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- Highs A solid value compared to European rivals, roomy trunk, smooth ride.
- Lows Ho-hum performance from base V-6, extras quickly bump up the price, touchscreen controls are frustrating.
- Verdict The XTS is a broad-shouldered luxury sedan that delivers a spacious interior and a comfortable ride at a price that’s significantly lower than many competitors.
Overview
The Cadillac XTS is a reminder of the American luxury brand’s previous range-topping sedans, such as the long-departed DeVille and DTS. While the XTS isn’t quite the land yacht of these previous models, this is definitely the type of car for people who value a smooth and whisper-quiet ride over tire-smoking acceleration and razor-sharp handling. In terms of its size, the XTS competes with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz S-class, Audi A8, and BMW 7-series. When it comes to overall refinement and driving manners, however, the XTS can’t compete with these swifter, more advanced rivals. To its credit, this Caddy sedan costs thousands less than that German trio, and an available twin-turbocharged V-6 engine provides extra hustle when needed.
What's New for 2017?
The XTS enters the 2017 model year with just a few notable updates. The gauge cluster has been revised, the Teen Driver vehicle monitoring system is standard, and V-Sport models have new 20-inch alloy wheels.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- Base: $46,590
- Luxury: $50,590
- Premium Luxury: $57,090
- Platinum: $65,890
- Vsport: $65,090
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The XTS comes standard in front-wheel drive format powered by a 304-hp V-6 engine coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission. This provides reasonable levels of straight-line performance, though we’re partial to the optional twin-turbo V-6 that delivers 410 horsepower in the Vsport model. This not only endows the XTS with quicker zero-to-60 mph times, but the Vsport has the added grip that comes with its standard all-wheel drive (an option with the base V-6). No matter which engine you choose, the ride and handling are biased more towards driving comfort than corner-carving dynamics, unlike the XTS's European rivals. That isn’t necessarily a demerit for American luxury-car shoppers who generally don’t care about Nürburgring lap-time bragging rights.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The XTS excels at providing plenty of space for passengers and cargo. Supportive front seats help melt away the miles during long trips, and the second row has more than enough headroom and legroom for adults of all shapes and sizes. One thing lacking from the XTS is a higher degree of standard comfort touches, such as heated and cooled front seats, upgraded leather seating surfaces, and front seats with a massage function. They’re all available, but you have to start adding pricey option packages or climb to higher trims to get them. The trunk measures in at a roomy 18 cubic feet in capacity, which is ample even for a large luxury sedan. When it comes to various interior nooks and crannies for all the detritus of daily driving, the XTS is about average in terms of cabin storage space.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The 8.0-inch infotainment screen in the XTS is notable for coming standard with popular features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hot spot, Bluetooth, wireless smartphone charging, USB ports, and an eight-speaker stereo with satellite radio. Higher trims add such luxuries as navigation and a 14-speaker Bose audio system. That’s the good news. Unfortunately, the touch-sensitive controls of Cadillac’s CUE software simply take too much of the driver’s attention to navigate easily. Something as straightforward as adjusting cabin temperatures or stereo volume requires a deft touch to get correct on the first or second attempt. A few tactile buttons or knobs would go a long way towards making the XTS’s tech features more user-friendly.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
For more information about the Cadillac XTS’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.
