Overview & Reviews
Large Cadillac sedans have developed a reputation over the years for putting comfort above all else. Though they floated and glided along the road like a cloud, they were also quite bland to drive and behind the times in terms of design. With the Cadillac XTS, however, that reputation has been put to rest. The XTS is sharper and more responsive to drive, yet it still maintains plenty of amenities and seating comfort.
Built on the same platform as the current Buick LaCrosse, the Cadillac XTS is powered by a detuned version of the V6 sourced from the current CTS. The XTS doesn't feel asleep or lethargic from behind the wheel, giving it the sensation that it is much smaller than its 17-foot-long and 6-foot-wide dimensions would seem to indicate. Overall, we like how the XTS separates itself from those lethargic Cadillac behemoths of the past. It's a savvy choice for a modern American large luxury sedan.
Current Cadillac XTS Specs
The Cadillac XTS is a large luxury sedan that's available in six trim levels: Base, Luxury, Premium, Premium Vsport, Platinum and Platinum Vsport.
All trim levels other than the Vsport have a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 304 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is optional on all but the Base trim. The Vsport variants feature a turbocharged version of that engine that packs 410 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard with the turbo V6, as is a six-speed automatic.
The Base XTS comes equipped with an adaptive suspension, keyless ignition and entry, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth, an eight-speaker Bose sound system and a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. Upgrading to the Luxury version adds heated rear seats, front parking sensors, a rearview camera and an automated parallel-parking system. The Premium's highlights include tri-zone automatic climate control, a navigation system, a 14-speaker Bose audio system and electronic driver aids. With the Platinum version, you also get 20-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control, a panoramic sunroof and some changes to interior and exterior styling. The sport versions include 20-inch wheels and the more powerful engine.
Although it looks pretty slick, the CUE (Cadillac User Experience) infotainment touchscreen interface can be slightly distracting and unresponsive at times. While this technology greatly reduces button clutter, someone accustomed to Cadillacs of yesteryear will have a slight adjustment to make. You won't have to make any adjustments in terms of being comfortable, however, as the cabin is expansive and provides headroom and legroom to spare. The trunk has an impressive 18 cubic feet of capacity.
In reviews, we noted that the base Cadillac XTS accelerates respectably, but the potent Vsport provides sports car-like acceleration. The XTS is large, yet doesn't feel big and lumbering from behind the wheel. There is some noticeable body roll when it's pushed harder, but the XTS doesn't wallow under its mass. At speed on the highway, the XTS is composed and impressively quiet. While there are several upsides to this relatively new Cadillac, the most notable is the value it provides compared to its full-size European rivals. The Caddy offers you refinement and relaxation without a hefty price tag, and for that alone it's worth your time.
Used Cadillac XTS Models
The XTS was introduced for 2013 when it effectively replaced the DTS and STS sedans in Cadillac's lineup. The Vsport version didn't arrive until 2014.
User Reviews:
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I want my Lincoln back! - 2015 Cadillac XTS
By John R. Clausen - December 26 - 1:01 pmProbably my last car due to my age. I have owned many cars but not a caddy until now,, a nd I must say Im a little disappointed. The infotainment system cant hold a candle to my past Lincoln. The Lincoln was also more roomy up front and had a better standard engine. Another disappointment for me was the dash lighting. At night it is awesome but during the daylight it darkens out and becomes almost a blank. Is it not necessary to view your instrument panel during the day also? Car handling is great and the look of the car is great, but Ipaid for a lot of extras that dont measure up! Also the forward crash monitor and its notifier, that is the red lights that appear and the alarm dont respond until you are too close to the car ahead of to avoid an accident. I could go on but as I said when I started this, I wish I had my Lincoln back!
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Loved it at first, but fatal flaw... - 2014 Cadillac XTS
By David Wang - October 24 - 7:13 pmI recently had this car for an extended rental covering nine days and 1200 miles, so I hope my review holds some weight. When I first got on the road in this Cadillac, I was thoroughly impressed and thought GM has come a long way since the last time I had regular use of another GM vehicle in the late 90s. This Cadillac had good power, good braking, decent handling and road feel. The HID headlights light up everything on the road, but get used to the flashing from oncoming cars thinking you have your high beams on. The 6-speed transmission is good but is no match to an 8-speed ZF transmission. The interior is very nicely appointed, but the infotainment/climate control is extremely cumbersome. Buttons would not register depresses or would be delayed. Adjusting the audio volume with buttons that had a delay couldnt be more annoying. The large LCD screen showed fingerprints all over and there is color banding if viewed thru polarized sunglasses. The hidden compartment behind the controls was too easily opened when inadvertently touched. The Bluetooth connection also intermittently would not play audio from an iPhone and would require an effort to disconnect and reconnect. Which leads me to review the worst design flaw of this vehicle: the "smart" key. The locking algorithm of the car allows the user to lock the key inside the car with no ability to unlock the car. I experienced this when I had the key in my hiking backpack, walked up and opened the trunk where I placed said pack and key inside the trunk and closed the trunk. Doing so, locks the trunk without alarm and does not unlock the trunk and/or doors. No other smartkey equipped car Ive experienced would allow the user to do this, and I cannot believe GM engineers did not think of this all-too-common scenario. Even a 2007 Toyota Prius would unlock the cabin doors if it detects the user closing the hatch with the key inside the hatch. Overall, this was a nice effort by GM in producing a luxury vehicle to compete with the Japanese and German manufacturers, but it still misses in the fine details that make a good car a great car.
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Worst car ever - 2015 Cadillac XTS
By H. Mitchell Rivenbark - October 21 - 2:44 pmYou do not want this car I have had it for less than 3 months < I have to put air in every tire, and there is no spare tire, the paint on the back bumper is discolored, the car inside the the from seat makes me feel like am tied up, with no room to move. The liner in the trunk keeps falling down, this is the most wasted amost $ 60,000 I have ever spent, and their online site sucks got locked out after one visit. I will never buy another GM product.
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Like driving my couch! - 2015 Cadillac XTS
By Don D - October 15 - 11:07 amLet me start by saying I have been wary about American cars until now! I had a Chrysler 300-S witch was good but missing a few things until I drove the XTS. The seats are great, the ride, climate controlled seats, and Bose system my drive a joy! I would suggest the front wheel drive over the all wheel drive, really not needed and I can feel the difference with acceleration. The MPG is less then my prior 8 speed and XTS can use a slightly bigger gas tank but Im sticking with this one for a while, coming from a guy who changes cars every 18-24 months!
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AMERICAN LUXURY - 2013 Cadillac XTS
By Michael deLeon - October 14 - 8:54 amAfter purchasing Toyotas for years we decided to buy American. We are very pleased with the luxury of the XTS. It is by far the most comfortable vehicle we have ever owned. This is a great car for "empty nesters" and receives plenty of compliments wherever we take it. We did not by the XTS for performance and although it does not have the horsepower to launch at intersections, I am pleasantly surprised at how well the XTS corners and steers. This introductory model had a couple recalls when we first bought it as I would expect any new model would have. Since then, the XTS has been wonderful. The four year bumper to bumper warranty is awesome. If you are in your middle age years and want to buy American then this vehicle is the one to buy. The CUE system took some time to get use to since I was used to knobs and buttons on all my previous cars. The voice recognition software works well for a truly hands free entertainment control. Load up your SD disk and insert it into the slot and you have all the music you ever need for a road trip. The best feature of all the electronic marvels this car has is the back up camera with motion prediction. This is awesome in parallel parking. Just put it in reverse, turn the steering wheel to line up your path and back into your spot. If you want American luxury at its best, convenience, and reliability (especially with the warranty) this is the car to purchase.
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XTS VSport Platiunum -best interior for the price! - 2015 Cadillac XTS
By NormV - August 28 - 7:14 pmBest interior for the price and 32.2 mpg on multiple hour drives with Adaptive Cruise Control set at 65 mph....with AWD! I cant say enough how nice it is to drive this can I bought used with 40,000+ miles on it. Not only does it drive nice but it turns heads at every corner.
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CUE the chorus, "We Love Our XTS VSport Platinum!" - 2013 Cadillac XTS
By NormV - August 19 - 7:29 pmThe XTS VSport Platinum impresses everyone insight or it. It has the fuel economy on the highway(32.2 mpg, two way average for 6 hours each direction with cruise set at 65 mph), beautiful ride, but firm enough to throw it into a turn and the hydraulic steering holds the intended course. The power is phenomenal and always available when you need it. The amenities are the cherry on the cake, including the flawless CUE. Currently working on an ecu tune close to 550 lb-ft through its AWD. The fiancé says, "it just goes!".
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what a comfortable ride - 2015 Cadillac XTS
By dennis hamlin - August 2 - 7:36 pmthis is designed for crusing with no exterior noise . a great sound system and 3D navigation which i like . not desgined to be fast like the cts but if you want to shut out the noisy outside world this is a winner. very large trunk and interior space is 2nd to none in this category
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Luxury ride with good performance - 2015 Cadillac XTS
By Dana Basney - July 28 - 3:56 pmGreat leg and head room. More gadgets and electronics than you can imagine.
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WASTE OF MONEY - 2013 Cadillac XTS
By benjamin776 - July 6 - 10:33 pmThe worst car I have ever had. 12 warranty claims in 24 months. Dealer wont allow me out of lease. Would never buy another Cadillac ever.
