Feast your eyes on the first spy pictures of the 2020 Cadillac XT6 – the upcoming large Cadillac crossover utility vehicle that Cadillac needs to play in an ever-important sector of the automotive luxury space.
The prototype was caught roaming the public roads near the GM Milford Proving Grounds wearing black-and-white camouflage that was previously seen on prototype versions of the Cadillac CT5. In fact, we may have seen a chassis mule of this vehicle about a month ago wearing the body of the XT5, while the XT6 body was being developed.
Our sister site, Cadillac Society, has the complete gallery of Cadillac XT6 spy shots.
The tester shows a big and boxy body that reminds us of the Mercedes-Benz GLS-CLass. But the vast amount of camouflage covering up the model might be misrepresenting the ultimate shape of the production model, as theit could potentially sport less boxy proportions. Despite the plentiful amount of camo, we can definitely make out general elements that look right at home on a Cadillac, including the upright nose that would make a great home for the brand’s new shield grille.
The prototype seen here is wearing placeholder lighting elements in the front and back. Despite the lack of production-intent lights, the spaces occupied by the placeholders are right along the lines of the latest Cadillac design language teased by the Cadillac Escala concept and brought to market on the refreshed 2019 Cadillac CT6 and all-new Cadillac XT4.
The Cadillac XT6 will be based on the extended-length version of the GM C1 platform, and the long wheelbase will enable sufficient third row space and cargo room that are vital for shoppers in this segment. The transverse-engine, front-drive architecture currently underpins the second-generation Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave, both of which launched for the 2018 model year. The shorter wheelbase version of the same architecture underpins the Cadillac XT5 and second-gen GMC Acadia, which launched for the 2017 model year.
It’s rumored that the XT6 will give customers a choice of two six-cylinder engines – a naturally-aspirated V6 as standard, and a more powerful turbo-charged version as an option. There also might be a plug-in hybrid model. Don’t hold your breath for an eight-cylinder, such as the new Cadillac 4.2L Twin-Turbo V-8 LTA engine.
The XT6 is of significant importance to Cadillac, as the brand currently lacks an offering in the large luxury crossover segment that is already quite large and is projected to continue growing. In that regard, the XT6 will be the first three-row Cadillac crossover that will provide an alternative to the three-row, body-on-frame Escalade. The model will slot above the XT5 and below the Escalade in the Cadillac utility lineup. It’s currently unclear whether Cadillac will offer an even larger, more expensive crossover on the rear-drive Omega platform.
When it launches next year, the Cadillac XT6 will compete with other large or “midsize plus” luxury CUVs, including the Volvo XC90, Audi Q7, Infiniti QX60, Lexus RX-L. Ford Motor Company will also have an entry in this space with the future Lincoln Aviator.
Expect the 2020 XT6 to make its public debut at the 2019 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 2019, and begin reaching dealers in May 2019 for the 2020 model year.
Head on over to our sister site, Cadillac Society, for the full gallery of Cadillac XT6 spy shots.
Comments
Tough to get a good idea of the design with all this camo. There’s a lot of tricks and added on panels to hide it. The headlight outlines look to be very close to the Escala – the closest yet on any production Cadillac. The rear end reminds me of the current generation Range Rover, but this probably just a result of the camo.
There looks to be about 1-2 inches of paneling on the front fascia. Just look at the grill and foglight cutout depth.
Oh look…how cute… chasing BMW’s X vehicles…
Because the Pontiac Torrent would get the job done?
Lutz once said that Pontiac would become ‘Americas BMW’. I can see why you’re still butthurt about it.
I really like the vertical lighting on the Escalade and XT4 i hope it carries on with this model, Even though it doesn’t look like it…
Actually looking more closely these tailights are almost exactly like the escala which is a even better thing. The T design looks sharp. Even the headlights look to be more horizontal then any model
If that thing is front wheel drive, it hides it well.
Also looks very far along in the design process. Like it may be made public by end of summer.
I don’t think we’ll see it that quickly. We saw XT4 spy shots as far back at February 2017, and that vehicle debuted over a year later in March 2018.
Cadillac’s XT6 will most likely look like the pictures we’re seeing; but one thing to remember is that prototype cars are prepped with more than just paint as they will glue foam pieces to disguise the contours and exact dimensions of the vehicle so that there will still be some excitement when Cadillac’s XT6 is officially revealed for the first time.
Don’t hold ur breath, u won’t see Escala theme inside. It will get XT5 mixed with CT6 interior. Smth like the XT4 has…
CT5 and Escalade+ thats where u’ll see some dramatic changes inside. Good news is that we will se the CT5 before this one..
Also I really hope that XT7(RWD 5 seats) and XT8(RWD 7 Seats) won’t be canceled because of the last sad news.
+I hope they won’t change their mind about the RWD platforms for the next gen XT6,XT5,XT4.
Everything looks good, except for that ugly front overhang. Why can’t they take a lesson from Volvo???
Well, I hope its gonna be RWD in its next gen.
Well it is interesting JDN is gone for possibly not enough CUV models and this pops up.
This thing for sure is a C1XX but I think it is shorter than the Traverse and longer XT5. It looks like the Acadia length.
I am glad to see we may see a Turbo Cadillac only V6 in this to justify more money.
Early reports from those who saw drawings said this would kind of look like the new Volvo in a way.
As much fuss on the new short wheel based a Chevy’s front over hang I figured some one here would say something here.
It will be interesting.
I do hope they give a upgraded AWD system .
Ya, I read that too scott3. Omega chassis and Alpha chassis will still be with Cadillac, so will these next gen RWD/AWD Crossovers. Because those Crossover’s are important.
Spy photos of these next gen escalade suv should be showing up, soon.
The Cadillac Traverse how impressive. Unbelievable.
This is why Johan left. He wants Omega they give him Chevy parts. Bean Counters are back hard core within GM unfortunately.
I am disheartened and holding out hope this info is inaccurate. I am holding out hope for Omega.
“Bean Counters are back hard core within GM unfortunately”
They never left …
It’s supposed to target the Audi Q7, BMW X5, and Volvo XC90, but knowing GM product execution it’ll most likely only threaten the Acura MDX and Infiniti QX60.
I really don’t think JDN, or Ellinghaus were in favor of having trickle-up platforms underpinning those CUVs. I’m confident that the Lincoln Aviator prototype made him dig his heels in deeper. And for good reason: The Aviator is shaping up to be a more honest midsize 3-row luxury CUV than the XT6.
At least we could’ve hung our hats on the assumption that DeNysschen would push to get the next generation of CUVs on the VSS-R, so Cadillac can offer more competitive powertrain options and pay for development on GM’s RWD products.
After JDN leaving, I’m not so sure Cadillac is going to have a competitive CUV portfolio.
VSS-R RWD/AWD chassis (omega/alpha chassis) are not going anywhere, people. (XT7/XT8, Next gen XT5/XT6/XT4/XT3) crossovers. CT7, Escala, CT6/CT5/CT4. These programs will not stop.
Underrated comment. Everyone seems to forget GM’s upcoming architecture plans.
Gm will stop these program’s, just because JDN is gone. XT6/XT4/XT5, Next gen will be RWD/AWD. XT7/XT8 will already be RWD/AWD.
With JDN gone at the short-sighted hands of the Board, its more likely the materials will cheapen and the brand will be cannibalized by Buick.
Interesting, i was worried it might be a stretched XT5 … Like the much hyped Lexus, which turned out to be just a stretched RX. Phew …
Good to see it have a dual exhaust. That’s the 5th Cadillac crossover with a dual exhaust system … If the next Escalade doesn’t have them, GM I swear to god ….
I don’t think you understand. The Cadillac XT6 will ride on the long wheelbase version of the C1 platform. The Cadillac XT5 currently rides on the regular wheelbase version of the C1 platform.
The XT6 is a stretched XT5.
I meant design wise, I thought mentioning the RX made that obvious.
The XT6 doesn’t appear to be just an XT5 with a stretched rear overhang & a modified roof to accommodate 3rd row seats … Like the RX-L.
Well you lost me. No V8
IS it me or does it kind of look like a Range Rover in a way?
Too bad for Carlisle this thing won’t be released this week and he’ll be blamed/fired for a lack of CUVs by the morons on GM’s board.
As a shareholder I am pissed off at their mismanaging of Cadillac. They can’t look beyond the quarter and they’ve killed the brand as a result (and still aren’t helping the stock price.)