2019 Cadillac XTS

The Cadillac XTS can be had in two engine options – a Naturally Aspirated 3.6L V-6 or an available 3.6L Twin Turbo V-6 engine exclusive to the V Sport trim. While FWD is standard on all other trims except V Sport, the optional AWD can be obtained for $2000 more. Let's dive into the world of the XTS. Shall we?

The Cadillac XTS is available in four different trim levels with a 3.6 L V-6 engine rated at 304-HP standard across all the trims. The V-Sport Platinum is equipped with 3.6L Twin Turbo V-6 engine rated at 410-HP is covered in a different article.  FWD is standard across all the trims with an AWD option which makes a difference of roughly 2 grand.

We Recommend

We suggest you go for the Premium Luxury trim as it offers great features for the price it demands. Also, opt for the Red Horizon Tintcoat as it accentuates the tasteful design of the XTS.

"The six-speed automatic doesn't always want to downshift when you ask for it, but for its size, the XTS handles respectably (though the steering could provide more feedback). Ride comfort is excellent thanks to the available Magnetic Ride Control system." - Motortrend

Engine and Transmission

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. The 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 hesitance 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 its acceleration, the XTS powered by the 304 hp 3.6L V-6 engine is adapted for daily use and can scoot the XTS 0-60 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.

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 the 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. 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.

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 the city and 28mpg ion the highway and a combined figure of 22mpg. The All-wheel drive system compromises the efficiency a little and is rated at 17mpg in the city and 26mph on the highway for a combined rating of 20 mpg which is still not bad for a large luxury car.

"The V-Sport falls on the rougher side of the luxury sports car meter. Seat and ride comfort are firm as a result. Still, the cabin remains as quiet as those of most competitors." - Edmunds

Seating & Comfort

The spacious cabin offers superior quality seating available with 22-way adjustable seats. Heated and ventilated seats and power-adjustable bolster puts you in extreme comfort position. The Platinum trim version is more beautiful on the inside with Leather-wrapped accents. The suede-microfiber headliner complete 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 offers some exceptional numbers in terms of passenger volume space. 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 a 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.

Interior Features

• 4G LTE Hotspot
• Air Filter
• Dual-zone Auto Climate Control
• Keyless Entry and Ignition
• Ambient Lighting

"The 2019 Cadillac XTS has the angular, wedge-like profile of its CTS and ATS sedan siblings, but is longer and taller. That last trait, with the elongated window frame at the rear pillar, makes the XTS awkward to our eyes." -Kelley Blue Book

Design and Dimensions

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

The exterior shell of the 2019 XTS remains unchanged from its predecessor, which received a mid-cycle refresh. It brought in a redesigned grille that houses the Cadillac badge along with a new set of wheels and LED headlamps. 

Exterior Features

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

Some of the Safety and Security features:

• 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 and design styling. Performance and quality are slightly better in the Lincoln Continental Premier, but in terms of comfort and infotainment system, the Cadillac XTS is the better deal. It depends on which American brand you'd want to be behind the wheels.

Cadillac XTS vs Lexus GS 350

The Lexus provides greater power and higher torque and thus, is a better car if performance is your top priority. Although the 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 of these 4-door sedans give tough competition to each other in almost all the parameters - performance under the hood, fuel economy, and engine specifications. Slight variation in transmission and an increase in passenger volume is mainly noticed in Genesis G80 when compared with Cadillac XTS. Genesis lacks a smart infotainment system (relatively less painful in the XTS) and a few luxury features. So you really want to enjoy the smart features then go for Cadillac XTS.

At its sticker MSRP, Cadillac XTS offers the spaciousness and comfort of a full-size luxury sedan at a price that's on par with some mid-size sedans. If this impresses you, go for it. For those looking for a bit more of sportiness and athleticism, you'd be pleased with the Cadillac XTS V-Sport trim. However, the competitors are equally impressive and it's worth considering the options.