At first glance, the photo above may look like nothing more than a promotional shot for Cadillac’s three current crossovers, but if you’re familiar with Cadillac‘s changing design language, you may realize there’s a lot more going on in the image.
These three crossovers, despite all being current Cadillac vehicles, each feature a different generation of Cadillac design, as our sister site Cadillac Society points out.
The oldest of these three products, the Cadillac XT5, has the earliest take on Cadillac design, with its original design harking back to the Art & Science era. Cadillac updated the XT5 for the 2020 model year, but it does not have the horizontal lighting elements as either the Cadillac XT4 or the Cadillac XT6, setting it apart from those two. Notice how accentuated the side character lines are compared to the XT4, as well.
Landing in the middle of the XT5 and XT6 in terms of Cadillac design evolution is the XT4. With more horizontal lighting elements and a more modern exterior look than the XT5, the XT4’s appearance bridges the gap between that vehicle and the more recent XT6. Note that it does not have the very thin, horizontal lighting elements of the XT6.
Setting the XT6’s design apart from the XT4 and XT5 are its very thin, horizontal headlamps, long vertical LED light signatures and upright, horizontal character lines. This is the design direction that Cadillac crossovers and all of Cadillac are headed in the future and was inspired by the Cadillac Escala concept.
Notably, this design language is also employed by the 2019 Cadillac CT6 and the 2020 Cadillac CT5 and CT4. Furthermore, the next-generation Cadillac Escalade will also utilize this same design approach.
Going forward, Cadillac design will take cues from the Cadillac EV crossover concept whose image was shown during a presentation at the 2019 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Left to right: Cadillac XT6, XT4, XT5
Cadillac is busy behind-the-scenes right now, with an aggressive product onslaught that includes the CT4 and CT5, as well as the next-gen Escalade. Cadillac electric cars are expected to launch circa 2022.
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Source: Cadillac Society
Comments
Outstanding Cadillac design becomes more generic. EV 2022 (?) model looks like ugly fat whale on the beach. Lets Caddy be Caddy again is just empty motto
Cadillac has to differentiate itself from the other GM models. I have an XT5, which is a nice vehicle, but doesn’t compare to the German models. It has the same engine, drive train, etc as all other GM models. Cadillac should have made the XT5 rear wheel drive to be a small Escalade. 🙂 At the least, all Cadillacs should have a “Tuned by Cadillac” option on the drive trains for curb appeal and more zoom. Just saying because I like the Cadillac styling.
Hate to say this as I am a huge Cadillac fan. How did GM allow Lincoln to have better looking and more luxurious CUV’s than Cadillac.
“How did GM allow Lincoln to have better looking and more luxurious CUV’s than Cadillac.”
The sales charts tell a story that does not support that false notion.
The sale charts also show that Cadillac is loosing ground on the margin. IMO Cadillac just does not have the stickyness to keep current Cadillac owners in the family. Many buy once, then leave. I am one.
While Cadillac will sell many of the new XT6’s, Lincoln will be selling perhaps many more Aviators, at a higher price point IMO. Plus wait till the press star comparing the CT6 to the Aviator.
So, I am what I consider the typical Cadillac buyer…currently own a 2013 XTS with a lot of miles, which I love, but will be buying a CUV for road trips and hauling grandkids around (not to mention that sedans just do not hold their value). I wanted to buy a XT6, but was disappointed it was missing several tech and comfort items…like massaging seats, large center stack screen….and don’t get me started on not having supercruise.
I decided to buy a Lincoln Aviator Reserve II. It costs more (not by much), but is so much more CUV. Dynamic handling, super comfortable seats, rear console, iPhone as a key, etc…. and IMO looks so much better.
I so wanted to buy a Cadillac XT6, but I am so disappointed that Cadillac decided to just throw something out there and not really meet the market.
You made the correct decision. You shouldn’t feel bad for leaving the Cadillac family, Cadillac should feel ashamed they basically forced your hand and probably others to chose the obviously much better vehicle due to their extremely weak effort XT6 in the Segment.
Cadillac deserved so much better than Corporate GM is giving them. The XT6 is a borderline Joke when compared to the Competition.
Not even sure how anyone here can even try and defend the XT6 against the competition.
So that is the only thing you look at it now Alex?
By that theory, is the Mustang and Challenger much better vehicles than the Camaro simply because they both spank the Camaro in sales?
Momolos is so right. Also by that logic, the Tacoma is a way better truck because its sales vastly outnumber those of the Colorado and Canyon combined. I also suppose the Tacoma is a better looking vehicle than is the Colorado (it’s not; the Tacoma is butt ugly).
I hope Mark R doesn’t stop really fast. Someone may never see daylight again.
And the sales chart say the same about Cadillac’s cars ATS, CTS, CT6. I forgot the CT5 will offer cooled seats unlike the 3 series but it still can’t and will not be able to outsell it or the C, A4 and others.
It’s too early for the XT6 vs Aviator in sales – The Aviator is superior to the XT6 in every way possible. FACT.
All Cadillac’s SUVs are nothing more than warmed over Chevys. The XT5 sales are on the decline. I keep seeing the reviews of the XT6 and how KIA and Hyundai offer a better SUV than a Cadillac. Sorry Chevrollac.
Did they hire the Mazda guys?
I never liked the Escala concept’s take on the Art and Science design language.
The horizontal headlights are beginning to undo over a decade’s worth of brand identity. A big shiny grille flanked by tall vertical light signatures is something only Cadillac does, making them instantly recognizable.
Compared to the Elmiraj and Ciel, the Escala and its related design cues go for an “understated” look. ‘American’ luxury and ‘understated’ doesn’t go together. While I generally reject the idea that Cadillac is “trying to be a German clone”, I can agree that the newest evolution in exterior design fits that narrative.
To me, the pinnacle of Cadillac design will always be the Elmiraj. The further they stray from that path, the more they will lose their visual identity.
The Next Concept may be named Cadillac Escargot. The theme? Generic and slow looking is beautiful.
As an ATS-V owner, I like the exterior styling of both the XT6 and XT4. But just like my ATS the interior comes up way short in terms of design and luxury . However my ultimate dealbreaker is GMs low effort run of the mill powertrains that I will never waste my money on.
In complete agreement.
GM interiors are just not up to par with their respected competitors in almost every single segment. Name me one GM vehicle that has the best interior in its segment? There’s only one but we cannot purchase one yet, the C8
I was hopeful that after Lutz left GM would’ve kept up with interiors as Lutz has always stated are just so darn important in the marketplace.
The XT5 and the XT6 should at the very least have the 3.0TT Cadillac Specific V6. Let alone that it should have been RWD Architecture but that is a whole other debate.
Even the 2020 Ford Explorer is rwd all these guys care about is the bottom line. That 3.6 v6 sounds like it’s gonna come apart when you step on it. So step it up Cadillac. -_-
Use to be a Cadillac buyer from 1977 until 2002. Now Cadillac falls short in design and quality. My Buick LaCrosse and Enclave have far better design and quality for less money.
If I was going to spend this much I would go with a German Brand.
Almost everything from Cadillac in the last five years has represented a serious downhill slump in terms of design. So sad and generic. That fugly wreath-less stretched-out grody looking logo doesn’t help either.
I was never really a fan of the XT5 design to be honest. It’s a great car, love the way it drives but the looks are still meh IMO.
I hated the XT6 design at first, and even now after seeing it in person (where it looks so much better), it’s still not my favorite but it does look pretty damn good.
I loved the XT4 from the minute I saw it debut, and I still love the way it looks today!
I kinda like how all 3 have a different look though. The 6 is big and bold, and the 4 is neat, tight and sporty. The 5 is just the “redheaded middle child”.
Have you guys seen what Lincoln is up to? I mean wow…Cadillac is disappointing lately. Just take a look at the new Aviator and compare it to that XT6. Psshhhhh not even close!
You people that say that Cadillac isn’t on par with german brands? Gimme a break. I’ve owned a couple of BMW’s and never will again. Cadillac is making great looking vehicles and they keep the updates coming. My wife is in an XT4 right now and the build quality and materials inside and out are first class. There are nicer cars, but they have a bigger price tag. Cadillac is still a classy American vehicle! ?
@Keith Rigsby
I am a little confused by your statement.
Your wife drives an XT4 (which is the best all around Cadillac CUV in my opinion when all things are considered) but you also said there are nicer cars out there that are just more expensive.
So my confusion is, are you stating the XT4 is best in class or you do acknowledge that there are better vehicles in the market and they happen to be a little pricier that you do not want to pay for?
Or did you just want to drive a Cadillac and went with the XT4 regardless of price and competition?
Sorry not trying to put you on the spot I was just curious.
I like the XT4 just wish it had some features others in the class offered as well
Caddillac needs an urgent managment change
They had Johan but we saw what GM did with an outsider that doesn’t want to do everything the Beancounters tell them.
Cadillac issues go much deeper than who is running it. GM just needs to once and for all decide to go All In with Cadillac.
VW did just that with Audi and 20 years later they turned into a Monster on a Tier One Luxury Auto Maker that is now quite literally printing money for Parent Company VW for years.
Really?, that’s the only thing Lincoln have, the Aviator. The Navigatior is ok at best and already shut down in sales vs current Escalade and to be blown out the water by next Escalade, the Nautilus is a slower Edge ST with chrome, Corsair is the same except there’s no ST Escape (yet) and sedans?, give me a break.. Stinkcoln fans are something else…..
I am not a Lincoln fan and have never been. As a Cadillac fan though, I can see that Lincoln has better CUV’s on the Market. Not one CUV in Cadillacs lineup is better than a Lincoln CUV right now. Not one.
How can anyone even debate that? Hopefully the All New Slade will be much better than the Gator.
I will always expect nothing but the best of what GM has to offer specifically for the Cadillac Brand. And guess what, GM is simply not delivering as of right now except the new C8.
Cadillac just needs to put $400.00 more into their interiors and everything would fine.
Lincoln has proved that it works.
The days of assuming the Cadillac brand naturally commands a higher price are over.
It’s style and features are no longer an exclusive and little has been done offer compelling vehicles set it apart from the crowd.
Oh…and while I’m at it, the color selection for the CT6’s is “funerial” at best. How many shades of depressing grey and black do folks need.
Chris
Yes, I have seen what Lincoln is up to. They are killing they’re cars, and moving their crossover/SUVs to look more like a Bentley/Rolls-Royce product.
It’s a good strategy. I’m sure Lincoln will soon start selling in Bentley/Rolls-Royce numbers. Much like Genesis.
I am also a Cadillac fan / buyer I own an xt5 with the same gauge cluster as my SRX had . High TAP’s and forget about being a sales leader anymore . Reading all of the replies is exactly how main stream buyers think about Cadillac these days . And this ” Y “stratedgy makes no sense but customers thinking ” why ” would I spend more money for less . The new XT6 is a huge disappointment , the Telluride will kick butt as its interior is much more modern . Its time to show Mary B. the door .
I like the XT6 – CT5 – CT6 – and front of the CT4, and loved the Escala look, inside and out.
This is all just my opinion !
All Cadillac should be RWD or RWD/AWD !
All Cadillac should have a step up in performance, the next sized GM engine per weight and wind resistance, standard, so there is a noticeable Cadillac difference !
At least a better tune, but I would rather just see the next step up !
And the interior, not even sure where to begin.
I prefer the CT6 – XT5 – XT6 interior, over the CT4 – CT5 – XT4,
But I think absolutely every GM interior design needs to be reworked.
Even if GM has the material quality better, like the new Denali truck seats.
The patterns and designs, even of the seats, is lacking, again in my opinion.
I’m not sure if its cost, focus groups, or just poor vision, but its not good.
Even if the center stack of the new truck has good equipment, the look is ” sad ” pulling your emotions down, just the look !
And then there is the Customer support, and I am not talking a warranty, or a contract of sorts.
I am talking customer support !
A GM or Cadillac employee looking the Cadillac customer in the eye and talking !
Not an independent GM dealer employee that has absolutely no skin in the game and nothing to loose .
Cadillac needs to talk to the customer make the decision based on facts, then involve the dealer.
In my opinion, these changes would fix Cadillac and the Cadillac image in 6 years or two, three year lease cycles.
Just one opinion, but I mite say, to the general US public Cadillac is the joke of GM.
They cant seem to make or follow a plan longer than 6 months.
I am a GM supporter but I think the slips of design need to be addressed.
And the total disregard for the customer loyalty, I don’t get it.
Wouldn’t you think you need all the customers you can get, if we go into another recession ?
O well !!
I finally got to witness a CT4 (non V) in person, and my goodness pictures do not do it justice. It was stunning in person. I’m completely sold on one.
I absolutely agree. The CT4 is a really pretty thing. The design language that caddy is going toward is much better than it’s been in the past few years, but I’m one for the adamantine design, rather than the bubbly young styling of the past.
I see Simcoe’s influence on the XT6, and not in a good way. It’s blander and the front has less form, as if the features are just surface graphics painted on a box.
Unless Simcoe is shown the door I believe he will devastate GM’s sales. He’s already hurt Camaro sales with the ’19 refresh, and many Chevy truck buyers consider the latest Silverados to be the ugliest Chevy trucks ever sold.
Judging by how bland and nondescript the Volvo XC 90 or a Cadillac XT6 is and the rear quarters disaster known as the CT5 i’m not holding out much hope, especially for that ugly electric thing.
Don’t worry. The ELECTRIC THING will be at worst electrifyingly bad.
Did anyone here drive the XT6 or just dumping opinions right and left!!!!
If the Escalade 2021 which has a strong precedence of opulence, if it looks anything like the new cadillac suv crossover, i will get rid of all my escalades and switch to lincoln for my fleet of luxary vehicles. It will be clear to me that Cadillac have completley lost the plot.
Nothing stunning “Styling” wise is going to come out of Cadillac for a long while.
It’s all predictable evolution and constrained by the proportions of an SUV.
Man, the XT4 and XT5 look ANCIENT next to the XT6. The XT6 looks truly modern.