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Where Is Cadillac’s Sub-Compact Crossover?

The sub-compact crossover is the new defacto entry-level vehicle for oodles of brands. General Motors knows this well after it took a gamble on the Buick Encore years ago. Now, the Encore essentially replaces the Verano as a stepping stone into the mid-tier premium brand. So, what about Cadillac?

The brand is in dire need of new product, and it will start next year with the compact Cadillac XT4 crossover, which will likely measure in with Chevrolet Equinox-like dimensions, perhaps slightly larger since it will ride on GM’s E2 platform. It will be smaller than the Cadillac’s only crossover, the XT5, though.

We mention the sub-compact crossover for one very important reason: sales are exploding. According to WardsAuto, sales of sub-compact crossovers boomed 52.1 percent in November, and there are no signs of the segment slowing down. The segment includes the Mercedes-Benz GLA, BMW X1, Audi Q3, and the new Volvo XC40, and each has posted sales gains or stability in a market shying away from sedans. As we mentioned, GM already knows how to do a successful sub-compact crossover in the Encore, so why is Cadillac seemingly dragging its feet?

We’ve haven’t heard a peep on a potential Cadillac sub-compact crossover, and we have reason to believe an XT6 or XT7 may not happen after all. That leaves Cadillac with two crossovers and two new sedans in the future to “replace” the ATS, CTS and XTS. Cadillac has basically missed the boat thus far in the crossover market, but there’s still time.

Some luxury marques haven’t jumped on the bandwagon yet, including Lexus, but it too is studying a sub-compact UX as a new entry-level vehicle. There’s no denying the XT4 will be a good thing for Cadillac, but as the new-car market begins to subside from its record-setting levels, it’s only going to make it that much more difficult to win over buyers for GM’s luxury brand.

Former GM Authority staff writer.

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Comments

  1. MB GLA and the BMW X1 receive bad reviews and low owner satisfaction scores…They’re a cheaper way to get some suv capabilities with a luxury badge…Should also be of note the Buick Encore almost always a $199/mo lease sometimes with $0 drive off (but usually around $3000 down) so while GM is selling them, their leasing lender, GM Financial is most likely taking a bath on them…

    Furthermore from the article itself, “While their collective volume is meager – 99,785 units sold through November” this is ALL subcompact CUVs, does it even make sense for Caddy to put a better interior and supercruise into a Trax/Encore to sell 15K/year of them?

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  2. I just want to see the first vehicle under the supervision of Johan. A subcompact CUV from Cadillac can come afterwards. The man has had a long time to plan Cadillac’s direction since heading the division in 2014. I know the XT4 will be a compact CUV and he has revealed the design language for all future Cadillacs with the Escala concept. I’m not interested in CUVs at all but I just want to finally see the man’s words finally put into action!

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  3. Everything I read and hear about subcompacts is negative. Underpowered, undersized, understeer. I don’t UNDERstand why you’d get one. They have horrible cargo space, horrible cabin space, horrible design, and there’s utility at all. I’d rather buy a Chevy sonic or a Ford Fiesta, something that looks nicer with more cabin room and better gas mileage.

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    1. I agree. Cadillac needs to stand for real luxury, not a “one stop shop” for every vehicle category including lawn mowers. Sub-compacts don’t fit Cadillac core values in any way.

      I’m pretty sure that a person can own a non-Cadillac sub-compact of one brand, then can move up to Cadillac when they have the $$$ and the taste for one. Offering a sub-compact CUV would likely help the brand about as much as offering the entry level Cimarron “helped” it in the early 1980’s.

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  4. This is not a priority for Cadillac at this point. They need to worry more about the things that are much more important and higher volume right now.

    Add to this GM has Buick to represent them in this small segment. In fact the Buick is really one of the few that has done well in the more upscale small CUV. Most suck and have not done well.

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    1. Barra is neglecting Cadillac. The question is why after so much investment?
      US sales are painfully weak, sedans are only moving in China, and it looks like the XT6 & 7 are MIA, too.
      GM dedicated a fortune to Alpha and Omega but no one wants those cars. As for crossovers, GM has created a sales juggernaut with Buick and GMC and because US consumers don’t see Cadillac as true luxury more SUVs would lead to cannibilization.
      Cadillac must go electric or go home.
      Buick and GMC do well fighting Asian luxury and Cadillac dared greatly yet the move to NYC hasn’t helped position against Europe.

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  5. OK what segment is the XT4?

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    1. “Compact” which is the current size of the new 2018 Equinox…Previously the Equinox was a tick larger and classified as a Mid Size…

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  6. Cadillac has missed the boat as vehicle sales have been setting records for the last few years . Having an entry level Cadillac i believe is the wrong move right now , what they really need is the upcoming XT4 and a crossover that sits between the XT5 and Escalade . There is money to be made in this segment .
    Cadillac and anything small or ” entry level ” at this time will do nothing to boost their image . Building on the platform that the Traverse , Enclave and Acadia sit on is where Cadillac needs to be a player . And it is time also to give the XT5 a ” V ” model to go against their target , the Lexus RX350 and 450 . Cadillac is second to them and adding a sport model XT5 would do alot at gaining the number one spot Lexus holds .
    The time should be for the 2019 MY when the XT5 gets the new face of Cadillac .

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    1. There is no need for an XT5 v series as its a frornt drive vehicle and a v series wouldnt make any sense. Not to mention the rx350 and rx450 dont have a v series perfrmance figure to their name. The v series should be added to the escalade though that would sell. As for cadillac the xt4 is first then the xt6 is up which will be a 3 row crossover. No word yet on if it will use the new acadias underpinnings or the enclave and traverse underpinnings. Expect the acadia since its by itself and built in the same plant as the xt5. Adding that to spring hill would help fill the capacity of that plant.

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      1. The Acadia, XT5, Traverse, and Enclave all share the same platform. The Acadia and XT5 ride on the short wheelbase version while the Traverse and Enclave ride on the long wheelbase version.

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  7. Well let’s see, the Cadillac subcompact crossover could based on either sonic or Cruze. If the XT4 is based on the Insignia/Regal/Malibu platform, the it only make sense if it goes on the Cruze platform. Even the GLA is based on the compact platform and not so much of a subcompact. Or we could always go to alpha but again since the Cadillac crossover are all front drive so it wouldn’t make sense at all. You could always throw in a V series in this subcompact crossover as that’s pretty much what happened to the GLA AMG and turbo it up with AWD

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  8. Please explain to me why people are so impatient? Why can’t people let the process happen? Sometimes people sound like spoiled kids that complain when they don’t get what they want right Now!

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    1. Don’t overthink it, it’s just how people are wired…

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  9. People want a car built specifically for them and they want it built right now!

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  10. “We’ve haven’t heard a peep on a potential Cadillac sub-compact crossover, and we have reason to believe an XT6 or XT7 may not happen after all. ”

    What are you smoking? An fwd based XT6 is almost ready. It is being tested now. Some folks have already seen it.
    Also there will be an XT7 and XT8(both rwd).

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  11. Wrong Car for Cadillac. Be another ATS.
    Why do they always have to be everything to everyone. Let Chevy and Buick have that market instead of ruining Cadillac name on a substandard product.

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  12. Cadillac does NOT need a sub-compact crossover or car. It would be a total waste.

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  13. I remember quit a few years ago GM put out some terrific models Impala-Bonneville-88/98- Electra and Gm was the innovator and other manufactures would copy . today it seams GM is playing catchup going in all directions . although the market is leaning towards all sizes of suv’s we still must consider that some out here want a sedan. There are too many series of one model and screwed up levels of options . If the heads would read these comments maybe they would see what the public is looking for .

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    1. I don’t think it matters what the customer want! People will complain about even the most perfect car or truck!

      Listening to customers is a waste! Just build the best car or truck you clean for that moment. Because somebody will come on this site and complain!

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    2. I agree that GM is playing catch up: Shrinking Equinox instead of offering a unique tweener is a prime example. Opel was doomed to play catch up.
      GM allowed the Asian and German brands to define the market. This is especially true when it comes to younger customers, future repeat buyers, who can’t remember the GM that you remember.
      Impala is still popular with older buyers and fleet. Aside from this the only popular sedans are imports with the Korean brands gaining yearly on GM.
      Cadillac has become more German than the German brands and, since the Wreath and Crest can’t sell anything expensive in the US aside from Escalade, has become redundant in light of a resurgent Buick and GMC.
      Cadillac will live on as is due to China. For N America, GM should consider and eletric Cadillac and give Buick Alpha and Omega in an effort to top Lexus.

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  14. I also agree GM is trying to play catch up. I’m not convinced they are making headway, but we’ve been here before. I do not agree, and I mean do not agree that they should not listen to feedback. Also I’m not sure why GM ever designs backwards. Just for instance 2006 rear air in pickup 2017 Denali no rear air. Was told under seat seems to be ok for people. I can tell you its not. Just last week in South Dakota in the snow had my 2015 GMC Canyon in auto 4×4. When I get out with overalls on hit the knob with my leg and put it into 2wd happened 3 times now I have trained myself. Heated seat buttons on door got hit all the time, moved to dash great. Now on 2018 GMC Terrain on the center council terrible. Customer feedback or focus groups would stop this backward momentum. Old CTS great. New CTS to big and expensive. We ended up with ATS its OK but we don’t like it like our old CTS. Had 2005 SRX liked new SRX not bought Canyon . Looked at XT5 to big. Like the idea of XT4 but needs to go move like a Cadillac . Like our old CTS not like this Canyon or ATS. you cannot make all people happy all the time but you need to hit a home run sometime or you will slowly lose just wait and see again.

    Reply

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