campaign says, “you can make a car, or you can make a Cadillac.” This new XT5 delivers on that idea.

Cadillac had a winner with the original SRX. As good as the SRX was, it’s been replaced with the all-new 2017 Cadillac XT5. It boasts fresh styling, a roomier interior, less weight, better fuel economy and user friendliness.

The styling is consistent with the current Cadillac design language, so it looks right among the other models. Present are the familiar and signature visuals that make a Cadillac a “Cadillac,” – the waterfall grill, sharp edges, aggressive raked profile. Even though the XT5 is offered as the entry level crossover SUV for Cadillac, the vehicle does not cut any corners when it comes to delivering Cadillac brand feel, with luxury both on the outside and inside.

“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 joined Cadillac’s lineup along with the CT6 Sedan. 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.

VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS:

MSRP starting at $39,395

Offers: GM employee plans and local dealer offers, plus two active GM offers for August, see dealer for details.

3.6-liter V6 engine.

8-Speed Automatic Transmission

Fuel economy estimates range from 19-mpg city to 27-mpg highway.

– 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

Vehicle Rivals: All premium compact luxury crossover SUVs, especially Lincoln MKX, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Lexus RX, Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.

The 2017 Cadillac XT5 is powered by the new 3.6-liter V6 engine which debuted on the ATS and CTS sport sedans and is featured on the CT6. This engine has been completely redesigned and delivers output of 310-horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque.

The Cadillac XT5 rides on a unique chassis and structure that showcases its lightweight and agile driving dynamics. The chassis tuning is superb and unique, delivering a driving and ride experience more common many thousands of dollars up-market.

The XT5 brings a new level of sophistication to Cadillac’s evolving design language. “The XT5 has a great stance, with wheels further to the corners and overhangs reduced,” said Andrew Smith, Cadillac executive director of global design.

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,” Smith said. “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.”

THE VERDICT

Cadillac scores another hit with the new XT5. Overall a high-value, luxury package that is delightful. Cadillac offers a Platinum edition for the first time in this segment, which raises the luxury quotient well above the European rivals.

For more information, visit your local Cadillac dealer or Cadillac.com

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