Yesterday, Cadillac took the wraps off of the promised overhaul to the XTS sedan. The 2018 Cadillac XTS ditches some of its more fuddy-duddy looks for sharper lines and styling inspired by the Cadillac CT6.
With that said, and you knew it was coming, is the 2018 Cadillac XTS hot or not?
Overall, we say it’s a definite improvement over the 2017 XTS. The XTS has always looked a tad out of place in Cadillac’s lineup with sharp designs from the ATS, CTS and, most recently, the CT6. Now, the XTS falls in line with Cadillac’s current design motif—at least until Cadillac’s Escala-inspired design makes its way to production. That look could debut on the XT4 crossover, but the 2019 CT6 has been spied with Escala looks, too.
The jury is out on the rear end, though. We’ve said it looks a tad DTS-like, but some think it’s a nice improvement over the simple, vertical lights from the 2017 model. There’s really no denying it’s a sharper car altogether—especially from the front.
So, what say you? Are you digging the 2018 XTS? Let us know in our poll and talk to us in the comment section below.
Comments
The exterior styling is okay and I’ll reserve judgement on the revised seats and how the huge 19″ tires improve ride quality but I would have made 18″ std and made the 19’s optional if the goal is a smoother and quieter ride. Also the loss of an interior color, the air ride and magnetic suspension from the Base and Luxury trims and the Premium V-Sport model is very lame as is keeping the outdated 3.6 LFX and 6 speed automatic from 2012. I mean the cheaper LaCrosse has a more modern and efficient and powerful LGX/9 speed and even the Chevy Malibu uses the new 9 speed with the turbo 2.0. Overall another half baked redux from the General that tells me they don’t really want this model around much longer.
Saving the new tech for the name change to CT4 perhaps.
And it will sell…And make big margins for GM, unlike the Malibus and CTS’…
Well sales have slid recently in the past several months. The new car looks very similar to the previous one so many won’t even notice the difference. A few shuffled interior and exterior colors, one less interior color option, a very pricy V-Sport Platinum that currently starts at nearly 74 large just to get the 410 HP engine upgrade and a few tech upgrades are not really going to do that much for sales IMO. I think the CT6 will steal some sales away too.
Also as to your CT6 comment, I think Cadillac possible may be using a weird type of planned obsolescence for the precise reason that the XTS was tearing up the CT6 in sales. People went in to check out both at the dealerships, and left with the XTS, too many times. Either-way it was Cadillac’s best selling sedan until recently, dominated the ATS, CTS, and CT6. I think if anything, the Continental is what hampered sales, recently. People still want a smooth riding flashy boulevard cruiser, be it front wheel drive or not. Cadillac needs to recognize this fact.
“I mean the cheaper LaCrosse has a more modern and efficient and powerful LGX/9 speed and even the Chevy Malibu uses the new 9 speed with the turbo 2.0.
Read more: http://gmauthority.com/blog/2017/06/hot-or-not-2018-cadillac-xts/#ixzz4kbKJDewh”
And to the end user, I’d argue this means nothing, subjectively. I’m coming off a 5 day rental of the LaCrosse, and honestly the updated engine, technology, transmission, whatever really makes no difference. I’d take an XTS, every-time in a matchup with a LaCrosse. The premium in cost is very justifiable, upgraded powertrain or not. The LaCrosse was jerky, and the fit and finish was just not here. The wind screen however for the sunroof. however was cool.
You’re referring to the 2017 LaCrosse 8 speed automatic which was not noted as being the best for shift operation. I’m referring to the 2018 LaCrosse which switched over to the new 9 speed that has been praised in several applications. That and the extra power the newer LGX 3.6 provides not only makes the LaCrosse quicker but gives it a smoother quieter engine and better real world gas mileage. Those are updates people are looking for and keeping tech around from 2012 won’t help sales of a pricier Cadillac.
Have you driven a 2018 LaCrosse? Are you speaking from experience or just speaking. Besides all that, the fit and finish is not on XTS level in the new LaCrosse.
The LaCrosse sunroof needs a windscreen as it squats on top of the car when open, as does the Impala’s (and CT6, for some odd reason), headroom/profile maybe. The XTS sunroof slides into the roof unseen when opened, aerodynamically and aesthetically superior as it should be.
Some like it, Sean?
Your poll shows 77% think it is “hot.”. Other forums are also showing very positive reviews overall too.
This might be a good seller if marketed right. Even Johan decided it was worth the update.
the exterior profile is getting long in the tooth….the Audi A8 looks way cooler.
I’ve read mostly positive reviews so far on different sites . For a car that was doomed for elimination it sure looks like GM spent some coin updating their only front driver in the portfolio . It now looks like it belongs with the rest of the cars on the lot .
The rear is elegant and so much more modern looking and they even went as far as making the crest smaller for the front end . This is a major update that will help sales until it is replaced . This is the old school Cadillac vs. what the CT6 is . It will give customers an option for those that don’t like the German-like suspension ( stiffer ) on the CT6 and just might keep that customer from going to the Lincoln dealership to buy the Continental .
I think the engineers did a heck of a job in a rather short time period with a limited budget making a sexy looking car .
Looks better in the flesh (especially in the rear when the lights are on) in my opinion. Have started to see a few in airport limo service too.
I’ll reserve judgment until I’m able to see the car in person
I’ve seen the XTS in person and it wasn’t anything exciting at all and it sure isn’t sexy.
We must be looking at a different car, because I see nothing to get excited about. “Introducing the all new XTS, same as the last XTS”
At least the improved the interior and features…right?
Ok, so, I’d say the author of this article is blowing this very mild refresh out of proportion. It doesn’t alter the looks that dramatically while the current model looks nice already. You may feel it looks out of place at Cadillac, but for the past year+ it dominated in sales, so maybe that reflects on the other cars being out of place, not the XTS.
As someone already mentioned, it’s pretty much the same car with touch ups. With that said, the refreshed aspects are kind of nice, however I’m more interested in ride quality and comfort, the traditional hallmarks of a luxury car.
Back to the body, the front end – I’m up in the air until I see it in person. I’m not really digging the new grill unfortunately, I feel the V-Sport of the current model looks better and is the sweet spot; however the refreshed lights are pretty slick. So grill -1, lights +1, it balances out. Another thing, the new smaller Cadillac badge on the front end is a mistake.
One of the first things you notice on a 17′ XTS when stopped at a stoplight is it’s stance, slightly lower in the front with a Cadillac badge almost as big as your head and it dominates all the cars around it most times. It’s a pretty flashy look, very masculine, I like it. A large badge makes a difference.
So, I think this smaller refreshed badge is too much XT5 Crossover looking, and I don’t like the XT5s front end (the badge looks slightly out of place) and will negate XTS stance. The new grill is too large; it’s a small factor that will make a difference to those with a keen eye.
Most importantly, mag-ride should still be standard on all trims as it is now – why management is taking features away? Who knows, but I think revised tires or whatever refinement they claim will be more-so just marketing speak without any real substance. Keep mag-ride and the air rear suspension. Finally, the current XTS’ backend is pretty darn flashy already, and I like the refresh as it adds to it. That faceted look is really nice.
I liked the 2017 design, especially the V Series. I also preferred the larger, I’m an American luxury automobile badge, and hope it makes its way back for 2018.
As for the beautifully refreshed for 2018 XTS, I/we like it, a lot…from the front to the nicely restyled tail lights…It’s a Cadillac, and it has obviously been selling well, and I feel it will continue to sell well, possibly even better. You did good Cadillac ??
By the way, we live in northern Nevada, so we are very pleased to have such a beautiful, well finished and detailed, all American luxury automobile offered in front wheel drive, and all wheel drive…we have purchased our last European automobiles. Thanks much Cadillac.
do you think they should give the XTS a more upright treditional roofline instead of the soft rounded roofline.
Update looks pretty good to me.
Whether you like the look of the original or the refresh is a personal opinion. I happen to think they are both good looking, but a change was needed, if only for change sake. I think my XTS is perfect for my purposes – trips, short or long. It’s a mile eater like Cads of old. It won’t make you a Tail of the Dragon hero, but it’s not for that demographic. I have a toy for a daily/town driver, but the XTS is my go-to cruiser.
We all know it’s a really well equiped and comfortable Impala for almost twice the price, and that’s why I buy a year old model at about half sticker. If their resale ever stops tanking, I’ll have to re-think my buying habit.
I think the best looking car in the Cadillac Line is the CTS. I have a 2017 CTS 3.6 Luxury Sedan in Crystal White with Polished 18″ wheels and it is stunning. I also just took delivery of a 2017 XT5 Platinum Edition, also in Crystal White with polished 20″ wheels and it a great looking car, but the CTS is hotter looking.
Losing the vertical headlight design is a big mistake. They scream Cadillac. And who at GM has the S for Brains that is stopping the Elmiraj from going into immediate production????? It is the most beautiful coupe in the world!
It’s been a long time since I read a good article