GM is moving to discontinue its line of ICE-based XT crossovers, replacing the Cadillac XT4, XT5, and XT6 with a range of new all-electric crossovers, namely the Cadillac Optiq, Cadillac Lyriq, and Cadillac Vistiq. Which may lead some GM fans to ask – why is GM discontinuing the Cadillac XT4? Is it all just about electrification? That’s the topic at hand in the most-recent Cadillac Society podcast.
Hosted by GM Authority Executive Editor Alex Luft, the podcast dives into the reasoning behind GM’s decision to discontinue the Cadillac XT4 following the conclusion of the 2025 model year.
It all starts with sales. Long story short, XT4 sales have been lackluster at best, slotting into the middle of the pack in terms of a sales volume. As GM Authority covered previously, the XT4 posted 5,655 units sold in the third quarter of 2024, a seven-percent uptick compared to the 5,300 units sold in Q3 of 2023, landing the XT4 in seventh place among Luxury C-Segment Crossovers.
Sales Numbers - Luxury C-Segment Crossovers - Q3 2024 - USA
MODEL | Q3 24 / Q3 23 | Q3 24 | Q3 23 | Q3 24 SHARE | Q3 23 SHARE | YTD 24 / YTD 23 | YTD 24 | YTD 23 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LEXUS NX | +6.96% | 18,876 | 17,647 | 24% | 26% | +3.54% | 53,515 | 51,685 |
BUICK ENVISION | +72.62% | 12,565 | 7,279 | 16% | 11% | -1.20% | 34,425 | 34,842 |
ACURA RDX | +4.49% | 12,044 | 11,527 | 15% | 17% | +18.29% | 32,178 | 27,202 |
AUDI Q3 | +36.01% | 7,422 | 5,457 | 9% | 8% | +51.18% | 21,743 | 14,382 |
LINCOLN CORSAIR | -12.29% | 6,887 | 7,852 | 9% | 11% | +12.89% | 19,736 | 17,483 |
MERCEDES-BENZ GLA-CLASS | +165.05% | 6,703 | 2,529 | 8% | 4% | +13.49% | 13,449 | 11,850 |
CADILLAC XT4 | +6.70% | 5,655 | 5,300 | 7% | 8% | -11.90% | 15,688 | 17,807 |
BMW X1 | -1.79% | 5,597 | 5,699 | 7% | 8% | +33.42% | 17,214 | 12,902 |
MERCEDES-BENZ GLB-CLASS | -39.19% | 3,108 | 5,111 | 4% | 7% | -6.70% | 12,150 | 13,023 |
BMW X2 | +1,916.54% | 706 | 35 | 1% | 0% | +1,129.55% | 2,164 | 176 |
TOTAL | +16.26% | 79,563 | 68,436 | +10.38% | 222,262 | 201,352 |
This middling sales performance can be attributed to a few different reasons. Critics can point to the product itself and the highly competitive segment in which it plays, but it’s mostly down to the fact that Cadillac was dead last to get into the segment in the first place. In fact, 2019 marked the XT4’s first full year on sale, as well as its best performance in terms of sales volume, with 31,987 units sold for the year.
Now, however, GM’s latest EV push provides the automaker with an opportunity to be one of the first legacy automakers to enter the segment with a brand-new EV, all while rapidly evolving the product with a wealth of improvements. Enter the new Cadillac Optiq.
In essence, GM aims to be among the first in-segment while delivering a vastly improved product, thus granting The General a significant advantage and potentially sales leadership. As such, the Cadillac XT4 is getting the boot, despite a recent refresh for the 2024 model year. Notably, axing the XT4 just a few years after the recent refresh wasn’t originally part of the plan, but GM is moving forward with the strategy anyway.
Do you agree with GM’s decision to discontinue the Cadillac XT4? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Comments
I agree with them discontinuing it…it’s mediocre
Agreed, it’s a joke when compared to the German or Japanese competitors. I have the 2.0T-A9 powertrain in my Buick Envision and it’s fine for a Chevy but lacks the refinement one expects of a luxury vehicle. For a Cadillac it’s also underpowered but that’s the corner GM painted themselves into by basing their high end SUVs on FWD platforms.
I test drove an XT4 for comparison and honestly I prefer the Envision. The XT4 didn’t offer much more for the higher price and to my eyes the Buick’s styling is way better.
I like the idea of Cadillac as a premium EV brand but GM will have to do better because the Lyric lags in performance, handling, and ride behind other EVs that have been on the market for years. I don’t understand how GM management thinks that’s good enough. Maybe test the water at GM HQ for lead?
Agreed. Test drove one this fall and not at all impressed
Plus as usual GM Cadillac marketing sucks And the XT name does nothing for consumers.
But going to strictly Electric for all your unibody SUVs is the biggest mistake
At what 10% of the business hard to see anyone’s All Electric SUV improve market share over a hybrid or ice
GM n Cadillac make one dumb move after another 🙁
GM going down a rat hole moving more into electric vehicles which most people don’t want and incentives to buy them gone sad but bankrupting is their end game
Caddy will be the next casualty at GM, followed by Buick.
Maybe it’s because you can afford a Cadillac or a Buick ?
It’s a nice luxury car with the exception of the engine. They should have put the new 328 hp 2.5L turbo engine into it, at least as an option.
Just another “NAIL IN THE COFFIN”, Mary is doing everything she can to Bankrupt GM.
I agree. The Optiq is better and as an electric is faster.
Thanks for posting this! Was about to buy one for my wife. Seems like this electric issue is changing everything! It will go the route of the Avalanche- meets a need for many, but not popular to some.
Betting all your chips on EV right now is very short sighted. Mary “it’s gotta be EV or nothing”mind set will have GM needing to sell hundreds of thousands of ICE pickups to fund her fantasy land EV world. Would not be surprised GM will be looking for financial assistance before the end of the decade…
People don’t take long road trips any longer most people Fly , EV’s are for short trips the days of setting behind the wheel of a car for 500 to a 1k are long gone !
It must hurt like hell when you keep shooting yourself in the foot!
It will be a cold day in hell before I buy a Cadillac EV. They have lost a long-time customer. Plus the XT4 and XT5 would be selling so much better if ‘woke’ GM offered reasonable lease rates. Instead, they are offsetting their huge loss on their EVs on the backs of their ICE vehicles so they can make it appear like the ICE vehicles are not selling well. Goodbye Cadillac forever!
I own a 2019 XT5 got a great deal on the lease than decided to purchase the vehicle out right ! Have no issue with the car , GM and Ford are producing EV’S with 5 to 700 horse power you gearheads are lost and angry because you don’t have a clue as to how they work and producing so much power !
This is truly insane. Offering hybrids with more refined engines would be smart. All electric SUVs? Good-bye Cadillac.
We love our new 2024 XT4. Had an XT5 which had not been restyled since 2017.
Not ready for electric cars!!!
Cadillac making big mistake, too many electrics, bad decisions.
As we move into the post-ev era, one wishes that the good looks of the Lyriq and Optiq could be easily redeployed into ice power trains. Sadly, I don’t think that’s possible.
“Post-EV era”
😂
EV sales keep growing while ICE sales are sinking.
Don’t believe the anti-EV narrative.
Are you reading the comments here, Rev? Good grief, you’re head is too deep in the EV sand.
The NTSB confirm what Rev is saying Google it he’s correct no more changing oil for you on the weekend…lmao!
Thank you , you’re correct as soon as GM gets on board with Ford with help for home charging stations I’ll be all in !
What planet are you living in? In my state EVs make up 1.46% of all registered vehicles as of December 31, 2023, according to the Department of Energy, anxiously waiting for the December 31, 2024, data. EVs are forcing ICE owners like to me to hang on to our ICE vehicles as long as possible.
Being last into the segment should not be a big deal in itself, BUT it should have also allowed GM to study the competition and do something better than they usually do. There was a C&D comparison test in the 1990s, of the Cad STS. It was mid-pack at best. Main reasons were “soft” handling and such. These were due to a softer calibration of springs and such, PLUS “tire choice” ALL inexpensively fixable, but they did not.
Replacing the ICE with EV can generate product interest by itself, BUT the product must be interesting AND priced right for the product to really gain sales! IT MUST give the customer
“value” rather than just being a “Cadillac”.
I am a Cadillac owner since 1966. I believe Cadillac will sell all the EV’s, it can make. Of course time will tell the whole story. Gas cars are on their way out for a lot of reasons.
Soon EV’s will require less time to charge. I understand 5min to 6 min. The range will be extended and speeds will increase. GM is moving forward with profit in mind as well.
In your dreams.
Oh, the total arrogance and stupidity.
Beachy, what in the world are you doing on this site? You hate everything about GM and every decision they have made in recent years. I bet you liked sales-proof money losing niche performance cars from the past the “car guys” decided to make like the Pontiac G8.
I happen to love my G8! And had the better than GTP, Grand Prix GXP! Don’t hate because you couldn’t afford a car that was better than yours.
Love my 2024 Xt4 will not buy EV until charging rates give me 3 to 4 hundred miles in 5 minutes and charging stations are as numerous as gas stations.
EXACTY!
From someone who has an EV they are not the end all be all and can’t be your only vehicle unless you live and stay in a city. Even worse in the cold hard. I doubt I’ll get another EV anytime soon. Seems like GM is setting itself up to lose at least half the market.
From someone who has owned and driven EVs since 2016, they absolutely can be your only vehicle, outside of cities and be used to drive all over.
EVs CAN be driven across country, but the added time for charging is miserable! What takes me 8 hours now in an ICE vehicle would take me 11 hours in a Tesla model X (according to Tesla’s website). And that’s IF everything works out as planned for the charging! That’s 3 hours I don’t get to spend with family/friends. I’ll take a PHEV for road trips over EV any day of the week, and twice every other. 😂
Why not replace their XT lineup with hybrid vehicles? I will definitely consider a hybrid for my next vehicle but not an all-electric, given the current state of battery technology and charging availability. As for the XT4, it was never as competitive as it should have been. I strongly considered an XT4 two years ago, but the X1 was a much more compelling vehicle and fully loaded, cheaper than the Caddy. I’ve never regretted my decision.
I couldn’t agree more! Hybrids have been around a long time and fill the gap between EV and ICE. We simply don’t have the infrastructure to fully support total EV fleets.
Just bought the wife a new 2025 Escape Platinum Hybrid.
Mary does NOT know better than me what my wife and I want.
Because it’s a crap car, and they have the Optiq now.
Had an XT4 as a rental and it was really bad.
Lackluster laggy acceleration, noisy, wobbly bouncy ride. Mediocre interior.
Not surprising GM is dropping the XT4, I have put 30k + miles on my 2022 and while it has been trouble free and I like the car overall the ride quality however is poor on any bumpy road surfaces. IMO the base 237 hp engine is fine, I had previously put 75K on a 2015 ATS 2.0 hard ride but plenty of power. JMO
Like my xt4 Trying to figure what I would get for my next car have 2022 xt4 w 61000 mi w a 7/70000 mi warranty Buick envision Chinese made
Came from ford escapes w transmission & stopping issue s
Dislike dial shifter
Open to suggestion s
Like
Your experience mirrors my opinion that had this car been a better driving experience with a better drivetrain from the get-go that it would have had greater success. You can’t be last to a segment AND be the worst drive…
Looks like Cadillac is trying to go out of business in the US. NOT EVERYBODY WANTS AN ELECTRIC CAR. I don’t! If that’s all Cadillac has to offer, I’ll be forced to switch brands after 45 years and 20 new Cadillacs. Cadillac’s “All Electric” and “China First” strategies will kill the brand, in the US first and eventually in China. I will miss driving Cadillacs, but I guess I’ll get used to driving an Audi or Mercedes.
I would not buy electric car if Jesus was selling them
MARY,, YOU ARE SHOOTING YOURSELF IN THE FEET TO FAIL WITH THIS TOTAL EV SCAM . READ ALL THESE REVIEWS !!!!!!
Lol. Half of the people commenting think EVs are some communist plot designed to make men weak. Having a gas engine in your car being tied to manhood is seriously sad.
They ain’t looking at these comments other than to get a quick laugh.
“They ain’t looking at these comments other than to get a quick laugh.”
Which is EXACTLY why they will be last in their categories. There’s a reason the Escalade has been number 1 in its slot … people actually still LIKE combustion engines! And when it comes to towing, EVs aren’t even near the same ballpark as ICE or PHEVs! GM put a foot in the grave when they abandoned the Voltec technology. Rather than expand and improve on it, they killed it off and now Dodge Ram is using the technology. Way to go GM, after nearly 40 years of buying GM vehicles, and having spent over a million dollars on them, I’ll be looking at Mercedes, BMW, and Audi for my next “luxury” vehicle … maybe daily driver too!
gm needs a gasoline crossover and a new desighn
The idea of an XT4 is stupid to begin with. An entry level Cadillac is a used Buick.
“Transitioning to EVs” is a convenient excuse for GM to whitewash their history of starving platforms on purpose to focus on wringing profits out of purposely mediocre products.
What will the excuses be when their luxo barge EVs sales start to tank when a mid cycle refresh is due?
I have two xt4s 2024 and 2025 they are both fine cars.they will be the last Cadillacs that I buy,I have always had gm cars but will look at other brands.
Bought my wife a 2024 Radiant Red Tintcoat XT4 Premium Luxury in August. We love it it all ways and get many compliments from friends & neighbors. Got a gm customer rebate of $1000 plus Educator discount of $500. January rebate for purchase has dropped to $750. Guess they need to make as much $ as possible on the remaining ICE CT4’s before its EV replacements sit there unwanted. So this unfortunately looks to be my first and last Cadillac purchase. Mary doesn’t get it it seems.
Yep. The XT4 is getting the Camaro treatment from GM. CT4 is next in 2026.
F gm and Mary Barra. I hope she gets to the point that they go under because of her.
GM is going in the wrong direction. Have owned GM vehicles since my first a 1958
chevy Impala convertible with the 348 ci dual quad engine. I had to go to Ford for a
Hybrid which gives me 45 mpg. Who needs all electric!!!!
Dual Quad? Do you even know what that is? Not available in 1958.
Test drove the xt4 and then the 2025 RS Equinox, for the money it was easy to go with the chevy. China is getting an all new xt5 but not us. Cadillac will be history very soon!
We would probably get the China made XT5 if it were politically possible to import them.
where do you think all of those Buick Envisions (I call them Invasions) come from?
Cadillac was never intended to be a car for the masses. It was supposed to be a top of the line brand with top of the line cars.
You think GM would have learned from the embarrassment GM / Cadillac suffered trying to pass off a Chevy Cavalier as the Cadillac Cimarron.
Very disappointed. We love our 2024 model. The refresh was great. Not ready for an EV when the lease is up I will be looking at others after owning many Cadillacs.
This plan – like every other recent Cadillac decision – is idiotIQ. Stop the nonsense and build the damn El Miraj!
We have a 2025 XT4 and truly enjoy it. Will not buy an EV so when we replace the XT4 in 3-4 years it sadly won’t be a Cadillac. Cadillac is destroying itself by not keeping what buyers want.
I’ll never buy an EV, it’s just not practical. I’d trade my 2023 XT5 today for a 2025 if they’d update it. Or even a XT4. If Cadillac is going all ev I won’t be buying another one, not sure what make I’ll buy but it’ll be ICE. Automakers are making a mistake going all ev.
We really like our 2023 XT4. The size works well for us as there is rarely anyone in our back seat. As we lease and do less than 7500 miles a year, economically the added cost of an electric vehicle does make sense. I will not by a vehicle manufactured in China so a Buick is out of the question. Looks like an Audi Q3 for us.
I am cautiously optimistic on the Optiq. Aside from the slightly odd and lukewarm Genesis V60, there really is no near-luxury/luxury entry in the Tesla Model Y size class for EV’s.
My concern is that GM is going to make the same XT4 mistake all over again and underpower and underperform for the class and it’ll get lackluster reviews. The Optiq has 300 hp and both the Model Y and V60 range from 290 to as much as 550. The Optiq can’t get a “V” fast enough…
GM should have made a hybrid xt4. Hybrids are more popular than all electrics.
XT4 is a great vehicle with great styling. Sad to see it drop year over year from 2023 when the rest of the segment was up 10-20%.
Hopefully GM will allow Cadillac to produce an XT4 sized BEV
That would sell like hotcakes around the World.
Cadillac has lost its way! This was a BUTT Ugly design and I do mean the BUTT end. Cadillac as an all SUV builder is a total failure. The problems started long before the current management. The Sedan died because they are to damn small. No trunk space anymore!
After Mary Barra finishes destroying GM they will wish Roger Smith was still around. Go woke and go broke. An all electric Cadillac division will bring about their demise. Out of four Buick SUVs built only one is American made. The General has abandoned the sedan market entirely. Amazing how the Koreans, Japanese and Germans haven’t yet. I suppose when I want to replace my CTS I’ll have to buy an import, since Ford and what remains of Chrysler are out of the sedan business as well. Said days when there is no such thing as an American car. Cadillac has fewer dealerships than ever since they wanted a half million from their dealers to help offset their unwanted EVs. Numerous Cadillac dealers no longer sell cadillacs. If fewer products and dealers mean higher profits then no cars and dealers must mean the highest profits. You go Mary…..Straight to Hell with GM on your shoulders.
Cadillac is making a big mistake running headlong into EVs. The only reason anyone would purchase them is the huge rebates and incentives the government provides. In reality, the technology is just not there, and the so called “green” benefits are non existent, or even negative, when considering the rare earth metals and their mining methods. Most Cadillac buyers DO NOT WANT THEM, PERIOD!
We echo many of the comments already stated regarding GM’s all-EV approach. As a 60+ year owner of GM vehicles, we just passed up purchasing what would have been our last GM vehicle, another Cadillac & Buick. An EV (any make or model) doesn’t meet our needs now or, perhaps, ever. . Period. Oldsmobile, Chevy (Avalanche),
Buick & Cadillac will fade into history UNLESS GM pulls its head out of the sand & reconsiders the production of ICE-based vehicles that THIS member of the community WANTS!
Quick question, which EV does Buick sell in the States?
Until an EV can charge as quickly as an ICE vehicle I have no desire to purchase EV. At best, the OPTIQ can charge up to 79 miles of range in about 10 minutes at a DC fast charging station or approx 40min for 300miles. Not practical for vacation and trip driving. I am pleased with my XT4, had planned purchase a newer model XT4 in 2026 and am very disappointed with GM’s plans. I do not want a larger SUV.
Guess I’m not buying another Cadillac if the XT5 followsS
The problem for me is Cadillac styling. Looks like an Equinox. Give the vehicle some special styling to say Ahhhh to.
This is really sad. They could not get to market on time with a competitive product customer wanted to buy, so they decided to give up and just go all EV. I predict this will go badly. The ICE vehicles are not doing well because they are not as good a other options in their respective segments and are expensive.
I’ve always felt that the XT4 was the best looking Cadillac SUV and one of the best looking on the road. It has a bigger and better engine than my GMC Terrain Denali that I lease. I would have leased the XT4 but could never find a good lease deal. Sorry to see it go. Sorry also to see the Camaro and Malibu go. Not sure I understand GMs game plan anymore.
Cadillac will keep going down the drain as long as it sticks with the sharp-edge styling it adopted a few years ago. A beautiful car shouldn’t have a straight line on it. Look at the Jaguar XKE or the corresponding sedans of the same vintage. Nearly everyone considered them beautiful. Also, I agree with Stephen’s January 26 comment. Until an electric can match the refilling/recharging time and distance of an ICE car, they won’t get my attention. There is a picture going around of a yellow Caddy convertible produced as a styling exercise. Produce that with the new 4-cam Caddy V-8 and they will sell a lot of them.
Bought a 2024 XT4 ,and it was so bad , traded it in for a 2024 XT5.
Had that for 4 months and traded that in for a Chevy Blazer. LOVE IT Good bye Caddy. You dont build what people want or the quality, and way to expensive for nothing.
I will not buy any of your Ev vehicles also.
EVs smell like a dead fish, keep away
My wife has a 2019 CT4 and she loves it. She had an 2010 CTS 3.8l before. She liked the ride and power of the CTS. but the visuality and the smaller size for parking makes the XT4 a better choice for her.
MARY & the whole board need to be replaced. The “EV” decision is killing the lines and the stock price hasn’t moved in 18 years.
I do not agree. I’ve been looking at American made SUV’s made by the UAW. The XT4 was an affordable, sort of, pick since the Equinox is now made in Mexico. My 2019 Equinox was made in Canada. I may just hang on to it until it starts costing a lot to keep it going. I’ve had no problems with it so far. Very disappointing GM is axing another somewhat affordable made in USA car. They need to bring the Equinox back to the USA instead of making so damn many cars in Mexico, China, and South Korea.
Our first XT4 Sport was a 2019 and we loved it. We ordered a 2024 XT4 Sport and love it as much as the 2019. We really like the new dash and the tweaks to the exterior styling. It handles great and the 2.0 Turbo engine and 9 spd trans are perfect for this SUV. The 2.0 Turbo has the same HP and Torque as the BMW, Audi and other manufacturers 2.0 Turbos. We’ve received many positive comments from strangers, friends and neighbors for our XT4s. We will NOT purchase an EV!
Same for me, first new Cadillac was a 2019 XT4 Sport, never had a problem with it, traded it in on a 2025 XT4 sport and love it more than the 2019 XT4!
GM has a death wish putting so much capital in EV’s look at the numbers no one wants a limited mileage EV that cost more and has very limited capabilities with gas prices going down and electric prices going up it’s a no BRAINER
Make Cadillac Great Again, No more Green New deals for EVs, at least bring back a non turbo V6 with option trim packages with couple of moldings I guess.. Made in USA. End of an ERA.
Love my 2019 XT4 it handles well, looks great I haven’t the burnt orange color. I’m sorry to see them discontinued😢 Was looking to get a new one😃haven’t had any major problems with and mines has over 114k miles on it. She has served me well. Drove it from TX to Wisconsin then back to Fort Bliss.
I had SRX and traded for a Blazer. No more Cadillac for me. No EV whatsover.
Love our 2024 cadillac xt4 for my wife (traded in 2014 toyota highlander). distinctive oooks and alert seat!
my other car is 2017 corvette stickshift.
cadillac EV lack Apple Carplay and we refuse to buy any car without it.
i bought my kids years a go with apple carplay:
2015 vw jetta
2019 toyota camry se
We bought an XT4 this summer as our 2013 ATS was getting long in the teeth. So far it has been great. I am not interested in owning an EV….just do not want to worry about where to find an empty charging station or long term battery maintenance….we keep our vehicles longer than most folks.