Cadillac XT4. Bold, unique, ambitious
Cadillac XT4 is a premium subcompact fuel-efficient SUV produced by General Motors (USA). It can be both front- and all-wheel drive. In 2020, the 2018 first generation SUV could be purchased on the Israeli market.
The letters ‘XT’ in the name come from the abbreviation ‘Crossover Touring’. The Cadillac XT4 is Cadillac’s second SUV after the mid-size XT5. Essentially, the XT4 is the luxurious equivalent of the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain. Currently, this is the most affordable model of the brand. And this is the first Cadillac to be equipped with a new generation 2.0-liter petrol engine. Plus, this is perhaps the most compact all-wheel drive Cadillac in history. Its closest competitors, the Audi Q3 and BMW X1, are slightly smaller. Compared to them, the Cadillac XT4 is both larger and more spacious. This SUV costs practically the same, but is more powerful and better equipped.
The first generation
It has been produced from 2018 to the present (as for 2020). Cadillac presented a teaser for the new XT4 during the telecast of the 90th Academy Awards on March 4, 2018, and made its official debut at the New York Auto Show on March 27, 2018. The new Cadillac XT4 is manufactured at GM’s Fairfax plant and is assembled for the Chinese market in Shanghai by SAIC-GM. The first XT4 is built on the GM E2 platform, just like the Chevrolet Malibu and Opel Insignia.
Engines
The new XT4 is the first Cadillac to be equipped a new generation of gasoline engine. It is almost entirely made of aluminum, has a two-flow turbine (boost pressure of 1.034 bar), direct fuel injection, valve lift system, and a start-stop system. Its two central cylinders switch off at light loads. The cooling system is equipped with an external electric pump. A 2-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with 237 hp produces 5,000 rpm and 350 Nm of torque. It is paired with a front or all-wheel drive 9-speed automatic transmission. In September 2020, the 2-liter Multijet diesel engine with 172 hp was available exclusively for the European market.
Exterior
As for its exterior, the 2018/2019 Cadillac XT4 resembles its larger brother, the XT5. But at the same time its design has some revolutionary features. For the first time, there are no additional windows behind the rear side doors. And the tail lights look completely different, as now they are vertical, with a small horizontal tail. The SUV has high doors that completely cover the side-skirts, which means that if the car is not clean, you will not get dirty when boarding. Plus, there is a triple insulation circuit.
Interior and equipment
The SUV is stylish, well-equipped and finished with decent materials. In terms of ergonomics and advancement, the new XT4 is perhaps even ahead of the larger and more expensive XT5. The buttons inside are standard, not virtual. A multimedia system is controlled by a rotary controller, which is more convenient than the touchpad. The vehicle is equipped with a laconic dashboard, a delicate steering wheel, and an automatic transmission switch that is pleasant to touch. The modern head-up display, Wi-Fi hotspot and induction charging for smartphones are pleasing. But the main thing is the principle of controlling the infotainment system with the rotary controller, which is new for Cadillacs and resembles German cars. It is simple, clear and logical. You can also change the settings via the touch screen. The interior mirror can be set to display streaming video from the rear view camera.
As the most spacious SUV in its class, the 2020 Cadillac XT4 delights with an impeccable combination of functionality, technology and interior comfort, and an aggressive yet elegant exterior, emphasized by expressive accents, and attracts the admiring glances of the people who have exquisite taste.
