We’ve seen various spy shots of the 2019 Cadillac XT4 undergoing testing, but we’ve never seen its cabin… until now. Our spy shooters have captured the center stack of the 2019 Cadillac XT4 interior as the vehicle appears to have been undergoing final stages of validation testing. The most notable elements of the cabin is a new steering wheel, an all-new center stack design, and the addition of tactile buttons and knobs in place of capacitive touch controls – elements that are completely new in modern Cadillacs.
Steering Wheel
The steering wheel appears to be completely redesigned, with new ergonomic cutouts at the “10” and “2” positions. The horizontal spokes and the vehicle and media controls on them also appear to be all-new for a Cadillac model.
Center Stack
The most notable element of the 2019 Cadillac XT4 interior appears to be an all-new center stack that bears no resemblance to previous Cadillac models. At the top of the dash resides a large display that looks to be similar or the same as the 10.2-inch unit as in the Chevy Bolt EV. What’s not clear is whether it’s a touch screen, or not (more on that below).
Just below the screen are two rows or tactile controls. That’s right – the capacitive touch buttons hated by so many for being unintuitive to use during driving are gone, and actual buttons are in their place. The buttons are laid out in such a way that makes it very easy and simple to understand their function. Even better, the buttons also appear to have a high-quality tactile feel to them, at least based on what we see from the photos.
Due to the camouflage covering the interior, it’s not exactly clear where the A/C vents are located: they could be above the screen, or below the second row of buttons.
Center Console
Below the center stack lies an all-new center console of the 2019 Cadillac XT4 interior, complete with a new digital shifter that’s similar to the Electronic Precision Shift joystick used in the Cadillac XT5 and Buick LaCrosse. But the more important elements are located right behind the new shifter: they are a volume knob and what appears to be a circular control for items on the screen in the center stack.
The latter two changes represent substantial departures from current Cadillac models, which feature a horizontal capacitive touch slider for the volume controls while relying on inputs to the touch screen for the infotainment system, a user experience that has often been criticized for being too distracting to use while driving. Luckily, it appears Cadillac has listened to customer feedback and has completely redesigned the human machine interaction (HMI) and experience for the infotainment system.
About Cadillac XT4
As rival luxury brands have introduced a barrage of crossover utility vehicles to complement their sedan offerings, GM’s Cadillac luxury brand has been severely in the department. To that end, the compact Cadillac XT4 will slot below the midsize Cadillac XT5 and represent Cadillac’s second crossover utility vehicle to take on the likes of the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and Audi Q5 a from a size standpoint, while being priced starting in the low $30,000 range, in the vicinity of the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and Audi Q3.
The new crossover will ride on the GM E2 platform shared with the Chevrolet Malibu and Buick Regal/Opel-Vauxhall Insignia. It will likely be powered by GM’s turbocharged 2.0L LTG inline four-cylinder engine making in the vicinity of 250 horsepower. A plug-in hybrid variant is expected. The XT4 will be produced for North America at the GM Fairfax plant in Kansas alongside the current Chevrolet Malibu. In fact, the factory has already commenced production prep of the XT4. A Shanghai-GM plant in China will produce the vehicle for that market.
The vehicle will likely feature several unique-to-segment feature, including a hidden rear window wiper and potentially deployable running boards integrated into the vehicle’s body.
Look for the XT4 to be revealed in April at the New York International Auto Show alongside the refreshed 2019 Cadillac CT6. It will be the first Cadillac product to be completely developed under the leadership of Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen.
Comments
Hmm GM left what they needed uncovers to negate the Cue complaints.
Looks good so far.
I like the contrasting seat colors. I hope they offer more colors.
Very promising design! In the end, it will come down to the materials and fit and finish. You can tell that a lot of this came from Escala. The row of metallic buttons is right from the concept, as is the center rotary control unit. I just hope this system isn’t totally reliant on the rotary unit and can still be used via touch screen, similar to the new BMWs. More options is always a good thing.
Materials will be key. Lets hope those metal buttons are really metal. The new shift design looks nice with the leather stitching. Similar to Range Rover Sport/Jaguar F-Type. The one thing I hope Cadillac improves upon is gauges. Current Cadillacs have terrible gauge clusters. Tough to judge by this image what exactly is going on here in the XT4, but I hope they are either better quality or just all LCD screen.
This should be a good reveal coming up!
Looks good, but the central part lacks some elements. This is a test version…
It doesn’t lack them, they’re simply covered up. This is a validation mule… it’s 99% production ready.
The central panel does not have a lower part under the plastic buttons. It lacks smth 100 percent.
Btw, I’m pretty sure that the screen can change its position. And this is very cool.
I love what I see so far. Very promising.
Yeah, you don’t get it.
The stage that the car in the photos is in is 99% production ready. It’s being validated for production to ensure there are no final bugs or issues.
As we mention in the article, the AC vents are positioned either above or below the screen. We just can’t tell. And we also can’t tell by the photos what’s missing and what’s covered.
But even if it is missing that piece, the car is still 99% production ready… one piece here and there out of thousands doesn’t change that percentage, nor the actual testing stage of the vehicle.
Not finished, but good. At last some metallic parts inside.
Remember that unlike the germans, Caddy’s models will not copy each other. Neither inside nor outside. An example, the upcoming Escalade’s interior will be totally different from u can see here. Same goes to the CT5 etc…
Is that something Johan or someone else stated, your educated guess, or your (good taste) opinion?
Just curious because I think that would be a brilliant move, as long as the “luxury” factor is still there throughout all segments (no massive gap in quality between halo and entry like S class/CLA class).
Thanks.
None of that is official nor has it been stated by any Cadillac executive. Something about grains of salt… 😉
If you looks closely you can see the gauges are physical with a needle. Not sure if they’re the same from the Platinum trim on the XT5, but if it is hopefully it’s not just for the top trim on the XT4. If I see another ATS gauge cluster in any of the new Cadillacs I will lose all hope for them. Interior looks good but is obviously covered. Not sure about the highly regressed screen in the dash but I’ll wait for the full reveal. So far so good
Agreed; the ATS gauge cluster was terrible when new! I recall looking at one after I bought my Cruze and confused how the Cruze had a better shaped, and pleasant to look at, gauge cluster than a sporty Cadillac. Here’s to hoping they have learned from that blunder…
While it looks like it will be a pretty nice interior, I’d be completely lying if I didn’t say I’m disappointed it’s not in the design of the amazing Escala Concept. I really thought that was the new Cadillac interior theme going forward. Hope the best for this storied Automaker but this doesn’t look like it’s moved the envelope in the Luxury field ala Audi, and Land Rover. Man I really wanted that Escala interior rumors to be true. That would’ve put Cadillac back on the luxury map for sure. This does look clean but just not distinguishing per say. The Escala interior really was. Hope for the best.
The Escala interior was more concept than its exterior… so it wouldn’t make it production.
Cadillac’s goal should be to improve the design to be more “sexy” and more visually attractive than the current models, while making the technology more user friendly. To that end, the XT4 looks to have achieved those goals.
As for Audi… their interiors of the new/current models are no longer as nice as they once were… they have lost that differentiating quality that made them feel special. This is coming from someone who had a new Audi before my ATS. I wouldn’t characterize Land Rover’s cabins as something special… but I would say that Benz is the best balance of visual appear and comfort, while BMW is the standard in terms of ergonomics. Cadillac would do well to look for a balance of both traits.
It’s long been my thought that the Escala is what Cadillac will reach for, but as an evolutionary process. The XT4 is a lower level crossover and the Escala is more akin to a range topping CT6. Will the refresh of the CT6 include a new interior? Hope so.
Alex, what makes you say that about Audi? Just curious because I haven’t ridden in any
I’m sorry but I completely disagree with that. Does Mercedes not offer the same setup on the CLA as it does in the S Class.
Cadillac needed a theme and a shot in the tech department with the public and the Escala screens would’ve been just that. BMW, Audi, and Mercedes doesn’t withhold tech on their lesser models. Now I completely understand it starts with the top end cars and trickles down usually but Cadillac is just late to the game so they had to come out swinging hard. Like I said I like what I see but I was just holding out hope for the Escala screens which would’ve been a Grand Slam in the marketplace in my opinion.
Don’t expect a new architecture from the refreshed CT6 inside.
You will see some better materials, metallic stuff etc, but based on the current architecture till the real second gen.
Also, there will be cars above the CT6.
Kyle – to answer your question about the interiors of new Audis… they seem to have fallen victim to VAG’s cost-cutting/profit-optimization measures. Whereas before the cabins looked and felt very special with most or all details really optimized for the benefit of the customer/owner/driver, they are now less so – in both appearance (“wow factor”) and feel.
Specifically, the cabin in the new (B9) A4/S4 doesn’t have those extra special tactile features that the B8 did. Every control is still functional, but it doesn’t have that feel that the B8 did. Another measure is the door hinges: the B8 had three stops on the hinge… the B9 has only two. The way the center console opens and closes isn’t as solid as it was. These are little things, but they add up.
All of this is purely subjective on my part, but it lowers the Audi offerings into the same league as everybody else – a league where the interiors are fairly good but not outstanding… they don’t make you really want the car just based on the cabin – which was the case for Audi before. So whereas before Audi’s cabins were a significant competitive advantage, they now are simply normal.
I was meaning more of the screen layout the Escala had. It would’ve placed Cadillac on the same level as Mercedes. As far as Audi, and Land Rover, they lead in the tech screen department. I’m a GM guy but when I try to convince my friends to even look at a Cadillac they all say they’re at least a model cycle behind in their minds. That’s why the Escala screen setup would’ve worked wonders for Cadillacs image. Like I said earlier, still looks nice but I wish Cadillac would’ve Dared Greatly and offered the screen layout of the Escala.
Calm down,bro. There will be “Escala screens”.. I’d say even better. But in the bigger models.
You talk about Mercedes, but they all clone their interiors (and exteriors btw) Just like the Audi, BMW.
If I was an S-class owner, I would not like too see almost the same interior in cheapest model.(Look at the new A-class).
Cadillacs will all have their unique interiors. Including “Escala screens” interior;)
P.s. I think this interior will outclass the current GLC’s .
Like I said. Cannot wait to see what Johan and his team has in store for us. Very exciting times coming up for Cadillac hopefully.
Why do you care what other cars have? I never really have understand this level of thinking! I pay attention to my car or truck and could care less about what is in the next ride over!
It’s called competition Brian. If one car has a feature that a customer deems important to them, they will buy that car and not buy another car there are/were interested in that doesn’t have the feature.
For instance, I’m currently looking at various models to replace my ATS in June. One of my various prerequisites such as good looks and great driving dynamics are 1) ventilated front seats and 2) the ability to install a roof rack on the car for carrying four people in the vehicle as well as their skis on the roof in the winter or carrying four people in the car plus two paddle boards in the summer. Hence, folding the rear seats to carry these things is not an option, since they will be occupied. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4/S4 offer both of these options, while the ATS does not… which disqualifies it from my purchase consideration.
That’s just one example of how this works in the real world.
Hence, competition… and competitive advantages and disadvantages.
“The Escala interior was more concept than its exterior… so it wouldn’t make it production.”
You are wrong ,Alex. Some folks have already seen an Escalade. They say the same thing : it is totally Escala, but even better.
Literally no idea what you’re talking about… the Escalade preceded the Escala by four years (unveiling to unveiling), and the design rhetoric and processes of the Escalade preceded that of the Escala by a total of six years (design process to design process).
The Escalade is a Cadillac product that’s now going on a full generation. So again, what is it that you’re trying to communicate? Be clear!
Current Mercedes models are masters of balance; they are not always the most comforting or quality, but they have the visual pop to excite people and cover up their deficiencies. At the higher end, they just get what consumers wants and buyers will pay much more for their cars as a result.
Cadillac needs to learn that good basic design and quality is not always enough. The industry moves too fast and they need to multitask on their interior design with regards to all features and elements.
2Momolos. This car is not in that expensive segment to make an ESCALA interior inside.
The upcoming Escalde will get it. Not exactly like the concept, but even better.
Secondly, let me tell you, there will be models above the Escalade, which will get even better interiors.
So everything is fine, believe me. Caddys design won’t copy each other. Almos every single model will be unique.
This interior looks very promising for its segment.
Agreed. This does look promising indeed. Just saying Cadillac could’ve gotten some tech boost like Mercedes has with its two screen system. I cannot wait to see everything Cadillac has in store. I personally really like Johan a lot. Too bad GM wouldn’t allow him RWD Platforms for all these upcoming CUV’s.
So am I the only one that thinks the XT4 is BMW X1 sized.
Millionaire,
I can see you’re a dreamer, but dreaming doesn’t make it reality.
First: The product related plans you mention are not completed within Cadillac and GM… not even they have finalized plans (locked in the vehicle program in GM speak) on anything you mention as it relates to a vehicle or vehicles (plural) above the Escalade. It’s wishful thinking at this point… mostly due to the uncertainty behind the architecture and/lr vehicle sets that will support these supposed vehicles.
Second: no one has “seen” the future Escalade. What they may have seen are renderings or clay models at the most. Anything can be rendered or planned for… but the escala interior is a concept car dealio. So again, wishful thinking at its finest.
Third: you do not know whether the design theme of an interior will or will not be common to all Cadillac models, or be unique from vehicle to vehicle. I can tell you right now that the theme will be more common across the family than not… but all that could have changed or change at any moment.
So let’s not get too carried away here by making comments like you’re totally certain about Cadillac’s future product plans. You can wish and dream, but please don’t present it as fact, as that is highly misleading.
Momolos: no, the XT4 is X3 and GLC sized. This is one area that they’re not going to mess up.
You are wrong. Once again. I saw the car…
It’s easy to say someone is wrong while stating nothing else. Heck, we can all say we “saw the car”, but that’s quite a cop-out.
Currently, there is no “car” of the next Escalade. Prototypes and design studies do exist. An actual car does not exist. There aren’t even any IREV mules.
So what did you see, when, where and why? Or is it just smoke and mirrors?
Oh stop lying. You didn’t see the car.
Is the single row of near-identical buttons that much better than a touchscreen? Ergonomically, I still think big, chunky knobs do the best job for air control, especially while driving.
For automotive applications where every millisecond of distracted driving (not dedicating attention to the road ahead) can be the difference between getting into an accident and avoiding one, physical buttons (no matter how they are laid out) is exponentially more user friendly than virtual buttons on a touchscreen or than capacitive touch buttons.
This is something that the global connected user experience (GCCX) department tested significantly during my time at GM.
So when you study how people use these systems/interfaces, they tend to memorize the location of physical buttons much easier, and therefore the interface is that much easier to use while driving. That’s because there is “physical muscle memory” associated with having:
1. The same button in the same place 100% of the time, and
2. The button having a tactile response to being pushed
Those two factors – the location of the button and feedback upon depressing it – is crucial in designing a great user interface in cars. The CUE systems lack #1 and tried to implement #2 with the haptic feedback… but failed. So CUE the way we know it now didn’t deliver on those two crucial elements. It also didn’t help that the first two iterations were rather slow.
In all, the single row will be a significant improvement from a UX standpoint.
I wonder if the updated CT6 for 2019 will get the same rotary knob to replace the mousepad thing they have…. I feel like that would be a good change.
I would hope they can get more hp out of the 2.0T engine. I’ve spent a relatively small amount of money on my 2016 ATS with this engine and have gotten it producing 318 hp rwhp by dyno measure. With an upgraded stock turbo could be in the 340-350 range.
I would consider the XT4 as a strong contender for my next vehicle.
The output is the least concern with the LTG, as it makes one of the highest power and torque figures in its class. The bigger issue is the engine’s refinement, which lags behind all three European competitors. At this point, they need an entirely new engine to replace the LTG… which I think we’ll get either with the XT4 or the CT5.
Looking pretty good! Most definitely a nice upgrade from the XT5! So glad they’re incorporating buttons once again!
What’s up with that hideous high border around the screen and the goofy looking gauge cluster?
It looks like a fisher price tablet with buttons clued at the bottom and stuck onto a dashboard.
And the uneven gap in the driver seat?
I hope that’s all because of testing and covering up what it will look like and not the fit and finish “quality” and design of the production XT4.
No cohesion or flow at all.
The XT5 looks a LOT better.
Wait for the car to be revealed, or for images of the 100% finished product to be leaked before dismissing it. There are things I like/dislike but know this isn’t auto-show ready
alex – what can you tell about the gauge cluster from the photos? Pretty much nothing except for the fact that it has a large digital display between two analogue gauges. That’s it.
You also can’t tell anything from these pics about cohesion or flow without looking at the entire cabin… without it being covered.
Otherwise, you’re just guessing.
What gap in the seat?
It looks as if the screen has an angle to it and a tilt more towards the driver . Glad to see the push button start and the electronic shifter . Hope the seat design is production , it looks fresh . Those dials on the console , could one be for different types of suspension settings or to turn AWD on n off depending on the weather ?
It must have a heated steering wheel , looks thick enough . Some people may not like the row of buttons but if its for the climate controls I think its a good thing . Safer than having to go through the menu’s of CUE . Also hope they are metal buttons and not plastic , things like that can influence the luxury feel of an interior .
Is there a digital gauge for the speedo ? I can’t tell , but hoping it does .
This is the START of the rebuilding of Cadillac and JDN’s reputation is on the line , I hope it has a good launch .
I’m going to withhold judgment until I see the whose vehicle, exterior and interior. I’m really hoping this XT4 gives me that “wow” feeling to remain a GM customer. I’m giving a long, hard look at the new 2019 Volvo V60 which I admit is totally different, but it’s pretty much down to this or the XT4.
Funny you bring up the V60. I just saw it and fell in love. It’s realy an incredible machine.
Alex, you’re capable of much better writing than some of the comments in this piece. . .
Center Stack:
“What’s not clear is whether it’s a touch screen, or not (more on that below).”
–Judging by the fingerprints all over it, I’d be surprised if it wasn’t.
“Even better, the buttons also appear to have a high-quality tactile feel to them, at least based on what we see from the photos.”
–How is it possible to make a judgement regarding the appearance of how buttons have a “high-quality feel” from a picture? C’mon. . . .
“Due to the camouflage covering the interior, it’s not exactly clear where the A/C vents are located: they could be above the screen, or below the second row of buttons.”
–What is the point of this brilliant observation? I can’t see the seatbelts either, but I’m sure they’re there. . . Why comment at all?
Looks better than I expected. I’m glad the era of the perforated “leather” surrounding the screen, vertical waterfall designs, piano black plastics & the capacitive touch buttons are behind us now … Phew.
I’m curious about the nfc logo under the screen & the big button next to it.
I own an ATS Coupe and I’m looking forward to the XT4 as a replacement with the plug in hybrid. Too me the new interior is a welcome sight compared to the CUE hit and mostly miss setup. Every time I get into my C7GS the set up is relaxing compared to my ATS. I still enjoy my ATS Coupe as a daily driver.
Yes this is unexpected design way in interior. Display looks too small (it is not 10 or 12 inch size) and position of 2 lines (far away from display) of buttons makes me crazy. 23 buttons seem like big mess for a driver. I don´t understand use of 3 the same +/- buttons. Logical solution for me is use of of 1 button or knobs instead. Last generation of GM Opel Astra was criticized for too many buttons and now after a few years we have 23 buttons in 2 lines! And be sure that buttons are made of cheap plastic. GMC Sierra and new Caddy interior are two disappointing of this week. I hope that is only nightmare and real models comes with different modern interiors.
im so happy to see buttons! its safe to say materials seem to be good as they should be. not sure how I feel about the chubby cushion around the infotainment screen that’s facing the ceiling though lol
I hate the buttons and the fact that people will feel the need that they must have buttons in order to drive A car.
Going threw the CUE system to select these options is no big deal. But people make it out to be a huge deal! If people would take the time to learn the CUE or mylink system then navigating the pages would be no big.
But people don’t want to do the work!
Brian,
Learning CUE is easy. Driving with one hand off the wheel and eyes off the road is dangerous. Unfair to other motorists. Driving is a responsibility.
My personal favorite is driving along and HVAC shuts down. Look over to see CUE black screen with white block text informing that looking away from the road is dangerous. A confirmatory command on CUE is required to get it back in operation.
That is amazingly stupid! Who thinks of these things? Time for GM to remove the distractions from their offerings instead of the CYA distracting warnings requiring confirmation from driver inflicting one more distraction on the driver.
No it’s not! It’s no different than searching threw the radio or media player for something to listen to. You have one hand on the wheel and one on the screen searching for a artist, or album, or song.
You people live your life in fear. A person can and will navigate both the steering wheel and the CUE system. It’s not that hard and you are making a mountain out of a moulhill!
The best forward collision alert/avoidance system on the planet is a driver with full attention on the road.
You are not supposed to be playing with your phone while driving.
First off the radio controls for CUE have redundant buttons on the steering wheel , eyes still on the road.
If you have One hand on the wheel and the other on the screen searching for an artist or your fav song … where are your eyes focused ?
I live in fear of people like you that don’t pay attention to driving their car . I hope you aren’t one of those folks that text and drive at the same time because they think nothing will happen and end up killing yourself or someone else .
I have CUE , all I’m saying is that having a simple button to press without having to take my eyes off traffic is safer , and it seems Cadillac has actually been listening because we see a row of buttons on the XT4 . You may not like it and that’s ok , but I believe you are in the minority .
CUE is actually an easy system to learn if you have spent anytime with an Android tablet or Phone . I never even read the instructions , its so forgiving that if you make a mistake all that needs to be done is hit the home button and start over . I also have redundant buttons for the HVAC below CUE and I like that , so does my better half .
You are going to be very disappointed as some automakers are adding a few buttons to the info-stack and HVAC .
Mercedes S-Class has what I think is the best looking , best info screen on the market right now and I believe its 12″ long , basically half of the dash ( last year it was split in half by buttons ) but still has some switches lower in the dash .
Driving a car is a privaledge and not a right , be safe out there .
I’ll put my driving record against yours any time you want! This fear based crap is ridiculous. I have no problem going threw the CUE system to select things I need in the car.
One day people that need buttons will die off and we can have screens to use in the future!
Does my phone have a bunch of buttons? Nope! Because they don’t need any!
We are concerned about driving on the same access way as you. Focused drivers pay attention to their own driving and watch for people who cannot leave devices and other distractions alone when behind the wheel.
It’s called defensive driving.
What took Cadillac so long to develop the XT4 as there’s nothing about the CUV that’s revolutionary.
Are you kidding. I am no engineer but the amount of time and thought that has to go into each specific piece is insane.
Plus, we only see the interior which has been completely redesigned. Anyways, what planet are you on.
The new era of Johan will start from here with the XT4, the 12 billion invested by GM for the Cadillac now present themselves with the imminent exit of the new suv of Cadillac.
I’m really sorry about GM’s decision to retire in the European market with both Chevy and Caddy, I think it’s worth it now that they got rid of Opel and Vauxhall using all the engineering resources, know how and money to revive Cadillac and give them back the place it is up to them as a global premium brand.