Published: June 23, 2016, 5:05 AM
Updated: June 27, 2016, 1:48 PM
XT5 is SRX crossover successor
After two generations, the Cadillac SRX mid-size crossover is succeeded by the all-new XT5.
Words and pictures by David Miller
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Focus on crossover market
The latest iterations of the ATS, CTS and new CT6 passenger cars have gained traction in the luxury market, so it makes sense to focus attention next on the larger-selling crossover/SUV market and the best-selling Cadillac in North America.
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New name
The XT5 is the second Cadillac model to adopt its new naming strategy, which aims directly at a younger audience. The focus for Cadillac has been on style, refinement, function and technology.
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Perfect setting for XT5 launch
The setting for Canadian media’s first drive of the XT5 was Fogo Island, Newfoundland and Labrador. The largest island off the mainland has been thriving as a tourism hotbed thanks mainly to the efforts of philanthropist Zita Cobb, who built the stunning Fogo Island Inn with the aim of revitalizing the community. It was the perfect setting of water, off-roading and rocky landscape to “dare greatly” with the Cadillac XT5.
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All-new modular platform
The 2017 Cadillac XT5 is completely new with only one or two bolts remaining from the old SRX. It's the first Cadillac vehicle to be built on the brand’s new modular platform.
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Materials trim mass
A melange of mixed materials helps the XT5 shed 132 kg (292 lb) from the outgoing SRX. Cadillac uses a combination of mostly high-strength steel on its body and aluminum throughout the interior and for the engine.
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Lighter than competitors
When compared to its competition, the new XT5 is 295 kg (650 lb) lighter than the Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 and 45 kg (100 lb) trimmer than the Audi Q5 and BMW X3.
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New signature grille
The XT5 has adopted Cadillac's sophisticated new signature chrome grille as seen on the CT6. The chrome from the grille shines and works well with its thin and sleek tomahawk-shaped LED headlights. The top Platinum trim has a different front fascia with thinner horizontal lines coming across its grille.
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Refined appearance
The front view of the XT5 commands attention, but isn't highly aggressive when compared to its competition. The XT5 takes on a softer look that is more refined with a swept-back design that's rounded out by a unique exhaust in Platinum trim.
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New engine
There's only one engine offered – a new 3.6-litre V-6 that produces 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque and is matched to a quick-shifting eight-speed automatic. It uses Cadillac's first shift-by-wire precision electronic shifter, which helps to reduce vibration and noise.
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Fuel-saving techs
The engine incorporates automatic stop/start technology with an active fuel management system and cylinder deactivation to help reduce fuel consumption.
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Complicated new shifter
The new eight-speed gear shift is bulky and a bit hard to work. Most of the difficulty revolves around reverse, where you have to press a separate side button and shift it over to the left to engage. There were many times, I had to do this twice, as it only moved to the neutral position initially. If you're in need of a quick three-point turn in traffic or parking adjustments, this shifter design can lead to frustration.
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FWD and AWD available
The base trim model comes only with front-wheel drive, while the second-tier Luxury trim comes standard in that form but with all-wheel drive available for $2,870 more. All higher-level trims (Premium Luxury and Platinum) are available only with all-wheel-drive. Cadillac expects 85% of its 2017 XT5 sales in Canada to be all-wheel drive, and that figure end up being closer to 90%.
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AWD advantage
On the rough roads of Fogo Island, the all-wheel drive system felt noticeably better gliding over many of the bumps and puddles along the way without much harsh shaking and vibration.
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Ample power
The XT5 is more of a cruiser than a power performer. It gets up to speed quickly without a lot of road noise and minimal engine moans. There's nothing totally exciting about it – it simply gets the job done with enough passing power for highways or city driving. You can switch to Sport mode for an alternative drive setup, but there wasn't as noticeable a difference between as in some other vehicles.
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Smooth and quiet
Consistent with its cruiser persona, the XT5 offers a smooth and quiet ride for its passengers. That comfortable ride fits well with its luxury touches and overall sophisticated appeal. The drive on Fogo Island included choppy roads and gravel and the XT5 stayed balanced and comfortable throughout, albeit more so in the all-wheel drive version.
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Nimble and quick
There were a few sharp bends around the island, which doesn't lend itself to high speeds and fast corners. Still, the new Caddy crossover came across as responsive to light steering inputs with no need to overly correct any turns. The benefits of its weight reduction program are apparent in the form of agility as its new chassis allows it to be more nimble with quick reflexes for a great handling response.
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Reduced fuel consumption
Thanks again to Cadillac's mixed material approach, the XT5 reduces its fuel consumption numbers to 12.9 L/100 km in the city and 8.9 L/100 km on the highway with all-wheel drive. The front-wheel drive version has a fuel consumption rating of 12.1 L/100 km in the city and 8.6 L/100 km on the highway.
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Classy interior
The XT5’s exterior suggests a more mature SRX while the interior makes one easily forget about that outgoing model. Inside, there’s a horizontal motif that creates a wider appearance while the instrument panel is clean, smooth and simplified. Moving up to the Platinum trim level adds a suede material to the soft leather IP.
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Storage to spare
There are several storage spots in the glove box and centre console position with an added storage bin beneath the gear shift.
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Quality materials
Cadillac uses cut-and-sewn materials and real wood, aluminum and carbon fibre in the cockpit. Cadillac says it's all about quality for the brand’s new products and that's the key ingredient that brings its interiors on par with the latest from the German big three.
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CUE improvements
Inside, there’s also a new CUE infotainment touchscreen that now comes with a faster processor and better graphics. The updated CUE system is easy to use and understand – a huge leap forward from what it used to be.
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Digitally de rigeur
In addition, the XT5 offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, along with wireless charging, 4G LTE hotspot usage and OnStar.
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Camera-based rear-view mirror
There’s still a regular interior rear-view mirror but with one flip it turns into a sharper rear camera mirror that increases rearward vision by 300%. This system – which comes with an auto wash feature for the camera – is only available standard in Platinum trim.
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Reduced obstruction
Using it around Fogo Island, I found that it took a while for my eyes to adjust to it. To be honest, it's not in itself a worthwhile reason to jump up a trim level, in my opinion. When was the last time you heard someone complain about their rear view mirror? The one thing I will give it credit for is that it eliminates visibility obstructions from the back seat.
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Rear-seat comfort
I spent a lot of time in the back seat during the drive program and can confirm that it has plenty of headroom and legroom, the latter thanks in part to its 50-mm (two-inch) longer wheelbase. It can even fit three real adults in the back. The back seats can tilt and recline for optimal comfort and they have a 40/20/40 configuration for extra cargo space when needed.
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Platinum trim
The top Platinum trim level offers many unique items that might make you want to take that leap up the price ladder. The full list includes: unique instrument panel design, unique exhaust, ambient LED lighting, stainless steel skid plate, hands-free liftgate activated by a kick motion, suede interior enhancements, head-up display, rear-view camera mirror, 360-degree surround-vision camera and 20-inch wheels.
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Driver awareness and assist packages
The Driver Awareness package becomes standard at the Premium Luxury level; while the Driver Assist package can only be had as an option on the Platinum edition for an additional $3,195. Driver Awareness safety technologies include: Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist, Front Pedestrian Detection, Front Automatic Braking, Safety Alert Seat and IntelliBeam Automatic High-beams. Driver Assist has more upscale technologies that include: Full-speed Adaptive Cruise Control, Auto Rear Braking, Auto Front Braking with pedestrian detection, Automatic Collision Braking, Automatic Safety Belt Tightening and Advanced Park Assist.
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Competitively priced
Pricing for the 2017 Cadillac XT5 starts at $45,100 for the base front-wheel drive model and works its way up to $68,595 for the Platinum edition. The Luxury trim level, which is expected to be the strongest-selling model, starts at $49,250 with FWD and $52,120 for AWD.
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Now available
The 2017 Cadillac XT5 is now available at dealerships throughout Canada. Sales of the mid-size crossover began in early May.
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The verdict
The all-new XT5 has become more refined from the inside out. Cadillac isn't expecting it to change the landscape of the segment, but with time, this new version should continue to grow from its SRX roots to compete with the top players in the game.
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