Styling and tech upgrades for Caddy’s full-size FWD sedan
Cadillac is bringing the 2018 XTS sedan in line with its latest models, both from a visual and technological point of view.
The full-size sedan based on a front-wheel-drive platform shared with the Chevy Impala and Buick LaCrosse gets some design tweaks for the 2018 model year, with the front and rear fascias carrying the most changes.
At the front, the XTS sports new LED headlights that are similar with those on the CT6 flagship sedan, a restyled bumper and grille, while at the rear, new LED taillights and a refreshed bumper are added. While at it, Cadillac also fitted new 19- and 20-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, the 2018 XTS is said to offer improved front-seat comfort thanks to updates to the seat foam geometry and wire frame structure, as well as new color and trim options. Most trim levels get new interior decors, including a Jet Black with Shale-accented combination available for XTS, XTS Luxury, and XTS Premium Luxury models. In addition, XTS Platinum models gain new Jet Black and Maple Sugar with Jet Black accents. The range-topping trim also features a leather-wrapped interior and premium wood trim.
Cadillac engineers also contributed to the 2018 XTS, updating the chassis to improve ride quality, adopting revised tire designs, adding front Brembo brakes as standard, as well as further insulating the cabin from outside noise. For those who want sharper handling, features like Magnetic Ride Control and Rear Air Leveling are available.
New for 2018 is a new trim level, the XTS Platinum V-Sport that features standard all-wheel-drive and a twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6 delivering 410 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque (500 Nm) from 1,900 to 5,600 rpm. The rest of the lineup is powered by a naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V6 that makes 304 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque (355 Nm). Both engines are mated to six-speed automatic transmissions.
[Photo:47041]As for technology, upgrades include the addition of the next-generation Cadillac user experience infotainment system with integrated smartphone-like navigation, updated graphics and faster response time, a standard eight-speaker Bose audio system, as well as new safety features. Those include Low Speed Automatic Braking, Following Distance Indicators, and Lane Change Alert, as well as Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward/Reverse Automatic Braking.