Meet the all-new and first-ever Cadillac XT4. Introduced today at the Cadillac House in Manhattan ahead of the 2018 New York Auto Show, the 2019 XT4 finally brings Cadillac into the industry’s fastest-growing luxury segment with a vehicle that delivers expressive design, confident performance, spacious accommodations and new technologies.
“The first-ever 2019 Cadillac XT4 expands our successful SUV lineup to a segment where Cadillac has never been before,” said Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen. “And it sets off a dramatic expansion and elevation of the product range, that will see a new Cadillac virtually once every six months through 2021.”
On the outside, the Cadillac XT4 features “simple and sculpted lines” that attract attention while “accentuating the XT4’s powerful proportions and aggressive presence”. Inside, the XT4 delivers a “distilled” Cadillac design aesthetic via thoughtful and artistic integration of technology and style. Cadillac says that the “the cabin is exceptionally refined, with expected segment-leading rear-seat spaciousness.”
All models are powered by an all-new Cadillac 2.0L Turbo LSY engine making an SAE-certified at 237 horsepower (177 kW) and 258 pound-feet of torque (350 Nm). The engine features new efficiency-enhancing technologies including Active Fuel Management (aka cylinder deactivation) paired to the GM 9-speed automatic transmission with second-generation Electronic Precision Shift. The chassis offers an available twin-clutch, decoupling all-wheel-drive system, along with an available Active Sport Suspension featuring Continuous Damping Control and new electro-hydraulic braking assist.
The interior features an all-new rotary controller for the Cadillac User Experience infotainment system, which has an 8-inch diagonal Cadillac user experience interface screen with 768p HD resolution.
The new XT4 also debuts Cadillac’s new global “Y” trim strategy. All models start with the new “base” Luxury trim level. Form there, customers can pick either Premium Luxury or Sport models. Both have specific content and styling cues that tailor the trims to different customer tastes and preferences.
The 2019 Cadillac XT4 will be priced starting at $35,790 including destination charge, excluding tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. The vehicle goes on sale in fall 2018, and customers will be able to preorder their XT4s from participating U.S. Cadillac dealers nationwide starting at the end of March 2018.
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Comments
I like it a lot, I just wish it received the screen layout of the Escala interior. And is anyone else getting a Saab 9-3 SportCombi taillight vibe? I like that too!
Hillaristas!
Your Comb-Over is here!
Can’t say I understand your reply
I’m a narcissist. I wanted to be at the top. The only way to get my importance was to reply to the first comment. You ‘supplied’ my importance.
Initial impressions left me underwhelmed, however it’s not that I dislike the car. I’m impatient and want the cars we’re going to get in 10 years, but now. Waiting to see more pictures however the stance of the car is executed very well. Loving the Escala treatment!
I love what I see. The exterior and interior designs are very upscale and distinctive. I expect that as I learn more, my love will grow!
Real world pictures look alot better than cgi. They really need a different color combo than jet black.
I took a look at the virtual reality section on Caddys page for the XT4 and the materials looked worse than the base Malibu. And it’s not because the XT4 was made cheap, it’s the cgi
I agree I hope that there are more color combinations other than black.
Ouhhh Yeahhhh, a very good Crossover!!
Comb-over
I like it. It’s basically a smaller XT5 up front with a Volvo-ish rear but much better and sculpted. The interior is a better updated version of the XT5. I think the updated XT5 will probably receive a lot of these interior treatments this XT4 has. I wanted Caddy to go the Escala interior design language but I guess not. We’ve known for a while now that it wasn’t going to happen.
My little gripes:
No turn signals on Side mirrors.
No leather stitched horn wrap on the steering wheel.
Too much cheap looking plastic on bottom front lower bumper.
Other than those little gripes, this seems like an X1 competitor to me than an X3. Cadillac better price this right and they obviously cannot get this out to their dealers fast enough.
I completely agree with you on the leather stitched “horn wrap”. Made sure I got that on my CTS it looks much more premium. And the base price starts at $35,790.
It’s an X3 competitor priced at X1 levels. That’s Cadillac’s “tweener” strategy at its finest.
Back to the CTS strategy from 2003
It looks tiny in pictures compared to the X3 is my point.
It’s an effect that several styling differences have on the eye.
First some numbers:
X3 is 186 inched long
X1 is 176 inched long
XT4 is 181 inched long
So it’s 5 inched shorter than the X3. Why? Because the X3 has a longitudinal engine orientation. Had the XT4 been on Alpha, it would also have been around 185-186 inched in length. But since the dash/axle space on a front drive-based vehicle is much shorter/more compact, the XT4 ends up shorter overall.
Then comes the issue of the C/D pillar treatment. BMW keeps that area more traditional, with a large cargo area window, while Cadillac combined the two pillars into a single C pillar with a forward rake. In that regard, even the X1 looks bigger/more substantial than the XT4… when in reality it’s not.
Yes, it does. Looks to be Opel Mokka/Buick Encore sized.
JDN just said this was a q3 competitor so x1 competitor.
That’s exactly what I’ve been saying. No way this is going up against X3. Cadillac will update the XT5 soon obviously and they need to add the new 2.0T and drop the 3.6 ASAP for the 3.0TT
You guys aren’t getting it. This is the tweener strategy.
It is an X3 segment competitor from the standpoint of size and content/features, and it is an X1 segment competitor from the standpoint of price point.
You can say it’s a competitor to both, but the point is that it provides size and features of the C crossover segment at a price of the B crossover segment.
Alex, if it is slightly bigger than the X1 but priced the same, isn’t it an X1 competitor that just offers more space for the same money?
This thing would be eaten alive in reviews if Cadillac ever said it is an X3 competitor.
The XT5 is the X3/Q5 competitor. That is why I think it needs the new 2.0T and to drop the 3.6 for the 3.0TT ASAP when it gets updated.
Seriously, do people buy cars based on “competitivity” in which out-of-category automatically means it’s a loser? Like Texans support the Dallas Cowboys, but can’t understand what Rugby is?
This whole argument above looks like a massive “naming exercise”, the sort of thing we do in kindergarten with 6yo’s…
It’s a car! Do you like the styling? Does it have the features you want? But no! I’m not buying it because it’s C-pillar treatment doesn’t reflect the X1 precedent…
Love the 2004 CTS “tweener” best car we have owned. We have ATS now too small, we got it over the CTS too big. Love the XT4 and the size. Can’t wait to see it in person, and check out that new electronic precision shift.
well good thing the new CT5 will be a tweener between the CTS and ATS
X3 is rated best in class. That’s really tough competition and a RWD chassis. X3 is also rated by Consumer report as excellent in reliability.
Momolos.
They will go to Escala design language, you will see it from the upcoming Escalade +… And thats not just my thoughts. Believe me 😉
Also the CT5 will get “Avista” style interior.
The upcoming XT6 will also get smth like this.(Xt4)
The real changes will start from the CT5/Lade.
Cannot wait. I think the Escala looking interior will be a game changer for Cadillac.
Yes. Cadillac is coming back 🙂
Order guide states upper trim will have turn signal indicators but it should be on all trims. Agreed on the plastic front bumper
Not bad. Tasteful although slightly timid. Kinda like adding a sportjacket to an Encore.
SIDEBAR QUESTION
Y’all know cars way better than me. But when I saw the picture of the shift I remembered a notion I had from the other day. I almost never use the 1 and 2 gear when I driving. I only experience steep hills on rare occasions. Which makes it hard for me in a crunch to remember which does what.
Question — why don’t modern cars shift FOR you? If even the cheapest smartphones can have accelerometers why can’t better cars sense you’ve reached an extreme angle and immediately adjust?
This is one of the toughest segments to style a vehicle in. The two box design is hard to get creative in but still remain functional. Too often some get a little over the top.
Cadillac has pulled it off here with distinctive, simple yet elegant styling. This is a good example of less being more but still able to make sue it would never be mistaken for anything than a Cadilkac.
The styling here reminds me of the 63 Riviera after the over the top late 50’s.
The devil here is in the detail. Take the time to study the photos and the body lines.
Also the interior looks like a major step up. If it feels as good as it looks it is a win.
This bodes well for the future and the coming JDN products.
Anyone remember the rebodied SAABs they tried to pedal in Europe? That shows you how far we have come.
The interior design and layout looks very well done! I’m certain that more color options are available. The XT5 needs this interior ASAP!
Overall, the exterior is handsome; but as others are pointing out, it’s difficult to design a striking vehicle in this segment! So I do find it a tad awkward looking in terms of its shape and profile….The front fascia and tailights are very much “Cadillac!” That’s good!
The powertrain, while hopefully potent, leaves a lot to be desired! But this segment is pretty much laced with vehicles with similar powertrain options, so I can give ’em a pass on this one. Still, a 300+ hp version of that new 2.0T would be lovely as a top end engine option!!! Perhaps a 3.0T V6 is slated for the upcoming V-Sport model…
All-in-all, I do believe Cadillac has a strong seller on their hands! And I think it’s pointing to a brighter future for the brand!
Does it have aero air inlets beside the lower end of the vertical LED headlight bar? Similar to what is being used on the 2018 Silverado-Sierra? Or are the grille slats just plastic show pieces?
Really sharp exterior and the interior looks like a major improvement over CUE.
Not for me, though, unless there’s a V-Sport in the plans.
It is CUE… but version 3.0 and with dials/knobs.
Ahhh…It looks so much better I figure they would have just banished the name.
They’re doing that too. Official outward communication no longer refers to it as “CUE”, but rather as “Cadillac user experience” or “Cadillac infotainment system”. Not a huge difference, but a difference no less.
Ultimately, CUE 3.0 is very good, as it speeds up the entire thing and eliminates the lag of the initial two versions (especially the first one). The addition of hard controls resolves the remaining complaints surrounding controls, or lack of tactile feel – which is vital for eyes-free/minimal distraction operation while driving.
Yes. Cue 3.0 as well as other new GM infotainment is actually android based. It uses the bases of android. If you look in the open source pages you find all kinds of good info.
Surprised there isn’t a marketplace for in-car apps…albeit much more useful, less distracting than your ordinary phone apps.
This could easily be lightly re-styled and fit really well as an EV
Be patient, it could happen.
Nice work Cadillac! Just what is needed.
Finally something that Cadillac need for a very long time!! LETS GO GM YOU MAKE ME SOO PROUD!!! Might I also add these products just get better and better!!! Also has anyone else debuted as many products as GM in Q1 of this year. I mean they are on fire
Not for me… Don’t know why, but it doesn’t really look striking to me.
I don’t particularly like the exterior, especially the front. The new ct6 knocked it out of the park with the front and back, but this one, I think the front looks extremely basic. Maybe it’s these pictures but man… Was hyped up for more.
I think what throws me off is that black peice of plastic on the front bumper area that stretches over half the front. It makes it look like some off road vehicle, which is not what this is.
I’ll say looks good for first iteration but needs improvement on design for me to say “dang”. Right now it’s more “meh”. But, I can’t say other cuv of this size have ever been striking
Completely agree. My initial reaction was a Cadillac version of a Ford Edge. There is nothing in this vehicle that makes it stand out in the crowded compact CUV field. Interesting that they choose a dark interior which is not flattering, most luxury auto makers usually use a lighter palette as Lincoln did with the new Aviator. The chrome accent around the grill and the plastic inserts for the fog lamp cut out cheapen the front end. Lastly, the color options on the Cadillac website, Autumn (orange), Atlantic (aqua) and Red Horizon seem more Chevy than Cadillac.
Ditto here. It’s just another small sized CUV in an already overcrowded world full of them. Just not my cup of tea. I also don’t care for the cheap looking black window surrounds and belt moldings unless of course this is just a Sport version then it’s a pass. Ditto the black plastic on the front end. The 237 HP rating is a huge fail when Jeep is offering 275 on there 2.0T in a less costly Cherokee and even GM’s own Equinox offers 252 and Ford’s older 2.0 Ecoboost make 245. When you can’t even bring enough ponies to the table to compete with Ford’s, Chevies and Jeeps there is a big problem and disconnect in the powertrain department.
The styling is okay but reminds me of a Mitsubishi from the sides and the interior is nice enough despite being my least favorite color. They will probably sell a million of them
Prepare yourselves to see a lot of them in the street.
It’s not my vehicle type, but I’m a GM loyalist after all , and it looks good (except the FWD proportions).
Cadillac needs to start from somewhere, and it seems to be here.
The best parts are the taillights (which is why we have a millions pics of them) and the interior… which is so understated and bland that it actually stands out.
I’ve seen a promising new V8 in the last week from Cadillac, which is great, I won’t lie, but THIS exterior’s got “hoping to not offend the Chinese market” written all over it (at best). In other words, a Cadillac it is not. 🙂
Yeah, well, okay….just like new GM never seemed very different from old GM, this post-JdN product doesn’t appear any better than the pre-JdN stuff.
Exterior looks like an old Ford Edge to me with some Caddy cues front and rear and the interior design, while attractively shaped, has the same cheap look as CT6. Material quality doesn’t appear substantially improved as I was expecting. It’s okay. It’ll sell but it’s not a perception shattering product by any means and Cadillac desperately needs a perception shattering product.
As for the power-plant, is it all-new? If so, why in the world is it the same displacement so as to not appear new? Cadillac not only needs their own engines but they need to be obviously unique and exclusive to a casual observer.
I’d loved to be impressed but sadly I’m not. In this category, I’d still buy German, most likely an Audi.
I too see a Ford Edge – noted in my comment above. If the interior is on par with the rest of the Caddy lineup I’m guessing not impressive. Lincoln with the Continental and Navigator has really kicked up their game with interiors which are stunning and top-notch materials. I’m guessing Cadillac chose to show a dark interior for the shear reason that darker interiors do a better job at masking cheap materials better than a lighter interior.
So would it be available in right hand drive as well?
It should be, once Cadillac gears up Europe and Australia as markets.
Well… “should be” might not be the ideal word choice. “Can be” is probably better.
I would have almost automatically leased this if it had come out 6 months ago (convenience of dealership location and GM family discount), but now I’m glad it didn’t. It looks competent, but nothing about this vehicle really “wows” me. Certainly nothing that makes me want it over My X1… to say nothing of an X3.
Sad, but true 🙁
I think Cadillac has been upstaged again. At the much-hyped CT6 launch, Lincoln, with decidedly less fanfare, stunned with their gorgeous Continental inviting comparisons and stealing Caddy’s thunder. Now Lincoln has done it again with the sexy all-new Aviator which has a richness and high-end look reminiscent of a Land Rover that is entirely missing on the XT4. Granted XT4 is a lower rung vehicle but I think Lincoln without all the grandiose talk spewing from deNysshen is quietly impressing and making real strides at elevating Ford’s premier brand.
I only hope the Aviator shown is closer to the production version than the concept Continental proved to be. If it is, it’ll be the product printing money.
The Aviator does look great and is on a proper RWD platform, just like the luxury German brands. And it will have the best seat in the business just like the Navigator.
In case anyone is interested in the Aviator concept, you can find it here:
http://fordauthority.com/2018/03/lincoln-aviator-concept-previews-future-full-size-luxury-suv/
About the supposed upstaging and whatnot, consider this:
1. The Aviator is a concept car… although a cool one at that. But at the present time, Cadillac has a real product in the XT4 that will launch in 6 months or so. Lincoln has a cool looking concept that might to launch in a year, if not more.
2. The Aviator is in a totally different segment than the XT4, and will be roughly twice its price when it launches. Let’s compare the XT4 to the MKC – its direct rival from Lincoln. Anyone in their right mind will take the XT4 over the MKC.
3. As far as being “upstaged”: Cadillac will have rear-drive-based crossovers in the future. They’re a few years off, but when they launche, they will be executed better than anything from Lincoln. And let’s not forget that GM and Cadillac are working on an actual rear drive vehicle set that will underpin future Cadillac sedans and crossovers. Lincoln has a one-trick pony with the Aviator (though the next Explorer will also share the same platform… but it’s limited to those two models).
4. And why the constant degrading comments about jdn and his “words”? He’s doing his job and doing it well… and we are only starting to see the fruits of the labor here. He is doing and saying the right things. No need to critique his words when the words have substance that you simply haven’t seen yet.
Alex,
Why the degrading comments about JdN and his words?
Yesterday de Nysschen said this: “We are going to produce a halo vehicle for Cadillac. When it comes, it will stun the world.” Why must he do this? Why all the lofty talk? When one tells the world they are going to be stunned, very high expectations are set. Expectations that are nearly impossible to attain. One is stunned when something shocking and unexpected occurs but de Nysschen takes the unexpected element away when he is out posturing and blabbering on about it in advance.
This “first ever” XT4 was supposed to be the first ever de Nysschen product that would usher in an updated design language for Cadillac and new standards for quality. I’m simply not seeing anything new here. It looks just like the stuff the old crew did; it’s merely an evolution of the XTS/ATS/CTS/Escalade/XT5 design language that we’ve all seen before. The interior is the same dull, cheap black plastic that plagues their existing products albeit with attractive shapes. I was expecting more. If this is the future and the dawning of new-Cadillac, I’d say it isn’t going to be nearly as exciting as I’d hoped.
As for their cross-town rival, the other Henry Leland brand, they are quietly surprising. The stunning Aviator is getting glowing comments across the internet and I think nobody thought Lincoln was planning something like the Aviator; a sexy RWD baby Navigator. It has the kind of high-end look and attention to detail that is normally reserved for a European luxury sedan yet it is also a perfect extension of the gorgeous Continental concept.
With Lincoln, I wasn’t expecting much but am very pleasantly surprised. With Cadillac, I had high expectations and what a letdown the XT4 is to feast one’s eyes upon. And, I promise I am a life-long GM/Cadillac guy so coming from me, that’s high praise for the folks at The Glass House.
Because without the lofty talk, all you people that think the development cycle of an automobile is the same as your iPhone would assume he is doing absolutely nothing; and complain moreso than you currently do.
Without the lofty talk, maybe JdN loses his cushy job. When he makes those lofty comments, JdN is marketing himself, not Cadillac.
I’ve seen this type of thing before, in business and politics – poor execution in the short term, but big promises for the future. It’s easy to sell the future, especially to the naive.
Drew, if it were easy to sell the future to the naive, people like you wouldn’t be so afraid of the future.
You have it backwards. Its easy to scare the naive with the future; hence the skittishness toward change from ignorant folk like yourself.
_vorg, I’ve never said I was afraid of the future, so don’t go distorting what I wrote. But if you have blind faith in any random Johan that comes along, you’ll wander aimlessly into the future rather than being well prepared for it, to take advantage of opportunities and avoid the pitfalls.
If you just bumble along and think “I trust everyone, the future will all work out fine”, you won’t get much accomplished and you are likely to fall prey to charlatans. The guy promises that he’ll “stun the world”, and yes that is easy to sell to the naive.
There’s a difference between fearing the future and trusting every slick con artist that comes along. Good luck with your blind faith, I will retain my skepticism, especially about someone who has no background in engineering or car development, and who doesn’t even understand the history of the product he is attempting to sell.
I will keep an open mind, but thus far I have seen nothing that suggests JdN understands the Cadillac brand or how to help it sell more cars, more profitably in the future. Meanwhile he is spending a lot of the GM shareholders’ money, with no return yet on that investment.
its funny you say that. i said the same this morning. I find it ironic that Lincoln seems to quietly maybe just coincidently upstage Cadillac. The difference is Lincoln shows “preview” cars which you don’t see out testing on the roads. theres little to no hype and then they drop a nice surprise. Im not a huge Lincoln fan these days but i will not deny that the Aviator might be the best looking vehicle they have made (will make) in a long time. the interior looks pretty close to production ready and the exterior looks stunning. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them get a lot of conquest sales from range rover buyers. just hope the XT6 and the escalade deliver. im sure they will.
It looks really cool, distinctively Cadillac, contemporary design, the right amount of touches without being overdone & the short front overhangs make it look a lot better than the XT5 & other FWD based crossovers.
Kudos to Cadillac & the design team.
The interior is cool too, very understated & I’m glad they kept the piano finish to minimum. Materials, fit & finish appears to be high quality, fitting in the segment & the price range.
The orange\copper paint on the Sport trim with the black gloss accents & matching stitches was a nice surprise & an excellent departure from the awful GM Red.
The wheels & the aluminum plates on the gray one reminds me of the Volvo XC90 with the rugged package, in a good way.
Can’t wait to see what they’re working on next.
Will this weigh more than the 3,354lb weight of the Camaro? If yes, then why the hell do you only give it only 237hp and not 250hp or more like 275hp? Like the design otherwise.
Would like to know the actual weight ’cause BMW’s X3 2.0T is 248hp @ 4150lb.
The weight for each trim w/ and w/o AWD is available on this site thru the online shopping guide in PDF format.
Nice car, looks good but I don’t think premium when I see it, Also the marketing department should be fired. What’s with the setting? Not a castle in Europe? Not an exotic location , not some form of opulence? Why not? Take me away to some where my America mind can’t imagine. This is not an Oldsmobile, a buick, it’s the standard bearer of success but neither the vehicle nor its advertising relay that. I’ll skip dinner at that sweet French spot and go to olive gardens with all the Buick’s, Nissan’s, Hondas, and vw’s of the world. Predictable and common. Please don’t send any silly comments about this being the entry level Cadillac cuv, Mercedes and bmw don’t have entry level , they have less expensive for the wanna bees.
When you buy a Cadillac, you’ve just told everyone about your place in the world and nothing less – let’s get that straight.
So an old castle makes it more appealing?
Not only will I not buy a car unless it’s revealed at a castle, but I also request the presence of Dr. Evil, along with ONE BILLION DOLLARS.
Martin, the unveiling took place at Cadillac House Manhattan, Cadillac’s HQ. This is an intricution at the New York auto show, not Geneva…
“What’s with the setting? Not a castle in Europe?”
An American car sitting in front of a disused European castle? You don’t see the problem there?
Architecturally, there are plenty of exemplary locations in the US to park a Cadillac in front of. If your thinking goes that ‘ancient castle = classy’, then you’re not looking hard enough in your own backyard.
AS a 2008 CTS owner I am in the market to but another vehicle soon. I think Cadillac has done a good job with the XT4–looks classy. Very strong entry level price. I’m sure the 237 hp four is enough in my traffic choked city. Good job Cadillac team.
Cadillac’s XT4 looks to be worth the wait as it incorporates all of Cadillac’s latest technology especially the infotainment system as Cadillac can’t suffer any further bad reviews that has plagued the company since they first introduced their CUE system and reports say Cadillac’s new LSY 2.0L DOHC-4v 4-cyl turbo generates the 237 horsepower at 5,000 rpm meaning it should be quite responsive and offer better fuel economy than if powered by the older LTG 2.0L DOHC-4v 4-cyl turbo; but the biggest selling point will be the XT4’s base price of $35,790 which is lower BMW’s X3, Mercedes GLC and the Porsche Macan.
I think it’s “fine”. It’s not the home-run I was hoping for, at least from a design sense. Personally, the SEA of black plastic on the body, especially up front where it takes up damn near half of the vehicle’s face, really cheapens the overall appearance of the XT4. The grille and headlamps look upscale, as do the chiseled lines of the hood, but just below it you have that ridiculous , featureless matte black plastic that one might think. I have on my screen now pictures of competing vehicles from other brands, and while some feature black plastic, they have nothing on Cadillac. The new X3 is comparable, but its black plastic is accented with more interesting features. And matched with BMW’s design, it almost makes sense. Whereas I’m getting mixed signals looking at the XT4. Is it supposed to be an upscale vehicle, is it a budget vehicle? Both elements clash outside. Which is a shame, because I like the underlying design. I’m not 100% sold on the new tail lights, as they don’t look all that unique to me. When I see the back of the Escalade or XT5, I think Cadillac. When I see the back of the XT4, I think Volvo and even Honda CR-V. It just doesn’t look like a Cadillac to me.
My complaints are limited almost entirely to the details of the exterior design. I think the underlying design is excellent, but is held back mostly by that black plastic.
Why did they use a black interior on showing the car. Its looks horrible and dirty. Light colors look so much better and classier.
Here are my initial thoughts.
I like it. (Especially the autumn color they showed it in)
Some things I don’t like:
No turn signals on the mirrors. (My 2012 Prius c had that)
No bright work around the windows or door handles this is a caddy after all (My 11 Regal had that)
You have to go mid trim to get safety features which I find slightly annoying. They should be standard.
I think the $35k starting price is good GM always has incentives to deals are to be had.
I’ll wait a year and see what they are at Blue knob Auto lol.
“No bright work around the windows or door handles this is a caddy after all (My 11 Regal had that)”
You do know that is the Sport trim, right? Cadillac has the bright work on Premium Luxury and Luxury trim only.
Sun glare/reflection on that screen?
Like it a lot, except for the 2.0T. Had it in an ATS, and will never own another one…rough, leaky and used oil.
The 2.0T LSY used here is all-new from the ground up, and bears no relation to the LTG used in the ATS.
Nice execution, love everything about it… except the lower front clip. To the eyes it looks like the entire bottom half of the front end is nothing but cheap dark gray plastic. Too big of an area to do entirely monotone, especially in drab gray.
Looking at BMW, they use brightwork to class the area up.
Looking at Jaguar, they use a gloss black to enhance this area. That would be the easiest switch right now, as I’m not sure chrome would work. Maybe we’ll see them use the gloss black from the grille as Jaguar does for 2020.
Why does G. M. Put that ugly Black around the wheel wells, it’s really nice looking accept for that!!
Ever see a Mercedes GLC around the wheel wells? It sells awfully well if it’s ugly — and there is a practical aspect of avoiding paint scratches in those areas.
I would anticipate seeing uplevel models that have stylized, painted elements, but this is the bread & butter small CUV Cadillac desperately needs right now. I think it will sell like hotcakes — hopefully, there is a V-sport in the future that takes styling and performance up a notch — but clearly this launch is all about the basic model with an attractive entry price.
I am very hopeful for this entry. I love cadillac for over 50 years. But, damn, is this the best intro car? Dull black interior, those God awful black trims around the wheel wells. I think that with this being the intro of the first Caddy under the direction of the new boss (forgot his name) this was a terrible/embarrassing first showing. Lousy color scheme and an interior that you cannot see the nuances. I love you Caddy but …
I love the interior. the buttons and knobs are much welcomed and the new steering wheel design is really nice too. well proportioned exterior design as well. the new engine as some said seems underpowered but considering the meaty and wide torque curve I expect seamless acceleration with the 9 speed. based on the size of the vehicle for the price alone I expect this thing to sell plenty, and that’s all that really matters at the end of the day.. people on other sites are talking about its design but like many of you said is there really a vehicle in this segment that carries a striking design? its hard to blend good design and function on a small CUV, I fully expect the XT6 to be even better proportioned with a bolder more dominant road presence.
This is exactly what I was afraid of, with JdN’s contradictory plan to go “downmarket” while at the same time claiming he’s putting Cadillac in the “right driveways” (i.e. offering only an exclusive, premium product – rather than one for the masses). The problem with the XT4 – it might be “ok” as a Chevy – is that it wears a Cadillac badge without having Cadillac values. This is possibly worse than the Cimarron (relative to its time period), and we know what a low point that was for Cadillac. The XT4 has a very “slapped together” look to me, both exterior and (especially) interior.
What really bugs me about this vehicle is that for some people, it will be their first exposure to “Cadillac”. And they’ll think “that’s a Cadillac?”, “that’s what people used to think was a great car?”, as well as a simple “I’m not impressed with this brand”. So what’s wrong with it specifically?
– Under 41″ of front legroom (way too cramped for a Cadillac)
– Over 83″ wide with mirrors out (nearly 77″ with them pulled in), too wide for a compact CUV
– Interior looks cheap and boring
– exposed dual cupholder next to shifter looks very un-luxury
– passenger headrest (picture 45 in the set above) shows very uneven stitching, and upper backcovering looks bunched
– too much black plastic, black composite, black leather (especially confining feeling in a small car)
– too many user buttons in a long row below touch screen
– small analog speedometer goes from 0-80 using only 1/3rd of dial, uselessly goes to 160 at about 2 o’clock position
– digital speedometer very small (and certainly not along the lines of Escala concept)
– volume buttons on steering wheel in awkward position
– no CD player
– “leatherette” seats in base model
– not much headroom (according to specs), worse with sunroof
– Exterior might look “cool” to some, but not very “Cadillac”
– rear taillights lose the unmistakable dual vertical “tailfins” look
– front headlights continue the recent “crying” look
– Engine appears to be underpowered for a Cadillac
– Hard to tell if 9 gear shifting will be smooth and reliable
– No report on ride quality, but this has not been a JdN priority, so expect a hard ride (especially for a Cadillac)
– No real reason to buy this over other CUVs
I realize that there’s a large element that wants to cheer anything JdN does; people like Brian are going to tell us that JdN will hit one home run after another, and that Cadillac will somehow rule the market because JdN is so great. I just am not seeing it, not only is this unimaginative, it’s also poor execution. Obviously others will see this a different way. But personally I consider this another sad product for “Cadillac”, as it gets further and further from the core values that made it great. Instead of “Dare Greatly” this appears to be “copy cheaply”. And not even copying the best of the competition. I feel bad for anyone who gets their first exposure to Cadillac via the XT4 – this looks like a CINO to me – “Cadillac in name only”.
Drew with another awful take.
Here are some gems from his shitpost:
“– No real reason to buy this over other CUVs”
Just like every other car or product.
“– Engine appears to be underpowered for a Cadillac”
It has more power than a Fleetwood or 90% of the cars Drew-types think are “real Cadillacs”
“no CD player”
Holy shit it doesn’t have a car phone either! Or whale oil lamps!
The fact that Drew hates this car is proof Cadillac is going in the correct direction. The swiftly dying “ignorant old man terrified of change” demographic alienates emerging demographics. Good on Johan.
I’m disappointed not to see the rumored plug-in version announced. I hope that’s still forthcoming with 40-ish miles of all electric range (similar to the first-generation Volt).
I had high hopes for this vehicle and will reserve my final opinions until I’ve seen one in person. From the photos, though, it looks like there’s way too much plastic cladding on the exterior, making it look less than luxurious. The taillights remind me of a combination of CTS wagon and Saab, but I see the outgoing Leaf from some angles—not very flattering. The orange paint color doesn’t do the vehicle any favors, either, and I’m surprised there isn’t a full digital dash.
Good looking front, Rav-4 rear.
This car will be very competitive because of its price . Most customers don’t care if its a tweener or not , most won’t have even heard the term . It’s going to come down to the ride and quality of the interior pieces and content .
I see some influence to the Mercedes small suv in the design of the buttons below CUE’s screen . Now that there is a rotary dial for CUE will it function like the Mazda CX-5 where the touch screen isn’t functional when the car is moving , so you have to use the dial ? They consider it a safety issue which helps keep your eyes on the road and your hand closer to the steering wheel instaed of having to reach for the screen .
Glad the tailights are so unique , the front looks just like the XT5 , not a bad thing but very similar and will be more so when it gets the newer grill design .
The big question is if the XT4 will be enough to pull customers from the German nameplates and the likes of Lexus .
It’s a start in the right direction .
To tell the truth, the real life interior photos made me upset… This car is ok, but nothing groundbraking here. Typical GM product. It does not look great even compared to the rivals. UX has more “wow” factor inside than this. No fully digital dash? wtf? Uhhh, the only excuse that can be used here is that it was planned (as it is now or almost as it is) before JDN. I hope that’s true. So we should wait for the CT5. I guess it is his product from 0.
Ahh, it is always a waiting game with Cadillac.
And still sharp and angular corners around the windows. I hate them.
Yeah, I’ve heard the nex gen would be RWD… Well I hope thats true. Because fwd proportions are horrible. Ugly. Jeez, if u make an FWD at least look at Volvo..
Way too much cheap black plastic in the interior.
Does jdn owns fisher price stock?
Bottom line, it is just a shame that Cadillac did not put their best foot forward with the introduction of this vehicle.
There is a logical term that true car enthusiasts should abide by. Wait to judge after you see it in person. Also, get some drive time if possible to have a better understanding of this vehicle.
I’m not trying to make excuses for the XT4 and I won’t bother defending it but a good number of folks complaining about its exterior and interior have no intention buying this crossover in the first place.
I’m liking what I see so far and I believe it will look a lot better in person like most cars do in general.
I have seen rare ultra luxury sedans and exotics where they don’t do justice by pics, but when I seen them out on the street, it blew my mind how nice and elegant they were the first time I seen them in the flesh. The XT4 is no exception to the rule.
Meh. For me, that thing they’re doing with the headlights only enhances the boxiness. The interior is an improvement over earlier interiors like that of the ATS, but it’s still too busy to instill a sense of calm strength like a BMW or Tesla does.
Overall the design, both in and out, lacks a cohesive form. It’s just a bunch of individual motifs slapped together, much like a local cover band’s original songs are often comprised of elements from several popular artists. That’s what Cadillac reminds me of, is a good cover band. Will they mature into original artists? We’ll see in the next 5 – 10 years.