Arriving fall 2018, the all-new XT4 is not just a baby XT5
The all-new 2019 XT4 is just what Cadillac needed to fight better in the booming compact luxury SUV market.
It looks like a shrunken XT5, and that's not a bad thing. The XT4 uses GM's E2 platform that already underpins cars like Chevrolet Malibu or Buick Regal, so expect more comfort and less off-road abilities, and also a focus on the interior, not on its sportiness.
Under the hood sits the all-new Cadillac 2.0L Turbo engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission with intuitive shifting. The engine delivers 237 hp (177 kW) and 258 lb-ft of torque (350 Nm), for an estimated 30 mpg in highway driving. It uses a twin-scroll turbocharger for better torque at lower speeds, as well as direct injection, active thermal management, stop/start and Active Fuel Management that enables it to deactivate cylinders when they're not needed.
A strut-type front suspension and five-link independent rear suspension will get the job done on the road, but the standard Driver Select Mode adjusts the car's response to different driving styles and road / off-road conditions. A twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system is also available. XT4 Sport’s optional Active Sport Suspension features Continuous Damping Control, monitoring the road in real time and adjusting the dampers every 2 milliseconds. The XT4 is also the first Cadillac to introduce electro-hydraulic braking assist.
The all-new Cadillac XT4 – interior
The main visual differences from the XT5 are inside. It features a simple dashboard with an 8-inch HD screen in the middle and a row of toggles for the climate controls below it. Minimalist and yet very beautiful.
Cadillac expects to lead the segment for rear-seat roominess, with 39.5 inches (1,004 mm) of legroom. The XT4 also offers 48.9 cubic feet (1,385 liters) of maximum cargo volume with the rear seat folded. Front Sport seats feature improved lateral support, and an optional massaging function is available on the power seats.
A lot of attention was paid to connectivity, with an embedded 4G LTE connection available. Also available is 15-watt wireless charging, for faster charging times. There are four standard USB Ports and three 12-volt accessory power outlets. Models equipped with the available navigation radio also receive an SD memory card reader in the center console. The full suite of active safety features includes Surround Vision and second-generation Rear Camera Mirror.
A new controller includes volume and seek forward/back controls for the audio system; shortcut buttons for fast access to the most frequently used apps such as Audio, Phone, Navigation (if available) and Home; and a large center dial to operate primary features of the most frequently used apps, scroll menus and lists and select other apps to be displayed.
All models feature advanced LED lighting technology front and rear, with front LED headlights and DRLs, and LED taillights (with clear lenses for the Sport trim). You can have the XT4 in three main trims – Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport. XT4 Sport models feature a gloss black mesh grille inspired by Cadillac’s high-performance V-Series models, gloss black window moldings and specific Sport alloy wheel choices. Luxury and Premium Luxury models feature grilles with bright metallic accents, satin aluminum window moldings and satin chrome-accented door handles.
The XT4 will be priced starting at $35,790 including destination charge, excluding tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment, when it goes on sale in fall 2018. Starting at the end of March 2018, customers will be able to preorder their XT4s from participating U.S. Cadillac dealers nationwide.
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