Cadillac XTS sales decreased in the United States and in Canada in the fourth quarter of 2018.
Cadillac XTS Sales - Q4 2018 - United States
In the United States, Cadillac XTS deliveries totaled 5,063 units in Q4 2018, a decrease of about 5 percent compared to 5,352 units sold in Q4 2017.During the complete 2018 calendar year, XTS sales increased about 9 percent to 17,727 units.
| MODEL | Q4 2018 / Q4 2017 | Q4 2018 | Q4 2017 | YTD 2018 / YTD 2017 | YTD 2018 | YTD 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XTS | -5.40% | 5,063 | 5,352 | +8.92% | 17,727 | 16,275 |
Cadillac XTS Sales - Q4 2018 - Canada
In Canada, Cadillac XTS deliveries totaled 121 units in Q4 2018, a decrease of about 62 percent compared to 320 units sold in Q4 2017.During the complete 2018 calendar year, XTS sales decreased about 28 percent to 522 units.
| MODEL | Q4 2018 / Q4 2017 | Q4 2018 | Q4 2017 | YTD 2018 / YTD 2017 | YTD 2018 | YTD 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XTS | -62.29% | 121 | 320 | -28.40% | 522 | 729 |
Competitive Sales Comparison
Cadillac XTS sales continued to suffer in the fourth quarter, but the large sedan still managed to remain the best-seller in its class by a very wide margin. In fact, the XTS sold more than twice as many units as its nearest competitor, the Lincoln Continental (see Lincoln Continental sales), and accounted for 63 percent market share in its direct competitive set.
Sales Numbers - Full-Size Luxury Sedans - Q4 2018 - United States
| MODEL | Q4 18 / Q4 17 | Q4 18 | Q4 17 | YTD 18 / YTD 17 | YTD 18 | YTD 17 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XTS | -5.40% | 5,063 | 5,352 | +8.92% | 17,727 | 16,275 |
| CONTINENTAL | -22.68% | 2,424 | 3,135 | -27.09% | 8,758 | 12,012 |
| RLX | +24.15% | 514 | 414 | +56.10% | 1,931 | 1,237 |
| TOTAL | -10.11% | 8,001 | 8,901 | -3.75% | 28,416 | 29,524 |
The Acura RLX remained a distant third in the segment, though it did manage to post a 24 percent uptick in sales volume.
The full-size premium sedan segment 10 percent in Q4 2018 and 4 percent during the complete 2018 calendar year.
For informational purposes, we are providing sales figures for full-size prestige luxury cars, which are similar in size to the XTS but generally have significantly higher starting prices and vastly different buyer demographics/profiles.
Sales Numbers - Full-Size Prestige Luxury Cars - Q4 2018 - United States
| MODEL | Q4 18 / Q4 17 | Q4 18 | Q4 17 | YTD 18 / YTD 17 | YTD 18 | YTD 17 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S-CLASS | -10.95% | 4,644 | 5,215 | -5.73% | 14,978 | 15,888 |
| LS | +165.12% | 2,630 | 992 | +127.21% | 9,302 | 4,094 |
| CT6 | -0.66% | 2,398 | 2,414 | -8.29% | 9,668 | 10,542 |
| 7 SERIES | -20.97% | 2,145 | 2,714 | -10.83% | 8,271 | 9,276 |
| A8 | +27.26% | 943 | 741 | -48.86% | 1,599 | 3,127 |
| G90 | -77.78% | 256 | 1,152 | -49.07% | 2,240 | 4,398 |
| TOTAL | -1.60% | 13,016 | 13,228 | -2.68% | 46,058 | 47,325 |
The GM Authority Take
We attribute the ongoing decrease in U.S. XTS deliveries to the following factors:
- The age of the current model: though the XTS is competitive in its class and received a mid-cycle enhancement (refresh) for the 2018 model year, it is also the oldest car in its segment, which puts it at a disadvantage compared to the newer, more modern Lincoln Continental and, to a certain extent, the Acura RLX.
- An almost complete lack of marketing support: the XTS sees extremely little advertising from Cadillac, thereby decreasing awareness of the model for potential customers.
- The inability to retain existing XTS owners: Cadillac has not been as successful in retaining XTS customers for a follow-up purchase, either as a result of product-related or competitive reasons, with customers switching to rival luxury brands in the segment or to other models within the Cadillac lineup.
- The ongoing change in consumer-level vehicle purchase dynamics that favors CUVs and SUVs at the expense of other vehicle types, such as sedan.
In addition, we can’t imagine that news of the XTS’ impending demise are helping sales much, though knowledge of the discontinuation is not as widely known among “regular” car buyers (as opposed to enthusiast circles).
We do not foresee XTS sales improving prior to the model’s discontinuation after the 2019 model year.
About The Numbers
- All percent change figures compared to Cadillac XTS Q4 2017 sales
- In the United States, there were 77 selling days in Q4 2018 and 76 selling days in Q4 2017
- Cadillac XTS sales include:
- XTS Sedan
- XTS V-Sport Sedan
- XRS Professional Vehicles, including:
- W20 Livery Package
- W30 Coachbuilder Stretch Livery
- B05 Armored
- B9Q Coachbuilder Funeral Coach
- V4U Coachbuilder Limousine
About Cadillac XTS
The Cadillac XTS is a full-size premium sedan that consists of the XTS Sedan and XTS V-Sport Sedan. The vehicle was the first Cadillac model to be introduced after GM's bankruptcy in the 2009-2010 timeframe and is larger than the compact Cadillac ATS and midsize Cadillac CTS. It is a similar size to the full-size Cadillac CT6 prestige luxury sedan.
The current, first-generation XTS was introduced for the 2013 model year. The vehicle is based on the extended-length wheelbase variant of the GM Epsilon platform known as Super Epsilon. The same platform underpins the second-generation Buick LaCrosse and tenth-generation Chevrolet Impala. The lineup also includes various XTS livery models, including hearse, limo, stretch limo, and more.
For the 2018 model year, the XTS gets a midcycle refresh, with revised exterior styling, slight revisions to the trim level structure, two new exterior colors along with revised interior color combinations and pairing. It also gets improved front seats for higher levels of comfort as well as revisions to the suspension system to provide more comfort for occupants. There's also a host of technology improvements, such as the addition of new active safety features, the new CUE 3.0 infotainment system and more. For more on the updates, see 2018 Cadillac XTS changes.
Cadillac had plans to discontinue the XTS around the 2017 model year, but has decided to continue selling the model and give it a midcycle refresh. Even so, it is expected that the model will be discontinued after the 2019 model year, with the Cadillac CT6 serving as its indirect successor.
The Cadillac XTS is built at the following plants:
- GM Oshawa plant in Ontario, Canada operated by GM Canada to satisfy North American markets, and
- Shanghai-GM Jinqiao North plant operated by GM China for the Chinese market
Related News & Info
- GM news
- GM forums
- Running GM sales results
- Running Cadillac sales
- Running Cadillac XTS sales
- Running Cadillac sales
- Cadillac XTS information
Comments
How come the Escala Boat-tail trunk design was incorporated into the refreshed XTS but it didn’t make its way to the ct6 or the CUV’s? A huge mistake IMO as the Escala Boat-tail was one of the best design features, and there is plenty of room for a license plate on the bumper.
I always did love how the XTS always had some type of “fins”.
I wish Cadillac continued with what was started on the second gen SRX and current Escalade with the taillights. between the “fins” on the SRX and the 4ft lights on the rear of the Escalade it’s absolutely beautiful.
This car in person is a looker. Especially in higher trim. The v-sport will be a steal in couple of years. Cadillac should advertise this car more. It will sell its a car that reminds people of cadillacs and the reviews have not been bad for it. I know its dying but its dying because some moron at GM is not promoting their large cars right.
Joe
No one wants to be the Airport limo brand. Makes it difficult to sell retail. Because drivers don’t want to be mistaken for chauffeurs.
Chauffeurs, ha that’s so 70’s, more like Uber Black XL….?.
I make fun because this is the Full-size that GM shouldn’t make anymore. 2 world-class rwd platforms GM have ready to go and needs to be spread to Chevy/Buick and Holden pronto..
Hurry-up and die already….
I could say that about the entire Buick lineup; but I understand that some people may like different things.
Funny huh…… How some people may have different opinions on things?
Isn’t the real news here that the CT6 outsold the BMW 7-series and every other brand except Lexus and Benz?
Yup Mary the genius just handed over 63% market share to the Germans and Asian brands as far as luxury sedans go. They must be so pleased with her. The rest of us- not so much!
The reality is that the XTS is in a dead segment, front wheel drive large sedans. To be clear, this segment should never have existed past experiments in the 60s, yet it persists. The only reasonn that the XTS has the sales numbers is that the Lincoln Town Car (which isn’t front wheel drive) doesn’t exist anymore, allowing it to take the fleet crown.
You mean people actually *like* a big giant Cadillac? Imagine that.
Of course Cadillac will want to kill it.
It is taking sales away from the CT6
GM genius. If it is selling and dominating. Don’t update or support it. Kill it and say Americans don’t want sedans anymore. Spectacular thinking. IQ= -160.
It’s easier to kill the XTS than find the talent inside of GM to design a credible update the next time around. Besides, Management can now justify importing the next generation from China.
“If it is selling and dominating. Don’t update or support it. Kill it and say Americans don’t want sedans anymore. Spectacular thinking. IQ= -160.”
Your thinking is wrong.
It’s selling in a market segment that is still shrinking and that the majority of Americans don’t care about anymore.
I am sorry if you don’t understand basic math. Shrinking doesn’t mean zero it means less. If market shrinking but thousands of vehicles are still sold, shrinking is irrelevant. GM still sells thousands of the XTS, and if they would update/keep competitive, they probably would sell more.
This is where your thinking is wrong. You have no understanding of the marketplace by your comments.
Oh, and you and they do? Interesting. That is why Ford went from 25% of US csr sales to a shrinking share every day. Yup, you and they understand and I don’t.
I just drove one yesterday as a loaner from my dealer. Wonderful car, all around.It’s interior is the finest in its price range and better than many a higher-price car. I’d like to have one some day.
As for sales, I think the retail business is next to nothing. The vast majority are fleet sales of one kind or another.