Cadillac XTS sales decreased in the United States and in Canada in the first quarter of 2019.
Cadillac XTS Sales - Q1 2019 - United States
In the United States, Cadillac XTS deliveries totaled 3,734 units in Q1 2019, a decrease of about 24 percent compared to 4,898 units sold in Q1 2018.| MODEL | Q1 2019 / Q1 2018 | Q1 2019 | Q1 2018 |
|---|---|---|---|
| XTS | -23.76% | 3,734 | 4,898 |
Cadillac XTS Sales - Q1 2019 - Canada
In Canada, Cadillac XTS deliveries totaled 244 units in Q1 2019, an increase of about 146 percent compared to 99 units sold in Q1 2018.| MODEL | Q1 2019 / Q1 2018 | Q1 2019 | Q1 2018 |
|---|---|---|---|
| XTS | +146.45% | 244 | 99 |
Competitive Sales Comparison
Cadillac XTS sales continued to drop in the first quarter, but the large luxury sedan still managed to remain the best selling in its class by a very wide margin. In fact, the XTS sold nearly thrice as many units as its nearest competitor, the Lincoln Continental (see Lincoln Continental sales), and accounted for 68 percent market share in its direct competitive set, which is 5 percent more than in Q1 2018.
The Acura RLX remained a distant third in the segment, losing about 18 percent in terms of sales volume.
Sales Numbers - Full-Size Luxury Sedans - Q1 2019 - United States
| MODEL | Q1 19 / Q1 18 | Q1 19 | Q1 18 | Q1 19 SHARE | Q1 18 SHARE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CADILLAC XTS | -23.76% | 3,734 | 4,898 | 68% | 63% |
| LINCOLN CONTINENTAL | -43.66% | 1,355 | 2,405 | 25% | 31% |
| ACURA RLX | -17.71% | 381 | 463 | 7% | 6% |
| TOTAL | -29.56% | 5,470 | 7,766 |
The full-size premium sedan segment decreased nearly 30 percent in Q1 2019.
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 - Q1 2019 - United States
| MODEL | Q1 19 / Q1 18 | Q1 19 | Q1 18 | Q1 19 SHARE | Q1 18 SHARE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS | +7.25% | 3,151 | 2,938 | 32% | 32% |
| LEXUS LS | -16.03% | 1,404 | 1,672 | 14% | 18% |
| CADILLAC CT6 | -11.31% | 2,188 | 2,467 | 22% | 27% |
| BMW 7 SERIES | +27.39% | 2,293 | 1,800 | 23% | 19% |
| AUDI A8 | +112.13% | 787 | 371 | 8% | 4% |
| TOTAL | +6.22% | 9,823 | 9,248 |
The GM Authority Take
We attribute the ongoing decrease in U.S. Cadillac XTS sales to the following factors:
- The ongoing change in consumer-level vehicle purchase dynamics that favors CUVs and SUVs at the expense of sedans.
- 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 very 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 or, in some cases, to other models within the Cadillac lineup.
In addition, we can’t imagine that news of the XTS’ coming demise are helping sales much, though knowledge of the discontinuation is not as widely known among “regular” car buyers (as opposed to enthusiast circles).
Overall, it’s nice to see the XTS remain the best-selling model in its segment, but a best-seller in a shrinking pool is not a winning business proposition. Hence, we do not foresee XTS sales improving prior to the model’s impending discontinuation after the 2019 model year.
About The Numbers
- All percent change figures compared to Cadillac XTS Q1 2018 sales
- In the United States, there were 76 selling days in Q1 2019 and 76 selling days in Q1 2018
- 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 XTSÂ information
Comments
I really liked my 2016 XTS, but why should a buyer “invest” sixty grand in a model largely ignored by GM, and soon to be discontinued? It’s a shame. It’s a solid car, comfortable and reliable.
This car has been a good seller for Cadillac . Out-selling the bigger and more expensive CT6 . The softer ride and price was a more traditional Cadillac not chasing the Germans . It did what it was suppose to do at the time , replacing 2 older models and giving Cadillac another attempt at re-inventing itself .
Yup. That’s pretty much what happens when you hang a tag on it’s big toe! You don’t see people going into the morgue looking for a partner. Why would people go into the Cadillac store looking to buy a dead model? And like the article said, it certainly doesn’t help that you NEVER see advertising for Cadillac cars.
On another note, I see quite a few XTS’s on the road out here in southern California. Most are used for livery service, but none-the-less they are still nice looking cars.
XTS was a typical GM rush job after DTS finished up and DT7 was unexpectedly cancelled in the bankruptcy . It was meant as a placeholder until the real car arrived someday in the future. That would be the 2016 CT6.
Ironic it is that the XTS then outsells the CT6.
For it’s obvious shortcomings XTS is probably the best value Cadillac offers.
Interesting that the XTS is older yet doing much better than the 2 year old Continental
Just die before GM change it’s mind to keep making livery garbage like this again……..
The news of this car’s cancelation along with the others has been on the radio, local newspapers and all over the internet so you would need to be a hermit not to know this by now. Even my 80 year old mother is aware and she knows little to nothing about cars and pays little attention otherwise except for some ground breaking news like killing off most of your sedans.
Add in the advertising problem and the half baked refresh and it’s no wonder sales continue to slide. It is interesting that this now 8 year old model is still outselling Lincoln’s 2 year old Continental but I suspect price and styling have something to do with it.
I for one thinks it dumb they are getting rid of the car. It outsells everything in its class. Its what Cadillac was know for. Its a very nice looking car with the update. Those who have not seen it person will change their mind. the pictures do not do it justice. The CT6 is nice also. If the CT5 can capture the sales of the XTS then I can understand getting rid of it but right now I have my doubts. I like the CT5 but the XTS is what older americans look at for a Cadillac as they get older and don’t want a CUV/SUV.
I agree with you. I like the XT6. I like the rear tail lights – they’re expensive looking and stylish. It outsells the other Cadillac sedans. I think they should keep it around for a little longer.
@kev:
I’m not poking fun at you. In all actuality, I’m going to (again) smack Cadillac in the head to make a point. Above you say: “I like the XT6….”
So like me, you seem to be getting confused on the “names” here too. I bet this wouldn’t happen if they used real names like Fleetwood!