2019 Cadillac XTS

The Cadillac XTS is available in five different configurations with a 3.6 L V-6 Engine rated at 304-HP standard across all the trims except the top trim. The V-Sport Platinum is equipped with a 3.6L Twin Turbo V-6 engine rated at 410-HP. FWD is standard across all the trims with an AWD option which makes a difference of roughly $2,000.

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With different trims and levels, if you want comfort and luxuriousness, then go for the Premium Luxury else. Want something exciting and with athletic driving characteristics? - XTS V-sport Platinum should be your choice of poison.

The XTS sedan is powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 rated at 304 hp and 264 pulling force mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Twin-turbocharged engine is available only in V-Sport Platinum trim and offers a satisfactory driving experience if you are in the mood to gun it.

The Cadillac with the standard V6 is an everyday driver with smooth and refined levels of performance and power provided at the get-go however its transmission has a slight hesitation when downshifting. 

The XTS however feels more impressive at higher speeds and shines best during the same.Its competition offers similar powertrains with outputs varying by just a few horses. If we'd have to crown the best of the rest, the Genesis G80 takes the crown simply due to the fact Genesis G80 has more torque and horsepower.

Acceleration

In terms of acceleration, the XTS powered by the 304 hp 3.6L V-6 engine adapted for daily use and shoots the XTS to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds. However the rest of the V6s in the field are quicker than the Cadillac. The most rapid accelerator here is the Lexus GS 350 with a 0-60 mph time of 5.5 seconds.

The Chrysler 300 happens to be the quickest in terms of both quarter-mile and 0-60 times. Lexus follows closely behind the 300 followed by the rather lively Lincoln Continental. The Cadillac happens to be the least performing out of all the cars here.

Ride and Handling

Cadillac offers a pleasant experience to the back seat passengers a well as the driver, effective Suspension damping system and plenty of sound deadening provide a smooth, quiet, and comfortable ride. Available All-wheel drive system maximizes stability and Handling by delivering optimal control over the vehicle in less than perfect driving conditions.

The most notable feature is the magnetic ride control available in Premium luxury trim. This technology involves suspension dampers filled with magnetic fluid that can alter its viscosity according to the conditions. So if you want a comfortable ride, the suspension stays compliant. However, when you are driving the XTS with enthusiasm, the dampers are stiffened and hence the handling becomes sharper.

Braking

On its braking aspect, the Cadillac XTS features Brembo brakes resulting in impeccable stopping performance. Even at highway speeds, the car doesn't falter. Rather it stays stable and braking is always consistent.

The XTS is the second lightest vehicle in its competitive set and stops in 116 feet from 60mph which is almost equal to the rivals and better than Lexus GS 350. THe Lincoln Continental despite being the lightest offers the best stopping distance out of all the available ones. 

Cadillac XTS houses a frugal powertrain in the Full-size Luxury Sedan Category. With the powerful V-6 Engine, it is still capable of delivering a good mileage rating of 19mpg in City and 28mpg in Highway, 22mpg Combined. 

The All-wheel drive system does affect the efficiency a little and is rated at 17mpg in City and 26mph in Highway for a combined rating of 20 mpg which is still not bad for a large luxury car.

The Spacious cabin offers superior quality seating available with 22-way adjustable seats. Heated and Ventilated seats and Power-adjustable bolster puts you in an extremely comfortable position.

The Platinum trim version is more beautiful on the inside with Leather-wrapped accents. The suede-microfiber headliner completes the impressive cabin detailing.

This 4-door big sedan can comfortably accommodate 5 passengers with a Cabin volume of 104.2 Cubic feet. But the Lincoln and Genesis G80 offer some of the exceptional numbers in terms of Passenger Volume space. In the same way, Cadillac stands third in the competitive set with respect to Headroom, Legroom and Shoulder room.

Infotainment System

The Cadillac XTS features a CUE 8" touchscreen infotainment system that houses great set of features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is controlled via touch and control buttons sat under it.

The performance of the system is average; it is responsive yet has a long learning curve, and its buttons feel resulting in an underwhelming system.

• On Start 4G LTE and In-built Wifi
• 8" touchscreen
• Wireless Charging
• Remote Start
• Reconfigurable Displays
• Driver driving and Parking assistance Packages

Cargo Volume

The Cadillac XTS has a commendable and spacious 18 Cubic Feet of cargo volume. That's enough for a weekend worth of luggage. However the GS 350 offers a tad more while the rest of the competition trail behind both these luxury sedans.

With the use of Lightweight material and clever engineering, the American's Curb weight lies at 4021 lbs which is second lightest in the competitive set, beaten by the GS 350. Its ground clearance is 5.0 inch.

The XTS appeals to the masses as a very handsome sedan. With a striking design and decent curb appeal, the XTS proves to be a good looking car that many would find hard to disagree. Although the Lexus seems more modern, It’s the rest of them with their stately looks that could prove to be more appealing than the XTS.

The notable Exterior features of new Cadillac XTS are:

• Ultraview Power Sunroof
• Crisp LED Headlamps
• Sleek LED Taillamps
• Concierge Lighting
• Redesigned Alloy Wheels
• Rear window/side-window power sunshade

Safety has been a priority in the 21st century and a lot of carmakers are very keen on providing the best equipment in their cars. Although most of them end up being paid extras, a few of the rudimentary features are standard across all Cadillacs. Some of the safety and security features include:

• Lane Keep Assitance
• Lane Change Alert
• Forward Collision Alert
• Automatic Crash Response
• Dual Front and Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags
• Traction Control
• Turn Signal Mirrors

Cadillac XTS vs Lincoln Continental Premier

Priced almost the same, both the sedans clearly show similarity in terms of fuel economy rate and design styling. Performance and quality are slightly more for Lincoln Continental Premier, but in terms of Comfort and Infotainment system with Luxuriousness is exclusively provided by Cadillac XTS. It depends on which American brand you'd want behind the wheels.

Cadillac XTS vs Lexus GS 350

Starting with a difference with a transmission, Lexus provides greater power and higher torque and delivers better performance than Cadillac XTS. Although Cadillac provides a spacious cabin it falls down with respect to total curb weight and braking power. Lexus GS 350 is a perfect choice if you're ready to spend around 5 grand more.

Cadillac XTS vs Genesis G80

Both these 4-door sedans give tough competition in terms of almost all the parameters - performance under the hood, fuel economy, and engine specifications. Slight variation in transmission and increase in passenger volume is mainly noticed in Genesis G80 when compared with Cadillac XTS.

Genesis lacks in terms of Smart infotainment (relatively less painful in the XTS) and Luxury features. So if the customer really wants to enjoy the smart features then go for Cadillac XTS.

At its sticker price, Cadillac XTS offers the spaciousness and comfort of a full-size luxury sedan at a price that's on par with some mid-size offerings. If this impresses you, go for it because it actually is a very decent buy. Those looking for a bit more sport and athleticism will be pleased with the Cadillac XTS V-Sport trim. However, the competitors are equally impressive and it's worth considering the options.