The Cadillac XT5 is poised to depart the North American market following the end of the 2024 model year, with the next-generation Cadillac XT5 slated to launch as a Chinese-exclusive model. Nevertheless, Nissan was recently spotted benchmarking the Cadillac XT5, apparently against the Infiniti QX60. Notably, the Cadillac XT5 was only one of several crossover models spotted in Nissan’s parking lot.
In addition to the Cadillac XT5, Nissan was also harboring the Lexus RX, the Lincoln Nautilus, the Acura MDX, the Toyota Highlander, the Genesis GV80, and the Honda Pilot. Photos reveal the Cadillac XT5 parked near the Infiniti QX60.
Nissan’s decision to benchmark the Infiniti QX60 against the Cadillac XT5 is a bit of an odd one. As it is, the Infiniti QX60 is a midsize three-row luxury crossover, which more squarely lines up with the three-row Cadillac XT6, as well as, arguably, the Buick Enclave. Although the Cadillac XT5 and Cadillac XT6 share powertrains and the same platform, Nissan’s decision remains an odd one all the same.
For those readers who may be unaware, the Infiniti QX60 is equipped as standard with a naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 gasoline engine rated at 295 horsepower. Output is harnessed by a nine-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is offered as an optional extra. Upwards of 41.6 cubic feet of cargo room is available in the rear with the third-row folded down.
As a reminder, the Cadillac XT5 currently offers two powertrain options, including the turbocharged 2.0L I4 LSY gasoline engine, which is rated at 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and the naturally aspirated 3.6L V6 LGX gasoline engine, which is rated at 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. The GM nine-speed automatic transmission is onboard for the cog swaps, while the GM C1 platform provides the underpinnings. Production takes place at the GM Spring Hill plant in Tennessee.
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Comments
What’s to benchmark, it’s a seven year old design that’s set to be put out of it’s misery in another year? I’m not knocking the XT5, it’s not a bad vehicle, my wife loves her’s, but what’s to be learned from a dated design that Cadillac doesn’t think is worth updating/replacing in the US?
The 7 year old design of the Cadillac XT5 is still much better looking than any Infiniti SUV!
Interesting, Nissan/Infiniti would benchmark an older Cadillac SUV model.
GM/Cadillac may still be the best after-all.
I was part of a focus group Infiniti FX35 tested against 4 foreign SUVs. Cadillac didn’t make the cut even in 2002.
When you benchmark a competitor, your objective is to target certain best-in-class features or characteristics. Whether it’s NVH, ride and handling, powertrain/performance, etc etc. the developmental objective of course is to match or exceed those BIC characteristics.
The XT5 is no longer close to being a leader in the segment in much of anything (technically speaking) which is the reason it’s being replaced. So what’s the point? Although, given where Infiniti sales and product evaluations have usually been, it does make a certain amount of sense.