The Cadillac XT3 May Be The Next Plug-In Hybrid From The Brand
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Update: Cadillac has confirmed this next crossover will, in fact, be called the Cadillac XT4. Additional information has not been made official. You can read the XT4 announcement here.
Cadillac has been busy testing its first all-new product in some time as of recent. That would be the Cadillac XT3, which will arrive as a compact crossover to slot below the 2017 Cadillac XT5.
We’ve seen the spy shots, but Green Car Reports may have caught onto something noteworthy in particular. On the front fender just past the driver’s side door, the camouflage has left a peculiar flap. This flap is an identical spot where General Motors has placed plug-in ports for the Chevrolet Bolt EV, Volt and Spark EV.
Naturally, it’s safe to assume the Cadillac XT3 may be a plug-in hybrid.
Cadillac most recently launched the 2017 Cadillac CT6 PHEV, but plug-ins are geared more towards the Chinese market than here at home in North America. Cadillac estimates the take rate to be very low for the CT6 PHEV, around 1,000 units for the entire year. In China, the take rate is much, much higher thanks to generous government subsidies and infrastructure to support them.
But, giving the XT3 plug-in capability would also fall in line with Cadillac CMO Uwe Ellinghaus’ previous comments surrounding electrification at the brand. Ellinghaus previously stated Tesla’s competitive advantage, that is building fully electric vehicles, would become standardized. The brand has also stated it would focus on electrifying more vehicles in its lineup, rather than putting all its PHEV or BEV eggs in one basket like the Cadillac ELR did.
It wouldn’t be much of a shock if the XT3 arrived with a PHEV variant, but we won’t know for sure until Cadillac is ready to unveil the crossover itself. The XT3 is reportedly scheduled to arrive in the second half of 2018.
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The cadillac XT3 could be based on the Chevy Trax/Buick Encore small CUV, so if Cadillac gets a PHEV version, the other two lines should get it, too. What I wish to buy is a Cadillac XT5 PHEV.
I just hope it is not an identical system from the Volt, or performance will be lacking. Use the system from the CT6 PHEV (2.0 turbo, 335hp, 432 lb-ft of torque). This system would be a great differentiation from a potential Chevy Equinox PHEV, and make sure it offers AWD. I can’t stress how important AWD is to the success of these cars in areas like the Northeast. Tesla exploded in this area after AWD became an option. If they are worried about efficiency, it doesn’t have to be AWD all the time. Give it the system from XT5 that is largely FWD and sends power to the rear wheels only when needed. This is shaping up to be a very interesting vehicle.
Every Cadillac in the lineup should have PHEV as an option especially given reports of how a 48-watt mild-hybrid system would only add $2,500 to the price of a vehicle and will easily allow every vehicle in the fleet to get almost 40 mpg mileage.