The current 2016 Cadillac SRX has long been the brand’s best-selling model, and sales of the luxury crossover remain relatively strong; year-to-date sales are up 25 percent. Not bad considering the SRX first went on sale back in 2009. The 2017 Cadillac XT5, which is lighter, roomier, more upscale, is set to replace the SRX and is scheduled to debut at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show.
Cadillac has been shedding curb weight throughout its lineup, and the CTS and upcoming CT6 are proof. The 2017 XT5 is no different. It’s estimated to be almost 300 pounds lighter than the SRX at 3,999 pounds for the front-drive model and 4,277 pounds with all-wheel drive. It should also be lighter than its competitors, including the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class and the Audi Q5. Cadillac promises an improved ride thanks to a suspension setup that includes MacPherson struts up front and a multilink system in the back.
The XT5’s exterior dimensions are pretty much the same as the SRX, though Cadillac says interior and passenger space has improved. Overall length, for example, is essentially unchanged, but overall width grows 2.8 inches to 75.0 inches. The XT5 is taller, too, with an overall height 66.0 inches, an increase of 2.2 inches. More important, the XT5’s 112.5-inch wheelbase is a full 2.0 inches more than the SRX, which translates into 3.2 inches more rear legroom. Cadillac says the rear seats will now recline and slide forward and back.
As expected, the 2017 Cadillac XT5 will debut with General Motors’ new 3.6-liter, direct-injected V-6 and is estimated to produce 310 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. The engine will feature cylinder deactivation to help boost fuel economy figures, and the sole transmission choice will be an eight-speed automatic. The automatic will feature Cadillac’s first-ever electronically controlled shifter. A 2.0-liter, turbocharged I-4 has been confirmed for China but not the U.S. The turbo-four could eventually be offered here, as could a new plug-in hybrid option. Adding both powertrains to the XT5 lineup is a no-brainer if Cadillac truly wants to take on its German and Japanese rivals.
In the styling department, the XT5 gets many familiar cues from its sedan siblings. The headlight treatment, for example, is a riff on the CT6, and the taillights are similar to the ATS and CTS. Like the Q5 and GLE, the overall look is a bit conservative, especially compared to the sharp and edgy 2016 Lexus RX. For more visual punch, customers can upgrade from the standard 18-inch wheels to larger 20 inchers, which also add continuous damping control. Interior design will look similar to other Cadillacs, and accents will include a choice of aluminum, carbon fiber, or wood.
Standard features include a Wi-Fi hot spot, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, hands-free liftgate operation, and an improved and more responsive CUE infotainment system. Optional items include a rear camera mirror system, LED headlights, a head-up display, and advanced safety technology such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist.
Pricing hasn’t been announced but shouldn’t be too far off from the SRX’s base MSRP of $38,600. Cadillac says production of the 2017 XT5 will begin next spring. Based on the preliminary specs and details, the XT5 should continue the SRX’s reign as Cadillac’s best-selling model, especially if the range expands with the turbo-four and the plug-in hybrid options.
The post 2017 Cadillac XT5 First Look Review appeared first on Motor Trend.
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