Cadillac XT5. An unmatched ideal
Cadillac XT5 is a mid-size premium SUV produced by Cadillac (USA), one of the divisions of General Motors, since 2016 in front- and all-wheel drive variations. In 2020, Israeli buyers could purchase the first generation SUV t after the 2019 restyling.
The first generation
It has been produced from 2016 to the present. Its restyling took place in 2019 (as for 2020). First presented at the 2015 Los Angeles and Dubai Auto Shows, the XT5 luxury SUV has replaced the SRX. The SUV is manufactured at the plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee, USA. It is also assembled in China at the SAIC-GM joint venture. The XT5 is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variations. In the spring of 2019, a sports version of the Cadillac XT5 Sport was presented.
The first XT5 is built on the new C1 platform. The manufacturer focuses on the light weight of the SUV: the front-wheel drive model weighs only 1,814 kg, while the all-wheel drive model weighs 1,930 kg. The new platform allowed to reduce the weight. The new Cadillac XT5 is 68 kg lighter than the previous SRX model. Its face resembles the flagship Cadillac CT6 Sedan. And next to it, the XT5 is equipped with an interior rearview mirror with a camera. It records the image of the space behind the vehicle with a much larger coverage area, transfers the information to the processing unit with special software, which ‘removes’ all obstacles and rear seat passengers from the driver’s field of vision and displays a “clear” image on the LCD display.
According to the manufacturer: ‘We have created an ideal for you that others will look up to’.
The first XT5 was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 petrol engine producing 314 hp with partial cylinder shutdown systems and start-stop function. In addition, there is also a 2-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 258 hp. There is only one gearbox: an eight-speed automatic transmission, but the drive can be either front or full.
2019 restyling
The new SUV is distinguished by a new 2-liter 200 hp turbo engine in the basic version, which allowed the 2019/2020 Cadillac XT5 to change its role. From a niche car, it has become one of the best options in the class, taking into account the equipment. A leather interior is now included in the basic trim level, as well as a panoramic roof, an all-round camera, three-zone climate control, seat ventilation, a head-up display and much, much more.
The new 2019 XT5 is more composed, but retains the driving feel of American cars. The independent suspension (McPherson at the front, multi-link at the rear) with continuous damping control, which is standard on the Sport trim level, delicately handles all unevenness, including the transverse joints on the axles, and allows itself insignificant adequate body rolls in sharp turns.
The restyling practically did not change the exterior. The recognizable chopped shape has been refreshed with a new radiator grille, bumpers, wheel disks and side mirrors with turn signals. Curiously, the XT5 looks more compact than it actually is. However, the SUV has a 67 mm longer wheelbase than its rival Lexus RX. Thus, the vehicle boasts a spacious interior, as well as the considerable size of the trunk, ranging from 849 to 1,784 liters, depending on the position of the second row seats.
An exquisite hand-crafted interior with natural perforated leather, a Bose Performance Series premium audio system, 10 electronic safety assistants and a sophisticated 2.0 turbocharged engine are the ultimate luxury from the basic trim level. According to the manufacturer: ‘We have created an ideal for you that others will look up to’.
