One of the many new technologies and features introduced by the 2017 Cadillac XT5 is Electronic Precision Shift — an electronically-controlled transmission shifter.
A first for a Cadillac and for a General Motors vehicle, Electronic Precision Shift essentially digitizes a vehicle’s shifter, improving the driving experience by:
- Reducing noise and vibration
- Delivering smooth, precise and responsive shifting
- Allowing further use of cabin space
In the Cadillac XT5, the “further use of cabin space” translates to the “floating” center console, defined by a storage space beneath the shifter that isn’t only utilitarian, but also gives the interior a unique design element.
Electronic Precision Shift enables further use of cabin space, such as the floating center console (pictured) in the 2017 Cadillac XT5. The floating center console creates a generous storage space beneath the shifter.
As for the shifter, it’s shorter and of a different, more modern shape compared to traditional gear selectors found in today’s Cadillac vehicles such as the SRX that the new XT5 replaces. But the Electronic Precision Shift shifter isn’t so much a shifter as it is a multi-directional joystick of sorts.
Traditional, last-generation gear selector (shifter) on 2015 Cadillac SRX
Using the new Electronic Precision Shift shifter is fairly simple, though it might take some getting used to by those accustomed to a traditional shifter. The concept, however, is the same: to select a gear, the driver simply depresses and holds a small button on the shifter while moving the joystick to the spot on the legend:
- Drive is selected by pulling the joystick back
- Neutral is selected by pushing the joystick forward
- Reverse is selected by first pushing the toggle to neutral and then moving it to the left
- Park is accomplished by a press of the “P” at the top of the joystick
And though other luxury automakers have already been using the technology, we’re glad Cadillac and GM are finally bringing their shifters into the 21st century. We expect to see this technology propagate across the GM lineup over the next several years, give or take.
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Comments
I hate it in BWM, will probably hate it in Cadillac as well.
100% this.
God help you if you put a dual-clutch BMW into neutral or park at a long stop light.
Slushbox Cadillacs will be even better… and by better I mean worse.
These particular types of shifters were never very appealing to me personally. BMW has been quite successful with them, so I suppose there’s a good business case for these shifters. Yet, it’s another instance where something simple is made complex; this particular shifter does look a little less complicated than similar units. I’m sure I can get used it, like most will….
Nevertheless, I’m very curious to see how quick, smooth and precise the shifts will be delivered.
Couldn’t of said it any better! Nothing here other than space savings.
NVH is another benefit. And so is the appearance of the shifter. It’s a nice unit.
I’m sure this will be in the top ten requirement lists of all luxury car buyers. NOT
Much to do about nothing!
I think it is neat. I driven the BMW 3 Series with the similar electronic precision shift and I liked it. Getting used to it is instant once the sales associate demonstrate how to use it.
Drops phones while driving 75 MPH on highway and hits the park button. Let the Chaos ensue! I know there is probably some electronic nanny that will not place the car into Park while the wheels are turning. Still funny to imagine (or scarry)?
I love it….brand new tech
I know that my wife, who would be the one driving this vehicle, would much rather have somewhere to put her purse (the compartment under the shifter) than have a pointless physical connection to the transmission.
Considering the target demographic for this vehicle, I think it’s a great decision, as long as I can still get a stick in my sports car.
Hope it makes it way to all Cadillac’s, upgrading to a MY2017 soon.
Selectable AWD button?? cool!
It seems Like it’s gonna be on the lax as well
It looks like a cool unit . But I wonder , when I drive my left hand is on the steering wheel and my right arm rests on the console and my hand on the shifter . But now because the shifter doesn’t have to move back to the drive position is it going to be possible to drive this one the same ? Just a thought…………………..
I do the exact same thing so i hope it allows me to
Will there be paddle shifters available on the Performance model?
HELLO !!! Jeep and the problems they are having with a similar system. Let the lawsuits begin.
Had an XT5 for a day and absolutely hated the shifter. It is even worse than CUE because you use it a lot more. I found it confusing, unintuitive and could never get used to it. I would not buy vehicle with this in it.
Which that includes BMW right?
Not shopping BMW but if it has this sort of foolish design, then they are off the list.