You know how some companies boast about their product being “new”, “entirely new”, “all-new”, “completely new”, or some other form of brand”new”, but in reality it’s more like “somewhat new” and “a little bit new here and there”? Well, that doesn’t apply to the all-new 2017 Cadillac XT5 crossover, which shares nothing with the Cadillac SRX it replaces. The XT5 is so “all-new”, that it even has different logos when compared to the outgoing 2016 SRX.
This same new-ness also applies to the XT5’s powertrain, with the new midsize CUV featuring mechanicals that have never before graced the SRX.
2017 Cadillac XT5 Engines
Depending on market, the XT5 will launch with two engines:
- A naturally-aspirated six-cylinder in the Untied States, and
- A turbo-charged four-cylinder in China
3.6L V6 LGX (U.S.)
In the U.S. market, the 2017 Cadillac XT5 will be powered by GM’s all-new 3.6-liter V6 engine. The motor carries GM production code LGX and earlier this year debuted on the 2016 Cadillac ATS and 2016 Cadillac CTS sport sedans; it will also be featured on the 2016 Cadillac CT6 full-size sport-luxury sedan.
The XT5 is so “all-new”, that it even has different Cadillac logos compared to the SRX.The dual-overhead cam (DOHC) 3.6L V6 LGX is a clean-sheet design, having very little in common with the 3.6L V6 LFX it replaces. In the XT5, the LGX makes an estimated 310 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque while also delivering impressive new fuel-saving technologies such as automatic engine Stop/Start and Active Fuel Management (otherwise known as AFM and cylinder deactivation).
AFM allows the engine to seamlessly and automatically switch to a fuel-saving 4-cylinder mode under low or moderate loads, while Stop/Start automatically stops and starts the engine when the vehicle is at rest in traffic stops, saving fuel and reducing emissions. In the XT5, Stop/Start also has the added benefit of enhancing the quietness expected of a luxury vehicle like a Cadillac.
2.0L Turbo I4 LTG (China)
In China, Cadillac states that the XT5 “will be offered with a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine” — the 2.0L turbo LTG. The engine is also available on the ATS while being standard on the CTS and CT6.
Stating that it will also have automatic Stop/Start technology, Cadillac describes the turbo four as being “powerful yet compact”, but does not provide estimated power figures. Even so, we’ll note that the Turbo I4 LTG makes 272 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque in the ATS and CTS, though it will likely be rated at a bit less in the XT5 due to its traverse-engine and front-wheel drive setup.
XT5 V-Sport
As of this writing, Cadillac has not made a peep about an XT5 V-Sport. However, a potential, sporty V-Sport variant of the crossover will likely add a third engine option in the form of the 3.0L twin-turbo V6 LGW.
Note that a full-out XT5-V is not in the cards for this generation of the XT5.
Other Markets
Cadillac has yet to announce what engine(s) will power the XT5 in other markets such as Europe, Russia, or the Middle East. But our bets that Europe will get the turbo four, while Russia and the Middle East will get the six-banger.
Transmission
No matter the engine, the new XT5 will feature a new 8-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment.
Though the brand has not provided any other details on the transmission itself, we should note that the XT5 debuts Electronic Precision Shift — the first electronically-controlled transmission shifter for a Cadillac.
The technology essentially digitizes the shifter, providing the benefits of reduced noise and vibration while allowing further use of the cabin space with a storage space beneath the new “floating” center console.
By default, the Cadillac XT5 will send power to the front wheels; a fancy all-wheel drive system will be offered as an option. Stay tuned for more on that.
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Comments
These new engines and Transmissions make this new crossover at the top of the list for potential buyers!
Except for those who realize that they can get similar power and a similar transmission in a more balanced and hence better-handling RWD package such as the X3, X5, GLC, or GLE.
The X3 and GLC are in a category below with less interior space and luxury appointments.
GLC and X5 have traditionally been significantly higher priced than the former SRX.
Also,I maintain that XT5, X5 and GLE clients are generally not likely to go canyon carving to really reap the benefits of that ‘more balanced and hence better – handling RWD package ‘ that you mention.
Have you been in the GLC, Q5, or X3? The interior appointments are of extremely high quality, especially in the former two.
And it’s not about corner carving, you’re right. It’s about a better driving experience all around, which can be seen and felt in the Benz and BMW. Ask GM’s recently-established customer experience department about that.
Overall, are you of the opinion that the XT5 would be worse off as a RWD base vehicle?
Overall, I think the XT5 will be very successful despite the FWD based platform and Cadillac did a commendable job making a world class premium luxury crossover.
I have been in those vehicles BTW and yes they have very good interiors and although I have not obviously been in an XT5 yet from what I have seen the interior execution seems segment leading.
My point is that for this category of the industry RWD based chassis is not the be all and end all.
Also with the 3 other crossovers Cadillac has committed to producing in the next 3-4 yrs or so there will be a more direct Q5, GLE, Q7 and X5 RWD competitor.
Here’s to hoping that the rest of the crossovers are Alpha/Omega RWD.
As for the interior of the XT5, the cabin is finally on a level of the Germans, with the XT5 bringing Cadillac up to par to those vehicles. It’s not surpassing those rivals.
And you’re right… if your goal is to sell cars to those who don’t care about the car or how it drives, a properly balanced chassis doesn’t really matter. But if you want to be the standard of the world… well, you can deduce the rest of that.
I also hope that the crossovers are RWD based but only time will tell.
JdN has started repeatedly that a return on investment and effectively spending limited capital will be important moving forward so the decision of which platform to use will ultimately be a business decision.
Increased sales and therefore profits is always the goal in business.
If Cadillac can create a segment leading top quality product in a cost effective manner then more power to them.
I did not say driving dynamics is not important just that it may not be the most important criteria in this segment since the volume leaders are not RWD based vehicles.
But at what price…I think you’ll find that the X3, X5, GLC and GLE are quite a bit more expensive.
LOVE that steering wheel. Probably the coolest I’ve seen in any car.
No doubt that the 2.0T engine makes it to NA as a base offering.
Maybe at some point in the future. But initially, it seems they’re keeping the US-built model to a single configuration.
Yes, the lone powertrain offering was a little bit of a head scratcher considering that with the weight savings and higher specific torque value, the 2.0T and 8 speed transmission will have very similar performance numbers to that of the outgoing LFX 3.6NA and it’s 6 speed transmission.
I really do not see the engines being a large selling point here. They are not really all that special to draw customers in specifically just for them at this point.
I do expect the Turbo 4 to be an option here at some point but I have to wonder if the hold up may be that they are already working towards having engines more of their own and will expand with what we have not seen yet.
Lets face it the V6 would carry much of the load and we all expect a 3.0 Turbo to be in the cards. Could they have a new 4 coming at a later time for the NA market?
Not sure what is in play here but I expect that we may have a few surprises. GM of late has not always had the engines or transmissions at the same time as a new platform. Development cost as they are stagger introductions a lot.
A 4,000 lb. vehicle having a 4cyl in there… that would be a big work load for it! I can’t see anything less than the V6 currently stated for us! Is there any indication of what milage numbers are expected to be? Maybe a few better than the outgoing model?
Is there an expected release date for this vehicle planned? Or, are you teasing us so badly that we have to still wait a year or more, yet? In all, I’m being curious… nice looking vehicle in pictures, can’t wait to see it live and what the order guide will be like.
4000 lbs is not light but it is lighter than the outgoing model and the 2.0T can make similar power, especially torque as the outgoing 3.6NA engine so acceleration would be fine.
From what I have read deliveries are suppose to begin 2nd quarter of 2016 as a 2017 MY vehicle.
Put in a Voltec powertrain (EREV) and I will buy one!
I expect a PHEV at some point in the life cycle. Other competitors will have one and Cadillac already has the technology that will debut in the CT6.