LA AUTO SHOW
2017 Cadillac XT5
T
his past week, Cadillac presented
the new 2017 XT5 at its North
American debut at the Los
Angeles Auto Show. The XT5 will be
replacing the SRX Cadillac crossover
(CUV) which, for whatever reason, never
really gained any significant traction in
the Canadian market place, yet was the
premium brand’s bestselling vehicle in
the U.S.
While we were advised that although
the XT5 will be roughly the same size
as the SRX it replaces, Cadillac has
apparently managed to slash more than
120 kilograms (278 pounds) from the
crossover’s curb weight—although, in
fact, it is two inches longer and an inch
wider. Much of this comes down to the
use of more lighter, high-strength steel.
It would appear that Cadillac firmly
believe this vehicle will sell well in the
coming years. In fact, Cadillac President
Johan de Nysschen believes that the
XT5 will place the premium marque
decisively at the front of the line vis-àvis the luxury crossover segment. de
Nysschen also admitted that crossovers,
generally, have accounted for all of the
growth in the luxury segment in recent
times—not sedans.
Powering the 2016 XT5 will be a new
3.6-litre V6 that debuted in the Cadillac
ATS and CTS earlier this year. This is also
the very same powertrain presented
when Buick unveiled the 2017 LaCrosse.
Making 305 horsepower and 268 lb-ft. of
torque, this efficient engine is equipped
with active cylinder management and
a stop-start, making the new 3.6-litre
more efficient than the previous engine.
There was also mention made that
Cadillac will offer a version of the
XT5 with a 2.0-litre
turbocharged fourcylinder in China, so
it’s entirely possible
that engine could
eventually be offered
in North America.
Further, the
XT5 will showcase
...the XT5 will place the premium
marque decisively at the front
of the line vis-à-vis the luxury
crossover segment.
16
THE DRIVER
Cadillac’s first-ever electronically
controlled transmission shifter. Known
as “electronic precision shift”, the new
shifter promises to reduce overall noise
and free up a little more cabin space.
In further news, de Nysschen revealed
that the XT5 will be bracketed by a
larger, three-row model and a smaller,
compact entry. The fourth may well
be an even more compact model—
something between a three-row SUV/
crossover-derived car and the Escalade.
An interesting piece of relevant
technology is Cadillac’s new rear camera
system. This system replaces the typical
rear view mirror with a liquid crystal
display (LCD) linked to a camera at
the rear of the vehicle. The system is
designed to improve and enhance rear
visibility by removing the vehicle’s rear
pillars and rear passenger’s from the
driver’s line of sight.
The 2017 Cadillac XT5 will go on
sale some time during the spring
of 2016. Pricing will be confirmed
in the coming weeks and we look
forward to getting hold of a XT5
for a road test in the new year.