The 2021 Cadillac XT5 can now be ordered with monochromatic badges, GM Authority has learned. The badges are offered as an LPO-level item for grille and liftgate, which means that they are installed by the dealer rather than at the factory. They can also be purchased as an official Cadillac accessory.
2020 Cadillac XT5 Sport with standard badge on front grille
The badges are priced at $175 and have the RPO code SFZ. They are available for all models in the Cadillac XT5 range, regardless of trim level.
Monochromatic badges are not new in the Cadillac line-up. They have been an option for the 2021 Cadillac XT4 for several months, and are also available for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade either as a $295 stand-alone accessory or as part of the $2,295 Onyx Package. The package also includes 22-inch 12-spoke Gloss Black finish alloy wheels, a Gloss Black Cadillac nameplate and a puddle lamp with the Cadillac crest, and is an option only in the Sport trim level.
These new monochromatic badges for the XT5 join similar badges found on the front fenders of current Cadillac vehicles. Additionally, the upcoming Cadillac Lyriq electric crossover, due to go on sale in the first quarter of 2022, will feature a simple black and white light-up crest.
Some may regret this gradual trend away from the traditional Cadillac logo, which features red, blue and yellow elements – mostly rectangular for luxury models but slanted in the case of the more sporty V-Series vehicles, including the upcoming ultra-high-performance Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing.
However, this is part of an industry-wide trend that’s particular popular among younger buyers, who prefer monochromatic elements over those with bright multi-color elements.
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This post was created in collaboration with our sister publication, Cadillac Society.
Comments
Every update to the badge looks more chintzy.
Blah. It’s stuff like this that just gets me as it starts with this and ends up with other stupid moves to continually keep trying to appeal to people Cadillac will probably never get. Like chasing the German brands and leaving the loyal Cadillac owners/buyers over the years. It’s stuff like this that got us stupid stuff like CT4 and CT5 instead of decent names. And I’ll bet you that the people making these decisions have zero clue of any history of this brand. Let’s just hope they leave this as an option instead of making this the next “new” thing.
I won’t go into more of it for the sake of keeping this shorter, but here is just a tiny bit of history about the fantastic Cadillac wreath and crest emblem. Enjoy.
“The original Cadillac crest
The first automotive Cadillac emblem featured the following design elements:
The Couronne (Crown): The six ancient counts of France, with the pearls being descendancy from the royal counts of Tolouse.
The Merlettes: Commonly known as “the ducks,” these birds appear in trios to symbolize the Holy Trinity, with three on one side representing the nobility of the mother’s lineage and the others representing the father’s noble lineage. The use of the birds comes from the time of the Crusades.
Color Stripes: Black (superiority), gold (riches), red (boldness), silver (virtue), and blue (valor). The black stripe itself is indicative of an award for Crusader service.
The Laurel Wreath: A symbol of aristocracy and victory.
Cadillac logo old design
The most popular design during the 20th century.”
News Sources: GM Heritage Center, GM Authority
Too generic. I liked the Merlettes better.
@paul
If you think the Cadillac crest is “generic”, you do not know the meaning of the word.
I agree. I haven’t bought a Cadillac yet, but hope to have a full emblem when I do, and not a worn out one!
Kryst!
You guys are so predictable.
IT’S JUST A D**N EMBLEM AND AN OPTIONAL ONE AT THAT!
Back in “the good old days” (1950s) Cadillac revised the Crest every year. Often 2 or more different versions would be used on different parts of the car. The exterior crests on all Cadillacs was completely colorless for 1959 through 1962. Inside it might be fully colored. NO ONE COMPLAINED.
That was then. This is now.
“The exterior crests on all Cadillacs was completely colorless for 1959 through 1962. Inside it might be fully colored. NO ONE COMPLAINED.”
No internet in 1959 through 1962. So you really have no idea if “NO ONE COMPLAINED”. Right?
At the end of the day no sales will be lost to an optional emblem.
Look there are much more serious things that Cadillac needs to and is addressing. The first is the fact they are selling operate vehicles with better interiors. When I bought out GMC SUV I looked at the Cadillac and to be honest it was nice but $10K more nicer. Same engine and suspension just better seats and nicer dash.
If they want my money they need to bring a better package and give me more for my money than just a styling exercise.
Cadillac can no longer just sell on image anymore as they have lost their name equity. They need to bring back that equity with better products. I feel that the EV models may do this as they do look very interesting and they are not what I can get at any other GM division. The key will be to keep this difference and improve on it.
As for emblems it really matters little if it is not on a quality product with an earned higher image.
People that argue emblems and names puzzle me. That is like arguing about the candles on a birthday cake and the cake is so stale you can’t eat it anyways.
Same for reaching to the past. Old names and big fins will never fix the issues they face.
C8.R: I can see your point and agree with some of them, but aren’t the little details what makes or breaks anything in sales? Let’s take the example of a house for sale. Many times people will focus (wrongly, but they do) on the little things like carpet, flooring, paint, etc. In most but not all housing markets, that can kill a sale fast or it will at minimum drive the price down. It’s the same with auto sales. Those little details will certainly make the difference. The one thing that really stands out to me in your comment is “Cadillac can no longer just sell on image anymore as they have lost their name equity”. I assume your point was different, yet your comment really makes the case for why branding/names/emblems, etc are so important. Yes, Cadillac has lost it’s way and no matter how you feel about them, it’s both because of questionable products for year and the loss of it’s true brand. After all, you can buy a Timex or a Rolex and they both tell you the time. Why would anyone buy the Rolex then? Same reason why people buy luxury car brands. They want a story. They want exclusivity. They want history.
Cadillac really needs to get back to the place where the world compares the best of the best as the “Cadillac of……” To do this, they need great product and to build a story that makes people want to buy them. Monotone emblems and names like CT4/XT6 just don’t do that.
i prefer the luxury crest emblem on my srx but the biggest problem i have with a new caddy is the outdated dash in the xt5 i am now considering a lincolin .have you seen there new dashes!
we have 2018 and 2020 xt5s Outstanding vehicle , even the dash , neat clean and functional , still prefer Cadillac crest and colored emblem , monochromatic looks cheap
well the xt5 is still on top of my list just like more wow factor
XT5 has bigger concerns than the emblem.
My wife has an xt5, it’s been flawless in 2 years of ownership. We bought it because she liked it, I on the other hand wanted an Escalade but she thought it was too big. I hate the infotainment system, the start stop and the v-6 engine that makes a cheap buzzing sound when you start it. But she likes it and that’s what matters. I liked the Acadia Denali better at the time for 10 k less. Xt5 was hot at the time (2018) and the dealers weren’t discounting much.
How about bringing back a more luxurious interior the xt5 is very cheaply made beautiful car but the inside looks cheap. My old xls 2010 would outshine the xt5 any day. Sorry I traded.
awesome car but yes interiors are not up to Cadillac standards ,my 1978 cutlass brougham had better material door panels .
I want the 1956 badge with the Zac Snyder color treatment. Also, why the F doesn’t the Blackwing have it’s own unique badges? You have a Blackwing logo on the engine, use it!