The 21st Century equivalent of the Cadillac DeVille models of yore, the Cadillac XTS went into production in May of 2012, as a 2013 model. Bringing the large Cadillac offering more squarely into line with the new philosophy underpinning Cadillac’s contemporary offerings, the XTS is dynamically more of a driver-oriented car while still delivering the palatial comfort and accommodations full-size Cadillac models have long been known for.
However, where the rest of the current Cadillac passenger car lineup is rear-drive sport sedans and coupes, the XTS shares its front/all-wheel drive platform with the Buick LaCrosse and the Chevrolet Impala. Further, while the XTS is currently the largest Cadillac offering, there are plans for a model larger than the Cadillac XTS for the brand’s portfolio. In the overall hierarchy of Cadillac cars, the XTS replaces the STS and DTS sedans.
A choice of two engines is offered. The base powerplant is a 3.6-liter V6 capable of 305 horsepower ad 264 ft-lbs of torque. The “big” engine is a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 rated at 410 horsepower and 369 ft-lbs of torque. Those turbochargers are calibrated to produce over 12 pounds of boost. If you go with the turbo, you get all-wheel drive automatically, as the two are bundled. A six-speed automatic transmission with tap-shift controls on the steering wheel routes power to either the front, or all four wheels; depending upon the powertrain selected.
Standard features include remote start, capless fuel filling, HID headlights, heated outside mirrors with turn signal repeaters and puddle lamps, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, a multi-zone automatic climate control system, illuminated entry and courtesy lighting, and of course genuine wood trim. Cadillac’s CUE infotainment system is also standard equipment. The eight-inch capacitive touch screen features proximity sensing, haptic feedback, gesture recognition and voice recognition. With it, navigation, telephony, and the audio system can be controlled.
The Cadillac XTS angular exterior styling cues are carried over into the thoroughly modern, yet classically opulent interior. Authenticity rules the day, with leather and wood dominating the choices of materials, while plastics are kept to a minimum. Cargo capacity is generous at 18 cubic feet, however the sleek styling of the XTS does impinge upon the width of the trunk.
Naturally ABS, stability control, traction control, front and rear airbags and OnStar are all offered as standard equipment. OnStar’s Cadillac XTS feature set includes automatic crash notification, roadside assistance, stolen vehicle tracking, turn-by-turn directions, and remote door lock assistance.
