2020 Cadillac XT6 Debuts With Three Rows, Bold Styling, Refined Luxury
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The ongoing expansion of the Cadillac product portfolio took a big step forward today with the introduction of the 2020 Cadillac XT6 – a new, three-row crossover that slots below the formidable Escalade.
According to Cadillac, the XT6 was “created to make the most of passengers’ time on the road”. It couples a luxurious, adaptable, and connected cabin with responsive handling and a list of standard and available safety technologies to deliver refined luxury and convenience.
“The first-ever Cadillac XT6 delivers a compelling blend of spaciousness, safety and convenience features for customers who thrive on doing it all,” said recently-appointed Cadillac president, Steve Carlisle. “It joins the all-new XT4, which has soared to the top spot in its segment, our global best-selling XT5 and the iconic Escalade to accelerate the brand’s global growth, with a spirit that is uniquely Cadillac.”
Exterior
The design story behind the all-new Cadillac XT6 starts with strong proportions and distinct personas for both of the trim levels announced today – Premium Luxury and Sport.
“The XT6 is unmistakably Cadillac,” said Andrew Smith, executive director of global Cadillac design. “It reinterprets our design language in a unique way, with the Premium Luxury and Sport models adding more sophisticated or aggressive character depending on preference.”
The XT6 Premium Luxury is distinguished by bright Galvano exterior accents, while XT6 Sport features darker accents and more aggressive, performance-inspired details, including available 21-inch wheels.
Continuing to make the most of modern, advanced lighting technology for form and function, the 2020 Cadillac XT6 features even more emphasized LED signatures. Two headlamp variants are offered: a bi-function LED projector design is standard while a performance LED headlamp system with a three-element projector array is optional.
Interior
We already knew that the XT6’s cockpit will be nearly identical to that of the XT5, which makes sense given that the former is simply a stretched version of the latter. The similarity between the cabins of both models is not necessarily a bad thing, since the XT5’s interior is a decent place to spend time. However, neither the XT5 nor the XT6 match the rest of the future Cadillac lineup (XT4, CT5, CT4, etc.).
Regardless, Cadillac says that “every inch of the XT6 has been carefully considered and developed to offer a refined, comfortable place to connect and enjoy the ride.” Elegant, wide surface lines define the cockpit, while controls for the infotainment system have been revamped to deliver a significantly better user experience.
But the big deal here is the addition of the third row – a first for a current Cadillac crossover SUV. Its addition expands the maximum passenger capacity to six passengers. Though not officially announced, it might be possible to expand the XT6’s seating capacity to seven by opting for a bench seat in the second row.
“Every seat is the best seat in the house,” said Carlisle. “From luxurious appointments, comfort and convenience to premium sound and technology features, every passenger gets an optimized experience.”
The standard third row is power-folding, while the second row features a remote fold-down feature that enhance versatility. A tip/pitch-and-slide feature on the second-row seat allows easy access to the third row.
The Premium Luxury and Sport models feature distinctive trim and interior colors. Premium Luxury models are trimmed with exotic wood decor, while the Sport features performance-inspired carbon fiber trim.
The 2020 Cadillac XT6 also features the brand’s first implementation of the Bose Performance Series sound system, which features 14 custom-tuned speakers that deliver immersive, powerful audio throughout the crossover’s cabin.
Additional available features include semi-aniline premium leather-appointed seating, an in-vehicle air ionizer, automatic heated/ventilated front seats and heated second-row rear outboard seats, along with a standard automatic heated steering wheel.
Connectivity
The 2020 Cadillac XT6 is chockfull of thoughtfully-integrated technology, which Cadillac says is central to the XT6’s mission of offering a seamless and intuitive in-vehicle experience. The introduction of several new features elevates connectivity to new levels for a Cadillac vehicle.
It all starts with the latest Cadillac User Experience (née CUE) infotainment system, which provides more ways to interface with the system, including one-touch phone pairing via Near Field Communication (NFC). Solving the longest-standing complaint with the user experience associated with Cadillac infotainment systems is a new rotary controller with intuitive jog functionality. It appears that touchscreen functionality remains, but the infotainment system can now be used entirely via the rotary controllers.
The system also offers a personalization feature that stores user profiles in the Cloud, allowing customers to access their custom profile in other properly equipped GM vehicles. There’s also updated navigation functionality with natural address entry, support for Sirius XM 360L, 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot with a trial for 3GB or three months of data, whichever comes first, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto10 for compatible smartphones.
Next-generation, 15-watt wireless smartphone charging and Teen Driver are also present and accounted for. Finally, all 2020 Cadillac XT6 models come with six USB ports – two for each row of seats.
The 2020 Cadillac XT6 also offers NFC phone pairing and wireless charging for compatible phones, along with Keyless Open and Adaptive Remote Start
- Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control
- Night Vision
- NFC
- HD Surround Vision Camera
- Illuminated Cadillac Crest hands-free liftgate
Driving Dynamics
Cadillac says that the XT6 offers a driving experience with a “rewarding balance of responsiveness and refinement” as well as “a feeling of solidity that enhances driver confidence”. Those qualities are distilled between the Premium Luxury and Sport models. The Premium Luxury model features a greater emphasis on road isolation, while the XT6 Sport features a greater feeling of agility in its chassis.
The 2020 Cadillac XT6 also offers customer-selectable drive modes that enable the luxury crossover to adapt to driver preferences and changing road conditions. The modes are uniquely calibrated to support the characteristics of the Premium Luxury or Sport trims.
The XT6 is based on the extended-length GM C1 platform most closely related to the Chevy Traverse and Buick Enclave.
Powertrain
Power comes from the GM corporate 3.6L V6 LGX engine. It’s estimated to make 310 horsepower (231 kW) mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission with next-generation Electronic Precision Shift.
Active Fuel Management technology enhances fuel economy by enabling four-cylinder operation when six-cylinder power is not required.
AWD is available on Premium Luxury and standard on XT6 Sport. The Sport model features a Sport Control active twin-clutch AWD system that enhances the driving experience with active yaw control. Sport models also feature Continuous Damping Control active handling and a faster steering ratio that is tuned to support a more enthusiast-oriented driving feel, with increased feedback and greater overall responsiveness.
Safety
The XT6 also offers a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and safety technologies including sophisticated radar-, camera-, and other sensor-based tech, that can help drivers be more aware of their environment. They include sophisticated radar-, camera- and other sensor-based technologies.
The XT6’s structure is designed to help keep occupants safe, with premium body materials and features such as boxed, splayed front rails and a state-of-the-art restraint system, including seven standard airbags.
Standard Safety & Assistance Features:
- HD Rear Vision Camera with Remote Wash
- Forward Collision Alert
- Following Distance Indicator
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Front Pedestrian Braking
- Front and Rear Park Assist
- Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- Safety Alert Seat
- Speed limiter
XT6 Premium Luxury
XT6 Sport
Trim Levels
Cadillac announced two trim levels for the 2020 XT6: Premium Luxury and Sport.
Premium Luxury models deliver an elevated level of refinement while Sport models offer a performance-oriented feel.
XT6 Premium Luxury
XT6 Sport
Launch Timeframe
The 2020 Cadillac XT6 makes its public debut at the North American International Auto Show, which runs from January 14-27th in Detroit.
Pricing and additional information will be announced closer to the start of production. Cadillac will begin taking orders this spring.
Production
For the North American market, the Cadillac XT6 will be manufactured at the GM Spring Hill plant in Tennessee.
Lineup Positioning
At 198.8 inches long, the 2020 Cadillac XT6 is a midsize-plus offering, slotting above the midsize XT5 and yet not being a truly full-size crossover. So even though the XT6 slots below the Escalade at the moment, we have reason to believe that the future Cadillac lineup will add a three-row, full-size crossover above the XT6.
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Wait so is the length of this more of a XT5 length or Enclave length? Because by looking at the pics it looks more Acadia/XT5 length than Enclave/Traverse length….. the 3/4 kinda give me a Kia Telluride vibe
XT6 is 9.3 inches longer and 2.3 inches wider than the XT5.
Cadillac needs to up the size of the infotainment screens, even Mazda is launching the 3 with a larger one. Now that that’s out of the way, this is IMPRESSIVE!!! Cadillac truly made something that can compete with the best as far as looks are concerned and from the interior the accommodations look are definitely on par with the competition.
I’ve heard GM doesn’t like very large infotainment screens because they feel it would cause distraction while on the road.
The larger the screen, (typically) the fewer redundant physical controls.
I’d rather have real button than a screen that is 2 inches bigger.
I think the new KIA Telluride might have a nicer interior than this Cadillac!
Also, will a refreshed XT5 get this new face?
Why did we have to wait 4 years for this? They could have sold 150,000 of them by now!
They literally just gave us a GMC Acadia with a XT5 interior. The ONLY thing original to this vehicle is the exterior sheet metal and wheels.
If you’re going to build a Frankenstein full-size CUV, why not use the best of what’s at your disposal?
No 3.0TT
No Hybrid or Plug-In
No Super Cruise
No Magnetic Ride Control
No Panaray Audio
No interior LED accents
No fully Digital Display
Have they seen the new X5/X7? Q8/E-Tron?
Better yet, Mazda 3 or CX-9!!!
It’s like beating a dead horse with GM interiors and Cadillac lately.
Cadillac deserves better.
Front end looks beautiful, back looks nice. The side profile is where it kind of loses me looks too rounded and reminds of a Honda Pilot. I really hope they add to this powertrain option list. If a Ford Explorer can offera base engine of 300hp this can do a lot better.
I love the grill and Cadillac head lamps.
The profile looks like a Dodge Journey.
I have to ask are we seeing both Trim levels on the profile shots or just one?
I think the sport version would be more subdued than the Premium Luxury.
The dark grey Xt6 pictures that were released is the sport and the mocha color one is the luxury trim
Not really a fan of the looks myself. LOVE the new CT6 and XT4, but this just seems too…..bland.
“If a Ford Explorer can offera base engine of 300hp this can do a lot better.”
No, it can’t.
GM’s FWD platforms like the E2XX and C1XX aren’t engineered for anything more powerful than the NA 3.6 V6. It probably didn’t make sense from a cost perspective.
The Cadillac 3.0TT V6 and 4.2 V8 have only been seen in RWD platform applications. That means they’ll probably remain RWD/AWD-only.
THIS IS WHY FWD VS. RWD PLATFORMS ARE IMPORTANT.
I’m not feeling it so far. Maybe it grows on me, but so far I’m seeing Ford Taurus/new explorer on the front, and rear reminds me of the Honda Pilot. Side profile is underwhelming. Not enough effort, specially for a Cadillac. This should have been a crossover built in the CT6 platform. That would be a real Cadillac. Sorry to say, but I would take an Aviator over this, and I’m a die hard Cadillac fan.
Lackluster interior…the seats at least. Gm needs to play the luxury game or get out of it. Focus on Buick in China and chevy globally…and gmc of course.
Ridiculous that they just threw in the xt5 interior that was designed over 5 years ago and then just swapped out some leather for shiny wood. Is that trully all you could manage Cadillac?
I think the xt4’s headlights would have fit this car much better.
What would possess someone to choose this over the Aviator? I thought a big selling point would be Super cruise but that’s not even offered.
Super cruise will be offered
You’re right, but GM has been doing this since 1970s with Sedans; now they are doing with SUVs. They will loose again like always. Keep dressing up Chevys against Euro and Asias best with Americas worst.
It did not work with in the 1980s, 90s, 00s. Now its dress up the truck. The Escalade does well, but its still ol’ boys GM business management. The public will fall for this.
XT5 finished in 5th place in 2018. RX, Q5, X5, GLE all kick its butt. It will continue to go down hill.
I want Cadillac to win but this is a mess. It looks like Optimus Prime.
I would’ve liked to see the sport trim with the 3.0TT or the 4.2TT standard. The premium luxury trim should have the V6 standard with the 3.0TT and 4.2TT as an option.
So why not use the 2.0 and 3.0 and 4.0 instead of that hog 3.6 this is why Lincoln’s 3rd suv is going to pull ahead it has everything Powertrain wise they could have took the interior of the xt4 put the 10 inch nag screen in and the 12 inch display and the audio system out of the ct6 make it rwd But instead we get a rebadged Acadia and traverse I will give the point to Lincoln hopefully the Escalade with will have some type of tt powertrain
Why would you use the much less powerful and under powered 237 HP 2.0 in this large of a vehicle? The LGX 3.6 is fine as the base engine if only Cadillac would tune it like their RWD cars.
Beautiful Vehicle, yet we want to see it go even higher with a PLATINUM version and a XT6-V version. Will there also be an XT7? (three row crossover to slot above the XT6, but below the ESCALADE?)
Enough with the 3.6. Reminds me of the old days of GM where every brand had the 3800 v6 putting out the same 200hp…Impala, Grand Prix, Monte Carlo and before that, Lumina.
And the gradual rollout should go too. We all know there will be an XT6 v, with probably/hopefullly the 3.0TT from the CT6 (putting a v8 in there is far too unlikely) so just do it now and build some more interest, and differentiate it from those who complain it’s a rebadge (which it is…3rd row better seating is nice for the press release, not a huge deal in real life), especially without Supercruise.
Good old GM. I remember those days.. They closed all of their Authentic companies/divisions and turned them into nothing but marketing brands only. No more authentic engines. Want a real Pontiac engine in your Pontiac? Too bad. Just as you said, everybody gets a Buick 3800 V6…. Oh wait, GM says it’s Not a Buick engine anymore, it’s a GM Corporate engine and therefore since they said that then it’s ok. You want a V8? Well you’re in luck! Chevy 350’s and 305’s for everyone… You don’t want a Chevrolet smallblock in your Pontiac or Olds?? Too bad. It’s not a Chevrolet engine anymore anyway. GM said so. It’s a GM Corporate V8.
I said I remember those days but in reality, we’re still living in them. Nothing’s authentic anymore.
Seems you have been asleep at the wheel. Pay attention.
What you are talking about happened almost 40 years ago. I was mad too, until about 1983….Time to move on. As far as this Cadillac..Meh.
You don’t no what a rebadge is. It’s the same looking vehicle with a slightly different grill but everything else is the same except the badge.
I think the exterior design is a win! I’m getting some XC90 vibes, in a good way!
Missing that 3.0TT.
Upon checking the specs and dimensions, this is about the size range of the GMC ACADIA with a 112.5″ WB and 193.4″ Length. So it is likely that the XT7 will have the 204.3″ Length and the 120.9″ WB. Just wish GM would have gone a little further with the Luxury offerings for this Crossover Segment. Lincoln Aviator already has the styling and packages beat in every way.
A112.5 wheelbases is about the same as the XT5. What did they do jus add a few inches of rear overhang and add another row of seats and call it a day? Even the Engine is the same and the design is not as bold. I think the would have been better off just stretching the XT5 and calling it the XT5S or XT5L.
Honestly as much as I would like Lincoln to succeed, I don’t think the aviator sales will trounce either the XT6 or even say the Enclave. By remembering the days when the MKT shows up, everyone is pretty much saying it looks better, technology is better, performance, etc are better than the expensive lambda. But sales says otherwise. Do I think the Lincoln is a better vehicle? Yes. But I just kind of think it might follow the history of the MKT. but only time will tell.
My mother always told me that if I can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all! So I I simply won’t say anything about the XT6, because quite frankly, there’s nothing to discuss about it….I’m just gonna leave it at that….Carry on, ladies and gentlemen….Ignore this comment…
Well I will say it for you. It sucks! The higher trim Xt5 is ppl are saying you have to get for it look nice. BS. it should standard. That interior looks like its 10 years old. A big slab piece of wood is supposed to luxury. The design is not cohesive at all.
This mess cannot compete with the Q7, X5, Aviator, GLE, XC90 inside or out.
GM never fails to be last to be last and worst to the party.
It almost like it was a quick fix. I refused to believe JDN had anything to do with this. This is what he did not want. Chevys with extra chrome.
Pretty much sums up how I feel about it! I figured this is probably why JdN parted ways with Cadillac and GM: there’s no way he’d want his name attached to this! I understand most “traditional Cadillac loyalists” weren’t on board with his plans, but he at least had a solid vision for the brand! I’m sad to see GM refusing to follow through on what would’ve likely catapulted Cadillac into tier-1 luxury status! The XT6 embodies what’s wrong with GM’s management of Cadillac, and by extension, the mindset of this market, which supports this mediocrity!
You say that and Cadillac will everyone they build! So who’s wrong you or Cadillac?
Sales, sales, sales! That’s seems to be the only defense most can come up with for this mediocrity! I get it! This is a business! Sales are important, and lucky for GM, they have a rather solid customer base willing and ready to drop top dollar on their product! But that in and of itself doesn’t justify their willingness to forego utilization of some of their finest technology and engineering just to rush a subpar product to the market! It’s the principle of delivering the finest engineering that’s being violated! That’s my beef with Cadillac! Cadillac has exclusive powertrains and technology at their disposal, and yet, none of it has been featured on the XT6! That may be fine with you and the rest of Cadillac’s customers, but I’ll tell you what: Mercedes, BMW, Audi, and Lexus isn’t losing a wink of sleep over this! Conquest sales will continue to be an illusion for the once storied Cadillac brand!!!
Totally agree. Not sure why Cadillac didn’t use exclusive Cadillac platform and power train/engine. Seems like GM did just enough to get it to market. They wasted a chance to create something special.
Subpar! If they are subpar then why do they sell? Just because you dont like it doesn’t mean the rest of the customer base doesn’t!
If you think you can develop a luxury car better and turn a profit while doing it then why aren’t you in the automotive industry?
You know why? Because it’s harder then it looks! Or we all would be doing it!
The fact of the matter is if you dont like it then dont buy it! Just stop complaining about it!
Hmmm that funny because it seems unless if it’s not an Escalade NO ON3 is buying Cadillac’s.
They don’t sell.
This is a subpar beyond. I was attempted to buy a Cadillac 2x. Ats, then 2 years later the CTS. when I opened that door, I almost walked away from the gaps, cheap interior.
A6, E, 5, GS, CTS on my list.
I have driven both the Xt4 and Ct6 2019s major let down.
Cadillac is a loser and will continue to be a loser as the public has spoken. I am up for a new car (sedan) Cadillac is doing away with all of its current sedans. They are being secretive of their new cars. So, I will head back to BMW, Benz, Audi or Lexus.
Cadillac cannot beat the Asian (Lexus) in reliability/quality. Cadillac cannot beat the European is craftsmanship or performance.
Cadillac falls behind all of its competition. So why Buy a Cadillac, unless you only only buy an American car.
Lexus RX outsells the whole entire Cadillac sedan line up with Xt5 included.
kev, that is what I was going to ask Brian. Do they sell? I’m not sure they do. Cadillac would be totally BROKE in the USA by now after all the money spent on this and that.
However Brian is correct in they do sell, IN CHINA.
So I say again for Cadillac sake, thank god for CHINA.
And another swing and miss on the interior. Lazy cost cutting design like always from General Motors. Keeping it generally bland.
Interior looks good. The higher trim XT5 is a damn nice place to be.
Yeah compared to a Toyota maybe but not when comparing to the actual competition.
Go look at Car &Driver on-line impressions! Needless to say, they are not thrilled with the interior!
They need to hire new people! There is nothing wrong with this interior! People will do anything to knock down GM any chance they get
Wrong wrong wrong.
There is a lot wrong with the interior.
> The steering wheel cover is hard scratchy plastic.
> The lower parts of the doors are hard scratchy plastic.
> The lower part of the center console is hard scratchy plastic.
> The leather on the doors and center panel is cheap and stiff.
> There are visible gaps where the center console trim meets the dash trim. This is unavoidable in manufacturing, but other automakers have designs that hide this, or find other ways to mask them. Cadillac couldn’t be bothered.
> The aforementioned gaps aren’t even aligned properly
> The small center storage area under the climate control has a gap running right through the middle where the two pieces join, and Cadillac was too cheap to find a way to cover it up.
> The buttons to the left of the steering wheel are straight out of a Chevy.
> The center trim is a big slab of wood with little to no attempt at design or style. You need to be Rolls-Royce level before you can get away with crap like that and still make it look good.
> Way too many plastic buttons!
> Climate control panel looks like a cheap Star Trek: Next Generation prop with flimsy plastic covering little buttons in an effort to look “futuristic”
Utter utter trash, at least compared to the competition.
Plenty of people may say “why are you worried about that” or “looks fine to me”. You know who doesn’t share your opinion? The competition, and their customers.
In the interest of balance, I find the following to be positives:
> The look of the wood
> The dash/door panel gaps
> Metal speaker grills (only kind of a positive, since they’re about four years behind the times on this)
If they were just going to rebadge this why didn’t it come out 10 yrs ago, still dont get it. Side profile looks painfully plain, front looks good, back is decent. Interior looks 5 yrs old, oh wait it is. Only the 3.6 available, sigh. Seems like GM likes being a punchline in the industry. Oh well.
Front looks better than the rest (with a little taste of Escala). Side looks like Kia Telluride, Volvo XC60 and Honda Pilot mix. Inside is 5 years old disaster with small display (even low cost cars has bigger one) – old and conservative people style – and Chevy Silverado steering wheel, hated CUE system etc. New Aviator looks like sexy alien from distant future vs XT6 like standard old fashion bus for seniors.
Looks good.
The interior looks old and used the same seat bases as my Acadia.
The 3.6 is fine. The Turbo would Bering nothing to this FWD based platform but trouble. Now if it were Alpha based that would be another story.
To be honest my Denali for what I paid is a much better package for the money. The added content here is not worth the jump.
This is another good vehicle but not great.
Uck it lincoln is laughing
This would outsell the Aviator. Proof?, Look at Caddy Ute sales vs Lincoln. IMO the turbo 3.0 should been available over the 3.6.
The new Lincoln’s are nice, no question. But I am 99% sure this will sell better than the Aviator. For a long time Lincoln has never been taken seriously as a true luxury brand. They have work to do to establish themselves as a true luxury brand.
Plus, my buddy got a Continental about a year ago and he has had more issues than I could list. He said the quality looks great until you actually break it in, then everything goes downhill.
Looks awesome.