As the all-new, 2019 Cadillac XT4 nears its official launch in the North American market, GM’s premium brand has shared some details of the luxurious compact crossover’s engineering. Half of the XT4’s winning recipe is its all-new, turbocharged 2.0L engine, which you can read about here. The other half? A brand-new compact CUV architecture that leverages high-strength steel, a five-link rear suspension, clever steering vibration cancellation, and available Active Sport dampers to provide an apt blend of agility and refinement in a range of different driving scenarios.
All-New Architecture
Technically speaking, the 2019 Cadillac XT4 is built on the not-quite-new E2XX platform that underpins cars like the current Chevrolet Malibu and Buick Regal, but this represents its first deployment in a crossover utility vehicle. Cadillac calls the architecture “robust, stiff, and comparatively lightweight,” thanks in part to its use of press-hardened high-strength steel.
Cadillac was dead set on making the feeling of rigidity and agility palpable for the driver, paying special close attention to how the steering components connect to the chassis. The variable-assist electric steering system is attached to a solid-mounted front cradle and a lateral cross brace, adding stiffness that reduces the crossover’s body movement during steering maneuvers and provides a nimble, direct feel. Unseemly vibrations from the road and the propulsion system are filtered out by a Cadillac-first tuned vibration absorber integrated into the steering wheel airbag, which has its advantages over, say, adding extra weight to the wheel to dampen harshness.
Among them, the tuned vibration absorber enhances the perception of structural rigidity, while providing a more comfortable feel, says Cadillac.
“The steering system’s immediate responses to inputs offer a greater feel of connection to the road,” says Cadillac XT4 Chief Engineer Todd Pawlik. “It’s an attribute that enhances the driver’s confidence behind the wheel and gives the XT4 a sporty character.”
Sport models of the 2019 Cadillac XT4 will also offer an Active Sport Suspension system with Continuous Damping Control, capable of adjusting damping at each wheel 500 times every second. The system automatically adapts to provide a soft, supple ride on smooth pavement, and to control the XT4’s pitch, roll, and vertical motion on less-than-smooth surfaces, or whenever the driver decides to get a bit spirited behind the wheel.
“XT4’s available CDC takes the XT4’s driving dynamics and control to a higher threshold,” Pawlik says. “It is the ultimate in ride control and refinement for this all-new SUV.”
In addition to the above, the chassis of the all-new, 2019 Cadillac XT4 also includes:
- MacPherson strut front suspension with rebound springs, allowing for a “more refined calibration” of the struts with superior body-roll control and weight transfer under acceleration.
- Five-link independent rear suspension mounted on an isolated rear cradle that dampens road noise at the rear.
- Specially-developed Continental all-season tires providing a balance of grip, handling, braking, and quietness. Both 18-inch and 20-inch wheels are available.
Comments
I think the styling and the pricing/packaging are good. If it proves to feel roomy and comfortable, it will be a hit. That’s what will sell these crossovers, not the chassis.
It features front wheel drive proportions and a powertrain that (so far) doesn’t seem impressive at all. Hopefully they remember to include a defeat switch for the stop/start this time. While it will be popular and probably compete well with the new Acura RDX, it won’t be a real Audi, BMW, or even a Volvo competitor. So it won’t be in my garage.
Buick should be competing with the Acura RDX, not Cadillac.
Nothing more than your opinion here. Let’s wait until it comes out, drive it, see how well it stacks up against the competition and then go from there.
I just spent my afternoon today test driving the XT4 on a course and it is just awesome, also drove competitor vehicles on same course and compared them. Hands down the XT4 wins! The price point is crazy when you consider what is included standard compared to its outdated styled competitors. Along with world first engine technology, the competition out there are about to feel this Biggley!!!!! Towing capacity of 3,500lbs! All I can say is, drive it yourself!!!
Where did you drive these. I would like to do it also. No XT4s around here yet. We drove the Audi so we know what they can do. Are you in China or just work for GM.
Canada. Product comparison training and testing. I don’t work for GM.
What competitors did you see that stacked up against it that you drove also? After reading the media info, the XT4 sounds like a winning vehicle.
Considering that an Audi and Volvo are similarly based upon a FWD platforms, what demotes the Cadillac? Or is it just inherent arm-chair bias influencing your feedback?
Hopefully the CDC dampers can be set to “Sport” separate from the powertrain – much preferred how the XT5 handles and feels in “Sport”, but wasn’t a fan of the hit in fuel economy due to AWD being primed and the more aggressive throttle and shift calibration. I managed to coax 28-30 MPG out of a XT5 loaner over a couple weeks, but came at the cost of feeling like I was driving a yoga ball – “Sport” made it almost fun (high praise coming from an MRC ATS), but the mpg-readout basically showed a 15-20% drop in FE.
Test drove the xt4 for the wife as her lease will be up soon. Yikes! There will be speeding tickets in her future! One can honestly say “Officer, I had no idea I was going that fast.” Turbo boost was seamless and it kind of felt like it wanted to play. Firm and stable and fun to drive, and that’s coming from a ’68 GTO owner.
I liked the pricing and the looks of this vehicle… but that new LSY 2.0L Turbo engine is upsetting. I have the previous version of this engine, the 2.0L Turbo LTG in my 2019 Camaro, and I absolutely love the engine. 275hp 295 ftlbs of torque, 22 city 31 highway mpg, and 0-60mph in 5.4s (automatic). This new LSY has less power and lower mpg efficiency. I’m not a fan of this new LSY 2.0L Turbo. Thinking about it pisses me off, because GM is my fav car company.