2019 XT4 signals the first salvo fired in Cadillac's product offensive
Beginning of Cadillac product offensive It’s been a few years since the last Cadillac product launch, but the XT4 compact crossover hits a growing market in which the company was not challenging. Here are 27 things to make the new CUV memorable. ▲
First product of many to come The XT4 is the first of many in the Cadillac arsenal through 2020. The American luxury brand will show-off a new vehicle every six months for the next three years. According to Hoss Hassani, Managing Director, Cadillac Canada, the American luxury brand plans to streamline its car options and expand the variety of its SUVs in an “unprecedented investment in product with the XT4 being its first look.” ▲
New entry in large pool of competitors The XT4 will be a new player in a busy pond that features segment stalwarts such as the BMW X1, Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA and Volvo XC40. ▲
Canada is a big player Canada is Cadillac’s third largest market in sales volume behind China and the US. It’s a surprising feat, but one that may explain why Steve Carlisle, the former Canadian president has taken the reigns as the brand’s global president. ▲
Can be perceived as a tweener Cadillac sees its XT4 taking sales from both the subcompact and compact crossover segment. Compared to the X1 and Q3s of the industry, it can provide more space and versatility, and that allows it to be a cross-shopper for those also checking out the X3 and Q5. ▲
Clean sheet The XT4 sits on an all-new architecture that prides itself on best-in-class torsional rigidity and a complex turbo powertrain that truly is the heart and soul of the new ute. ▲
Turbo excitement After putting the XT4 through the paces, it’s clear that the dealership test drive will be the icing on the cake to secure a deal. Under the hood is a twin-scroll turbocharged, 2.0-litre 4-cylinder that has 237 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque primed for action. ▲
Takes some time to get adjusted The compact segment is not known for its spirited appetite, so it will catch some off-guard and potentially take time for some to get adjusted to its true pep, especially upon initial acceleration. ▲
The tranny settles you in What doesn’t take long is getting used to the XT4’s turbo charm, but that all settles down at cruising speeds. A lot of that has to do with its 9-speed automatic transmission geared for balance, power and efficiency. A wider gear ratio makes the most of its engine power and fuel economy savings. ▲
Weight and fuel savings naturally connected The engine is about 7 kg lighter than its predecessor and comes with Stop/Start technology and an Active Fuel Management system with cylinder deactivation (allows the crossover to drop from four to two cylinders to conserve on fuel when needed). All of those systems, along with Active Thermal Management aid the XT4 in achieving an official combined fuel economy rating of 8.9 L/100 km for FWD and 9.7 for AWD. ▲
Front-wheel and all-wheel drive options It’s always nice to have choice and Cadillac provides that with front-wheel (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrain options. The AWD will serve Canadians well especially in the winter time; while more moderate climates such as Vancouver can save some coin with FWD. ▲
Driving modes The XT4 has three driving modes: Tour, Snow/Ice and Sport. Snow/Ice and Sport modes naturally put the crossover in AWD, but by switching to Touring mode, the Fuel Management system is activated and locks it into FWD, lowering fuel economy in the process. ▲
Aggressive ride Earlier I touched on its spirited ride, but I must reiterate the throttly nature that’s so unsuspecting. When needing to change lanes, the XT4 shoots ahead in an instant without any noticeable turbo lag. For those starting a family, having that instant pep, will do a lot to rejuvenate the sports car fanatic inside of some. ▲
Precise turning Steering is on the light side, but that gets tightened in Sport mode. Regardless of steering feel, cornering the XT4 can be done with confidence. There were plenty of sharp bends on our trip from Seattle to Tacoma to Bainbridge Island, and those curvy roads created an easy-to-handle slalom playground. ▲
Touchy brakes Only when the turns became narrow did the XT4’s size become apparent, and that’s when you simply have to slow your speed down and remember that it’s a utility vehicle. Similar to its quick initial acceleration, it takes time to understand how sensitive its electro-hydraulic brakes are. They may be responsive, but braking is not gradual, nor smooth. ▲
Polarizing LED headlights The most distinguishable feature in its exterior comes down to its signature L-shaped LED headlights. It adds character but can also be polarizing for some. In my opinion, the XT4 needs a distinct touch that separates it from the typical silhouette structure found in its competition; otherwise, it just looks like everything else, and outside of its headlights, it really does. ▲
Y-trim strategy Cadillac has adopted a Y-trim strategy for its upcoming models starting with the XT4. Three trims are available: Luxury, Premium Luxury and Sport. The latter two are the same money, while Luxury is the base. Sport is highlighted by a glossy black mesh grille inspired by the V-Series; Premium Luxury adds more satin chrome and metallic accents. ▲
Best-in-class second row legroom Depending in which segment the XT4 is slotted, the American luxury unit boasts a spacious back row with best-in-class second row legroom at least against subcompacts. Three can definitely fit in the back with two sitting comfortably. ▲
Nicely laid out interior Speaking about comforts, the crossover is beautifully styled with soft leather featuring a thick leather-wrapped steering wheel that’s heated. Premium Luxury trim adds an aluminum or wood decor; while Sport can be styled with carbon fibre or wood decor. Everything one needs from its touchscreen and buttons are situated dead centre without a lot of dramatic styling in its corners. Design cues are simple touches that exude sophistication synonymous with a luxury brand. ▲
Colourful graphics Infotainment is a key piece of any new vehicle, especially in the luxury market. Cadillac fine tuned its 8-inch user experience internet screen with exceptional 3D-graphics that will resonate with the youthful buyer it attempts to win over. ▲
Too many buttons One design cue I didn’t like were the array of buttons situated below the infotainment unit. It added some unnecessary clutter to an overall pleasant interior. Too many buttons create confusion, and it will take time to get used to what each one does. ▲
Plush and comfortable seating Leather seating is not only plush but bolstered to suck you in for that thrilling ride. An available massage function adds to its luxury, but its simple cushion is all the comfort you need. During a long 4-to-5-hour drive from Seattle through Tacoma and up to Bainbridge Island, the XT4 was a pleasure to drive, void of any aches or pains. ▲
Additional safety technology Luxury trim is the base and it was so appropriately labelled, as most standard features are luxuries such as heated leather seating for both rows and a heated steering wheel. The 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto comes standard with a built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability. Active safety technologies are added at the Premium Luxury level, while sportier accents and touches are once again naturally applied to Sport. ▲
No SuperCruise, yet Unfortunately, Cadillac’s much talked about SuperCruise semi-autonomous technology that’s been featured in the CT6 sedan will not arrive in the new XT4 until 2020. ▲
Plenty of cargo space The XT4 possesses 637 litres of trunk space that can be expanded to 1,385 litres when its second-row seats are folded flat. ▲
Setting the tone for Cadillac Cadillac didn’t sugar-coat its prior lack of size and variety competing mainly in the sedan and mid-size SUV segments. The XT4 attempts to bring in a new wave of customers in a market that’s one of the fastest growing. Hoss Hassani adds, “we are strangers no more.” The XT4 is the first glimpse of the brand’s expansion, as well as its new look and feel. ▲
Starting in the high $30,000s The base Luxury trim starts at $37,900, while the Premium Luxury and Sport trims begin at $46,295, all without destination charges factored in. For AWD, another $3,395 is added to the total. ▲
On sale this fall The 2019 Cadillac XT4 is soon to hit dealers across Canada at the start of the fall season. ▲
Keyword: FIRST DRIVE: 27 big things about little Cadillac XT4