GM has confirmed that it will discontinue the Cadillac XT6, with production of the three-row, gasoline-powered crossover set to end later this year at the GM Spring Hill Assembly plant in Tennessee. GM Authority was the first to report that the XT6 would be dropped following the conclusion of the 2025 model year. Notably, GM seems to have changed course on plans to discontinue the Cadillac XT5 as well, which is now expected to stay in production until the end of the 2026 calendar year.
Per a report from CNBC, the move is part of Cadillac’s broader electrification strategy, and not a response to tariffs or global supply issues.
Back in 2019, Cadillac announced that it would fully electrify its lineup by 2030, but later updated its strategy to include both EV models and ICE-powered models to provide customers with the “luxury of choice” with regard to powertrain options.
The Cadillac XT6 is currently produced at GM’s Spring Hill plant in Tennessee. The Spring Hill facility has produced the Cadillac Lyriq since 2022, and is now ramping up production of the all-electric Cadillac Vistiq. The new Vistiq EV will serve as an indirect successor to the ICE-based XT6.
Cadillac XT5
Meanwhile, the Cadillac XT5 is getting something of a reprieve. Although the XT5 was initially expected to end production after the 2025 model year, an internal GM memo cites strong demand as justification for continued production. The XT5 ranked as Cadillac’s third-best selling vehicle last year, trailing only the flagship Escalade and all-electric Lyriq.
GM’s internal memo also outlines a brief production pause at the Spring Hill facility next month, along with temporary layoffs to help manage inventory and adjust output. Notably, the facility also produces the Ultium-based Acura ZDX.
With the XT6 set to drive off into the sunset later this year, Cadillac’s ICE-based offerings narrow to the Escalade SUV, the CT4 and CT5 sedans, and the XT5 crossover. On the EV front, Cadillac will also offer the Optiq, Lyriq, Vistiq, Escalade IQ and IQL, and ultra-luxury Celestiq.
Comments
I think if they had based the XT4 off the Alpha platform and the XT6 off the Omega platform, it would have cost more, but they would have been able to spread the losses more and have more flexibility and consolidation opportunities. If you’re going to sell relatively low volumes, you may as well try to make them at the same plant.
I’m sure a black wing XT4 would sell more than the CT4 for the same production costs.
That would not happen because: 1) it would make too much sense; 2) it would lead to more desirable and sought after vehicles for the customer; and 3) it would go against GM’s relentless pursuit of penny pinching.
“GM’s internal memo also outlines a brief production pause at the Spring Hill facility next month, along with temporary layoffs to help manage inventory and adjust output. Notably, the facility also produces the Ultium-based Acura ZDX.”
Geeze, I wonder why 🙄
COME ON, CADILLAC
WE NEED NEW ‘ICE’ SUV FOR U.S. MARKET. ELECTRIC CARS ARE SUCKS
EV cars should be treated as luxury vehicles. They are glorified golf carts that depreciate faster than ICE cars. Who wants to pay a premium for a EV just to have it depreciate faster. EVs should be at the bottom of the price point totem pole.
*EV cars should NOT be treated as luxury vehicles
The brain deficit at GM (and Ford/Stellantis) just marches on and on and on and on. Why are these morons STILL in charge? This is another totally unacceptable decision.
This is Malaise Era 2.0…..
Cadillac is getting more and more like the American version of New Jaguar.
This is really bad news…I love my 2024 XT6 and was hoping to get another when the lease runs out. After 45 years and 20 new Cadillacs, I will be forced to switch brands. Not sure why Cadillac is leaving traditional customers for dead, but I don’t think it’s good for business, at least not in the short term. I don’t live in China, and I don’t want an electric car, so maybe I’ll get an Audi Q7 next.
Isn’t Audi halting all exports to the US?
Cadillac brass must have saw my comment about losing too many sales with dropping the entire XT lineup. Great move to keep the XT 5 for another model year. The new Optic looks great too.
Come on GM-Cadillac, do a mild refresh for the XT5, it is a great vehicle. Many folks do not want electric cars. We have two XT5’s. A 2020 platinum and a 2023 sport. Both are fantastic reliable dependable and trouble free. Do a little refresh and keep them built in Tennessee.
Bad move on little g, little m. The XT6 could have been updated as needed and remained the premium SUV it is. It’s comfortable, confident, reliable, and still looks up to date and classy. I increasingly fail to understand these corporate decisions just when they seem to have a platform just right. The answer is NOT turbo boosted 4 cylinder forced everything and definitely NOT electric only with no choices.
Sad but true, GM ( now gm) isn’t run by car guys anymore!
This is probably direct result of the Buick Envision being an 85% Chinese car. They moved 47,000 of those last year, and they aren’t going to sell any in the second half of this year in the current tariff environment.
Yes, the XT4 is the same platform so that would make more sense but that production line was shut down 3 months ago and would be harder to start back up.