Originally slated to launch as a Chinese-exclusive, General Motors is now looking at a business opportunity to bring the second-generation Cadillac XT5 to North America, per a GM Authority exclusive published last November. While there are currently no official announcements indicating that the new XT5 will indeed arrive stateside, it’s an interesting prospect all the same, especially with the recent leak showing the second-gen XT5’s overhauled design. Now, GM Authority is taking a closer look at the new Cadillac XT5 exterior, comparing the design to that of the first-generation model.
While we’ve seen prototype units of the Cadillac XT5 testing on public roads in heavy camouflage, the recent leaks (first posted online last week by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in China) show the next-gen crossover completely uncovered. Under the skin, the second-gen XT5 will ride on the GM C1-2 platform, while the cabin is expected to incorporate a new digital display mounted on the dash. Today, however, we’re focusing on the exterior design and how it compares to the first-generation XT5.
Second-gen Cadillac XT5
First-gen Cadillac XT5
Front End
Let’s start with the front end, where the second-gen shows a completely new lighting treatment with slim horizontal lights along the hood line and vertical lighting along the outer edges of the fascia, the two lighting elements separated by a thin body-colored line. By comparison, the first-gen model incorporates more angular lights that run up along the fenders, as well as small lower lights in the bottom corner of the fascia.
The grille treatment is also new, with the next-gen XT5’s primary air intake looking considerably wider than that of the first-gen model. The grille insert design is also new, with the next-gen model once again offering up different grille patterns depending on the trim level selected (Luxury / Premium Luxury or Sport). The upper grille trim bit connecting the top lights is either silver or darker colored, depending on the trim level.
Finally, the lower intake is now wider on the next-gen model, once again emphasizing the visual width of the second-generation Cadillac XT5.
Second-gen Cadillac XT5
First-gen Cadillac XT5
Side Profile
Moving into the profile, we see the next-generation Cadillac XT5 equipped with a set of multi-spoke alloys with a bright silver finish, while lower in the body, we see a strip of black cladding running around the perimeter of the vehicle. The lower black styling line of the first-gen model has transformed into an indented styling line in the second-gen model.
Also notable are the window surrounds, with black trim for the upper window sections and bright trim for the lower surrounds. Also notable is the monochromatic Cadillac badge on the front fender and the body-colored door handles, while higher up in the design, we see a set of roof rails (either silver or black, depending on the trim level) and a thin black trim line separating the C-pillar from the roof. The sideview mirrors are also body-colored or black, depending on the trim level.
Second-gen Cadillac XT5
First-gen Cadillac XT5
Rear End
Finally, the rear end of the second-generation Cadillac XT5 shows further lighting changes with upside-down L-shaped taillight clusters that connect with the hatch, as compared to the first-gen’s taillights that connect to the rear fenders. The hatch trim was lengthened to span the width of the hatch, while the lower fascia was considerably reworked as well. The twin trapezoidal exhaust outlets are once integrated with the lower fascia. Up top, we once again spot a centrally mounted comms fin.
Stay tuned to GM Authority for all the latest on the upcoming second-gen Cadillac XT5, and remember to subscribe for more Cadillac XT5 news, Cadillac news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
I am actually disappointed that the new XT5 isn’t more different. It really looks more like a mid cycle refresh than a new model. I guess that’s what the Chinese market wants.
If they ever bring it back, the XT5 should be a bolder statement in the cadillac lineup. They already have the XT4 and XT6 to cover the entry level and soccer mom functions. The XT5 should be the CTS of the SUVs.
Thank you GM Authority for doing a proper introduction of a new model alongside its predecessor. Much easier to distinguish differences when viewing images side by side. Keep it up!
Come on GM, give us the new XT5 and GT4 in the US.
After 20+ years Im leaving Cadillac if we don’t get new metal and interior on the 2025? XT5
I have an Escalade at this time but I’m in the market for a new vehicle. I will purchase an XT5 new generation if it’s brought to the US….. If not I will be forced to switch to another vehicle manufacturer. I have been a loyal Cadillac and GM customer all my life. … Over 40 years.. and my father before me.
Nice tweaks that should have showed up in America in 2023, shocked how Caddy dropped the ball on the XT5! Now they want to ship this 2025 from China. GM is making huge errors in our USA vehicle business.
Hope it is made in USA not a communist country that hates the US. …….
2nd gen is much more handsome. More masculine. Better flatter wider more chunky front end. Wider rear end. An update like this will keep the 1st gen relevant and support resale values. I’m all for this type of design progression. Good job Cadillac!!
Manufacture in the USA and bring it home. NEVER import a Cadillac from China. Cadillac needs this vehicle. 100% Electric move was to aggressive. Cadillac is truly making excellent products now.
I own a CT5 V with supercuise. Amazing build quality, performance. Every BMW owner I know loves my car once they drive it. Give this new model the element tweaks to elevate a bit and figure out how to get it manufactured domestically Now. Slow down the aggressive electric move. Got a little ahead of yourselves.
I hope we get it because I’m tired of driving the same old Volkswagen we had back in the sixties same body style year after year, At least the help’s keep the value of my old xt5 2017 But doesn’t make much money for G.M.
GM Senior Executives,
I go out of my way to not buy anything made in China!!!
If the 2025 Cadillac XT5 isn’t manufactured in the USA dint bother to import it from Communist China whose goal is to destroy America…!!!
P.S. Also don’t offer the new XT5 with only a four banger!
P.S.S. I hope the GM senior executives read these comments and take them seriously. Most of us are loyal long term GM customers!
Just a tip GM Authority, best to keep the 3 comparisons photos the same color, side profile being a dark grey I guess. It would help us see the differences easier. Thanks for the info though.
The updated model looks outdated already.
Why does GM hate Cadillac dealers? This is garbage.
Come on Cadillac, make the XT5 in the USA.
if its made in China, a country that hates us— I won’t buy it……
Also keep the V-6 •••• Please!!!!
Too bad its made in communist China. I wonder if they fixed all the cheap interior trim rattles and buzzes. Looks like my 2023 XT5 will be my last.
Hey Rick,
I bought a new 2018 XT5 and loved it so much I built a 2023 XT5 Sport Premium blacked out and I love it even more and many people comment on how cool it is…!!!
Marcus. There’s some great attributes in the XT5. Excellent driving and steering dynamics for one. My issue on both vehicles I’ve leased new is numerous interior trim buzzes, rattles, etc. Its not what one expects in a $70k luxury vehicle. I’ve had several Chevy and Buick SUVs that did not do that. I’m a retired GM vehicle development engineer. I spent my career evaluating ride, handling and solving squeak and rattle problems on prototypes. The XT5 issues could be fixed with minimal work and investment. I’m surprised GM has not done that as part of ongoing product development.
Rick,
I am amazed and saddened you had those issues with your two XT5s. I didn’t have any issues with my 2018 XT5 which all service was performed at my Cadillac Dealer and I sold it with 44,000 miles on it. I have about 6,000 miles on my 2023 XT5 Sport and it has been superb. We both had 2009 CTS Premiums and loved them! My wife has a 2016 ELR we ordered new and she absolutely loves it and will keep it and replace the propulsion battery when needed. We will not be purchasing a full EV!
Marcus,
My 2023 was tight and rattle free for the first 1000 miles. I drive all paved roads but the side road to my sub has a lot of cold patches. When I complained to my dealer he made a lot of excuses that there were no loaners and they would need the car for several days. I now is 14 months old with 16000 miles and I’ve tried 3 times to get it fixed with the same mo loaner excuse. Also. I got a recall letter from GM 8 months ago that my car is one of 750 built with an undersized sun gear in the transmission that could fail. The dealer had no parts to repair it and a week ago they had the parts but did not have the special tool needed. This is NOT how a company retains good customers.
Rick,
I haven’t had a recall on my XT5 and hopefully I won’t be one of the 750! Hopefully you can have the rattles taken care of at the time the sun gear is replaced. For warranty service GM will pay for a rental vehicle.
Understand the Cadillac heritage thing but personally I’m not really a fan of vertical tail lamps. Just my opinion. I like the rest of the vehicle though and I think it’s a major improvement over the aging current version.
Still no plans to offer it in NA?
I have purchased three, 2017, 2021, 2024 all SPORT with all options. Too bad the Night Vision is gone. Will purchase again if made in the US with V6 or V8 ICE. China and US need to improve quality post pandemic. It is very sad the 2024 has needed the most expensive warranty repair work.