Cadillac crossovers will wear the "XT" designation, a key aspect of the brand's product-driven global growth plan.
"The all-new XT5 not only enters the most popular segment in the worldwide luxury auto market, it is the first of four new crossovers from Cadillac," said Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen. "It's pivotal to our ongoing growth, which is why we've developed XT5 from the inside out to provide customers more space, more technology, more luxury and more efficiency."
The new luxury crossover joins Cadillac's lineup immediately following the new range-topping CT6 Sedan, as the brand enters a new phase of product growth. The XT5 is the next chapter in elevating the Cadillac brand: it is bold, distinctive, sophisticated with superb driving dynamics. This new crossover perfectly reflects Cadillac's positioning in the luxury automotive marketplace, de Nysschen said.
In the U.S. market, the 2017 Cadillac XT5 will be powered by the new 3.6-liter V6 engine which debuted earlier this year on the brand's ATS and CTS sport sedans and is featured on the CT6. This engine has been completely redesigned and features Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation technology, which allows the engine to seamlessly and automatically switch to a fuel-saving 4-cylinder mode under low or moderate loads.
With an estimated peak output of 310-horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, the new V6 uses variable valve timing for strong response and smooth power delivery. Cadillac's new Stop/Start technology automatically stops and starts the engine when the vehicle is at rest in traffic stops, saving fuel and reducing emissions while enhancing the quietness expected of a luxury vehicle.
In China, the Cadillac XT5 will be offered with a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine. Powerful, yet compact, the 2.0T also features Stop/Start technology.
A new 8-speed automatic transmission is standard for the XT5, which also debuts Electronic Precision Shift - the first electronically controlled transmission shifter for a Cadillac. Electronic Precision Shift reduces noise and vibration, and it allows for greater use of the cabin space with a storage space beneath the center console.
An optional new advanced "twin clutch" all-wheel drive system continuously and automatically delivers excellent traction across a variety of conditions. While engineered specifically for strong performance in wet, snowy or icy conditions, it also provides enhanced stability in dry weather.
Due to the twin clutch design, the AWD system is capable of transferring up to 100 percent of available torque to either the front or rear axle. Also, across the rear axle, the electronically controlled rear differential can direct up to 100 percent of available torque to either wheel laterally. This capability is designed for "split-coefficient" surfaces, such as when there is more water, ice or snow on one side of the road surface than the other.
The AWD system is driver-controlled, and includes a new "disconnect" feature that disables the rear drive unit for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
The lightweight structure of the XT5 is stiffer and stronger than the SRX due to the use of improved materials and advanced design methods. A diagonal "A-frame" front chassis brace in the underbody was added to provide a more solid driver feel and stiffness for the vehicle in turns.
The new suspension features lightweight components with a MacPherson Strut design in the front and a five-link independent design at the rear.
Standard wheels are 18-inches with 20-inch wheels optional. All versions equipped with 20-inch wheels have a Continuous Damping Control system to manage ride control in real time. Additional ride bushings on the rear cradle are exclusive to the XT5 Platinum model and are specifically tuned to provide added ride comfort for rear seat passengers.