2016 Cadillac XTS

For its fourth model in year production, the 2016 Cadillac XTS receives several updates and changes that constitute a mid-cycle refresh.

The most notable new features for the 2016 Cadillac XTS include:

Surround Vision: incorporates cameras to provide a 360-degree overhead view around the XTS on the Cadillac CUE eight-inch-diagonal color display
Inductive wireless phone charging: allows users to charge their compatible smartphone without the need to plug it in.
Enhanced CUE features: make the system faster and easier to use with navigation and Apple CarPlay capability, which allows smartphone users to connect with applications such as navigation, hands-free text messaging, entertainment and news directly through the display screen.
Revised grille design with the new Cadillac Crest logo
Three new exterior colors (late introduction):
- Red Passion Tintcoat
- Crystal White Tricoat
- Stellar Black Metallic

Here are the RPO-level changes and updates to the 2016 Cadillac XTS:

Deletions

Exterior color (G1F) Cocoa Bronze Metallic
Exterior color (GBE) Crystal Red Tintcoat
Exterior color (GBN) White Diamond Tricoat
Exterior color (GLK) Black Diamond Tricoat
SD card slot removed from Cadillac CUE

New Features

Exterior color (G1E) Red Passion Tintcoat (available at extra charge; not available at start of production)
Exterior color (G1W) Crystal White Tricoat (available at extra charge; not available at start of production)
Exterior color (GB8) Stellar Black Metallic (available at extra charge; no additional charge on Platinum or Platinum V-Sport; not available at start of production)
Cadillac crest badging
(UVH) Surround Vision
(K4C) Wireless Charging
(VRV) Body color molded splash guards, LPO

Changes

Cadillac CUE upgrades include improved system speed and performance, faster, more accurate map loading and voice command execution, faster service reprogramming, redesigned navigation interfaces, single press mute navigation voice/cancel route, expanded cities with 3D maps, route information and next maneuver and BT Media browsing
Updated appearance on uplevel 8″ cluster
(PCW) Driver Awareness Package now contains (UVH) Surround Vision
(AQJ) Front bucket seats with 22-way adjustability and massage feature now standard on Platinum
(GGC) Platinum Collection grille – new design
(TL1) Sport grille now standard on all Collections except Platinum

The defining design element of the XTS is a short dash-to-axle ratio that’s indicative of a transverse-engined, front-wheel-drive vehicle architecture.

The vehicle has intricate surface detail supported by hardware and spatial dimensions that serves as its foundational layers. Multidimensional elements, including the grille, headlamps and accent lighting coalesce to give the XTS a presence and attention to detail unlike any Cadillac that has come before it.

The XTS’s surface details also convey a more nuanced design philosophy, bringing elegance with refined, graceful forms and surfaces working harmoniously with established Cadillac linear forms. Additional features include:

New grille design on Platinum Collection and the Sport grille is now standard on all other models
Unique “Twin-Turbo” grille and deck lid identification on V-Sport models
Heated outside mirrors with auto-dimming feature, power folding, turn-signal indicators and puddle lamps are standard on all models
Premium chrome/satin-chrome grille finish on Platinum Collection
Intellibeam automatic headlamp control is standard on Luxury, Premium and Platinum Collections
Illuminating door handles are standard on all Luxury, Premium and Platinum Collections
Capless fuel-filling system is standard on all models
High-intensity discharge headlamps with Twilight Sentinel are standard on all models
Adaptive Forward Lighting is standard on Premium and Platinum Collections
LED center high-mounted rear stop lamp is standard on all models
Rainsense automatic windshield wipers are standard on Luxury, Premium and Platinum Collections
Nineteen-inch polished aluminum wheels are standard on the Premium Collections
Twenty-inch painted aluminum wheels are standard on V-Sport Premium and 20-inch aluminum wheels with polished finish and chrome inserts are standard on the Platinum Collection and V-Sport Platinum

Eight exterior colors are offered:

Red Passion Tintcoat (not available at start of production)
Dark Adriatic Blue Metallic
Crystal White Tricoat (not available at start of production)
Radiant Silver Metallic
Black Raven
Stellar Black Metallic (not available at start of production)
Graphite Metallic
Silver Coast Metallic

The Cadillac XTS is solely available as a four-door sedan.

Like the exterior, the XTS’ cabin extolls a multidimensional philosophy in a bold, elegant design that is also very efficient in the ways it encompasses passengers and cargo. It represents Cadillac’s expression of luxury also in its use of authentic materials and unprecedented connectivity. Platinum Collection models feature a fully-wrapped leather interior with microfiber sueded headliner, as well as premium wood trim on the steering wheel, console, center stack, instrument panel and door panels.

Seating trim is offered with Soleil Keisel leather seating surfaces or premium Opus full leather – both with perforated detailing. Heated and ventilated seats are also offered. Additional interior features include:

Revised rear-seat armrest with radio and sunshade controls is standard on the Platinum Collection
New 22-way power-adjustable front seats with heat, ventilation and massage are standard on the Platinum Collection
Adaptive remote start is standard on all models
Audio system with Bose premium eight-speaker sound is standard on the standard model and Luxury Collection
Bose Studio Surround Sound with 14-speaker system with energy-efficient amplifier is standard on Premium and Platinum collections
Rear-seat entertainment system is available on Premium and Platinum collections
SiriusXM Satellite Radio (with free trial period) and HD radio are standard on all models
Tri-zone automatic climate control is standard on Premium and Platinum collections. Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard on the base model and Luxury Collection
Leather-wrapped IP and door trim top pad, along with the center console, is standard on the Platinum collection
Color, reconfigurable 12.3-inch gauge cluster with driver information center is standard on Premium and Platinum collections
Head-up display with color readouts is standard on the Premium and Platinum collections
Illuminated entry and courtesy lighting is standard on all models
Accent lighting, including LED spotlights with light pipes, is standard on Luxury, Premium and Platinum collections
Soleil Keisel leather seating surfaces with mini-perforated inserts are standard on the Standard model, Luxury and Premium collections
Opus full-leather seats with mini-perforated inserts are standard on the Platinum Collection
Heated driver/front passenger and outboard rear passenger seats and vented driver/front passenger seats are standard on Luxury, Premium and Platinum collections
Leather-accented steering wheel with wood accents and tap up/tap down transmission controls is standard
Heated steering wheel is standard on Luxury, Premium and Platinum collections
Power rear window shade and manual rear side window shades are available on the Premium Collection and standard on the Platinum Collection
Real wood trim is incorporated on all models

Interior Color & Trim Combinations

Six interior color/trim combinations are offered:

Jet Black and Nutella Sapele wood trim; Soleil Keisel leather seating surfaces
Shale with Cocoa accents and Nutella Sapele wood trim; Soleil Keisel leather seating surfaces
Medium Titanium with Jet Black accents and Raven Sapele wood trim; Soleil Keisel leather seating surfaces
Kona Brown with Jet Black accents and Open Pore Sapele wood trim; Soleil Keisel full leather seats
Jet Black with Light Wheat accents and Lineate wood trim; Opus full leather seats
Very Light Platinum with Dark Urban and Cocoa accents, and Nutella Sapele wood trim with inlay; Opus full leather seats

Spaciousness

When it was released, the XTS was the most spacious Cadillac sedan. The vehicle is tailored to provide roominess in a more efficiently-sized package.

It offers more interior space than midsize luxury cars and is comparable to full-size sedans, particularly in the rear seat area, where it has 40 inches (1,016 mm) of rear legroom. That’s about four more inches than the BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and about two more inches than the Audi A6.

And when it comes to trunk space, the XTS is in a league of its own, with 18 cubic feet (509 L), exceeding both midsize and full-size competitors – more than Audi A6 and A8L, BMW 5 and 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz E- and S-Class. The cargo advantage means room for five or more suitcases.

Exterior Colors

Red Passion Tintcoat (not available at start of production)
Dark Adriatic Blue Metallic
Crystal White Tricoat (not available at start of production)
Radiant Silver Metallic
Black Raven
Stellar Black Metallic (not available at start of production)
Graphite Metallic
Silver Coast Metallic

Interior Color Combinations

Jet Black and Nutella Sapele wood trim; Soleil Keisel leather seating surfaces
Shale with Cocoa accents and Nutella Sapele wood trim; Soleil Keisel leather seating surfaces
Medium Titanium with Jet Black accents and Raven Sapele wood trim; Soleil Keisel leather seating surfaces
Kona Brown with Jet Black accents and Open Pore Sapele wood trim; Soleil Keisel full leather seats
Jet Black with Light Wheat accents and Lineate wood trim; Opus full leather seats
Very Light Platinum with Dark Urban and Cocoa accents, and Nutella Sapele wood trim with inlay; Opus full leather seats

CUE Infotainment System

The 2016 Cadillac XTS features the Cadillac CUE infotainment system. It pairs entertainment and information data from up to 10 Bluetooth-enabled mobile devices, USBs and MP3 players with a vehicle infotainment system that reduces complexity through customized information, voice commands and fewer buttons and larger icons. The comprehensive, in-vehicle experience is designed to be unique for each consumer, from the “simple user” to the fully connected “super user.”

Upgrades and enhancements to CUE for the 2016 XTS include improved system speed and performance, faster, more accurate map loading and voice command execution, faster service reprogramming, redesigned navigation interfaces, single-press mute navigation voice/cancel route, expanded cities with 3D maps, route information and next maneuver and BT Media browsing.

Multi-Touch Display

At the heart of CUE is the vibrant, eight-inch-diagonal LCD multi-touch sensitive screen – with proximity sensing and haptic feedback. It is seamlessly integrated in the top of the central instrument panel and displays CUE’s home page, which resembles a smartphone screen, with large, easy-to-target icons that execute commands. Capacitive technology on the screen and faceplate enables consumers to use the same “swipe,” “pinch” or “spread” gestures common to most popular smartphones and tablets.

Navigation

A navigation system is available with the Luxury Collection and is standard with the Premium and Platinum Collections.

Reconfigurable Instrument Cluster

Additionally, a 12.3-inch (312 mm) reconfigurable instrument cluster is standard on Premium and Platinum Collections. It features vibrant graphic displays showcased among four driver-selectable themes, ranging from minimal to extensive information. And while it is the prominent element in the XTS’s technological character, CUE is part of a more comprehensive and layered approach to the car’s design, capabilities and performance.

Phone Integration Technology

Phone integration technology — provided by Apple CarPlay and Google Auto — is designed to take phone features customers would want to access while driving and put them on the vehicle’s display in a smart, simple manner. The features allow customers to use select smartphone apps through the touchscreen interface. In fact, many features can be controlled via voice commands through a button on the steering wheel, helping drivers keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

Using either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is simple. A “Projection” icon on the Cadillac CUE screen is visible when a phone is not connected, then changes to indicate CarPlay or Android Auto when a compatible phone is connected via USB.

Apple CarPlay

Apple CarPlay capability is offered at the beginning of the 2016 model year.

Apple CarPlay supported apps include:

Phone
Messages
Maps
Music
Third-party audio apps

Apple CarPlay is compatible with iOS 7.1 or higher.

Android Auto

Android Auto is built around Google Maps, Google Now and the ability to talk to Google, as well as a growing audio and messaging app ecosystem that includes:

WhatsApp
Skype
Google Play Music
Spotify
Podcast players

Android Auto requires a phone running Android Lollipop 5.0 operating system or above. Android Auto capability comes later in the model year.

OnStar 4G LTE With Wi-Fi Hotspot

Complementing CUE to enhance the XTS connectivity is OnStar 4G LTE connectivity and Wi-Fi hotspot. It provides a mobile hub for drivers and passengers to stay connected. The hotspot is on whenever the vehicle is on and comes with a three-month/three-gigabyte data trial.

4G LTE is the most current and fastest mobile data network – 10 times faster than 3G and 100 times faster than the previous generation of OnStar hardware. And with OnStar, it also offers stronger, broader coverage than smartphones on the same network and it’s easy to use.

At the time of purchase, one year of OnStar Guidance includes all of OnStar’s advisor-based safety and security features, including Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Assistance, as well as Turn-by-Turn navigation.

Five years of OnStar Basic Plan includes RemoteLink Key Fob Services, allowing owners to remotely:

Start the engine
Lock/unlock doors
Activate the horn and lights from anywhere with a data connection

The OnStar system also includes OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics (OVD), which runs monthly checks of a vehicle’s engine, transmission, anti-lock brakes and more, and Dealer Maintenance Notification, which sends a diagnostic report directly to a preferred dealer, simplifying service scheduling.

Engines

The standard engine in the Cadillac XTS is the 3.6L V6 LFX. It’s rated at 305 horsepower (227 kW) and 264 pound-feet of torque (355 Nm).

The engine’s lightweight features help reduce overall weight for greater efficiency and a more favorable front-to-rear weight balance. Lightweighting examples include a composite intake manifold that saves approximately 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg) over the weight of a comparable aluminum intake and an integrated cylinder head/exhaust manifold design that saves approximately 13 pounds (6 kg) per engine.

The up-level engine is the twin-Turbo 3.6L V6 LF3. Standard on V-Sport models, the engine delivers an SAE-certified 410 horsepower (306 kW) and 369 pound-feet of torque (500 Nm) – making it one of the most power-dense six-cylinder engines in the segment. A pair of smaller turbochargers and an efficient charge air cooler help provide more immediate power delivery, while peak torque is sustained over a broad range – 1,900 to 5,600 rpm – for a confident feeling of power when accelerating or overtaking traffic on the highway.

The twin-turbo engine is a comprehensive upgrade on the 60-degree, 3.6L DOHC V6 LFX standard engine in the XTS. However, almost every component is unique:

All-new cylinder block casting
Strengthened connecting rods
Machined, domed aluminum pistons with top steel ring carrier for greater strength
10.2:1 compression ratioPatented, integrated charge air cooler system with low-volume air ducts
Two turbochargers produce more than 12 pounds of boost (80 kPa)
Vacuum-actuated wastegates with electronic control valves
All-new direct injection fuel system
Tuned air inlet and outlet resonators, aluminum cam covers and other features that contribute to exceptional quietness and smoothness.
The cylinder heads are also unique to the Cadillac Twin-Turbo. They feature a high-tumble intake port design that enhances the motion of the air charge for a more-efficient burn when it is mixed with the direct-injected fuel and ignited in the combustion chamber

Transmissions

The engines are matched with six-speed automatic transmissions with tap-shift control:

The 3.6L V6 LFX is matched with the 6T70 M7W (XTS FWD) and 6T70 M7U (XTS AWD)
The twin-turbo 3.6L V6 LF3 is matched with the AWD 6T80 MHM transmission in the XTS V-Sport

Measurement	Cadillac XTS FWD	Cadillac XTS AWD	Cadillac XTS V-Sport AWD
City:	18	17	16
Highway:	28	26	24

The Cadillac XTS rides on a premium and long-wheelbase variant of GM’s Epsilon II platform called Super Epsilon. The architecture is shared with the second-generation (2010-2016) Buick LaCrosse and tenth-generation (2014-2018 or 2019) Chevrolet Impala.

A layered approach to the driving experience relies on new and established technologies – all rooted in a stiff structure. The body is infused with strategically placed, ultra-high-strength steel for strength and crash protection, and serves as the foundation for the advanced chassis system.

A smart all-wheel-drive system with Haldex technology – with an electronic limited-slip differential that splits torque between the rear wheels – complements an advanced HiPer Strut front suspension and standard Magnetic Ride Control real-time damping to give the XTS sure-footed, confident and comfortable ride and handling traits. The rear suspension comprises a linked H-arm design with self-leveling “air springs.”

HiPer Strut

HiPer Strut is based on the MacPherson strut front suspension design and features dual-path top mountings that separate the transfer of spring and damper loads to the body structure. It improves ride-and-handling characteristics in four significant ways:

Provides more linear and communicative steering through improved camber control
Improves impact isolation on bumps and rough surfaces
Reduces torque steer
Improves vehicle sensitivity to tire irregularities and wheel imbalance

Magnetic Ride Control

Magnetic Ride Control delivers precise body motion control – “reading” the road every millisecond and changing damping in just five milliseconds. It replaces conventional mechanical-valve shocks with electronically controlled shocks filled with a magneto-rheological fluid containing minute iron particles. Under the presence of magnetic charge, the iron particles align to provide damping resistance almost instantly.

Electric, Variable-Assist Power Steering

A premium electric, variable-assist power steering gear is employed with all front-wheel-drive models. The system is designed to deliver excellent response and on-center characteristics, while enhancing efficiency by drawing energy only when the wheels are turned.

StabiliTrak

StabiliTrak electronic stability control is standard on all models, along with variable-effort steering and four-wheel disc brakes (front Brembo brakes) with four-channel anti-lock brakes – all features that add important layers of control to the driving experience. Like Magnetic Ride Control, XTS borrows the Brembo braking technology from Cadillac’s V-Series of high-performance models.

Brakes

The brake disc rotors are manufactured with a process that protects against rust. It involves super-heating the rotors to more than 1,000 degrees F (560 C) for an entire day in a special oven, where the nitrogen-rich atmosphere promotes nitrogen atoms to bond to the rotors’ surfaces, hardening and strengthening them.

Cadillac XTS provides a NHTSA 5-Star overall crash safety rating, the highest safety rating available. And the rating is standard on every XTS.

In addition, Cadillac offers several advanced safety based on Cadillac’s “control and alert” strategy that employs advanced technologies – including radar, cameras and ultrasonic sensors – to help prevent crashes. The safety features bolster driver vision and awareness of road hazards, and can even help the driver avert potential crashes. In certain situations, Cadillac’s advanced crash-avoidance systems, such as automatic braking, can pre-fill and automatically apply the brakes in response to potential hazards.

Front And Rear Automatic Braking

Among the most available sophisticated features of the XTS is front and rear automatic braking. It relies on radar, camera and ultrasonic technology to help the driver prevent front and rear low-speed collisions via a progression of alerts that extend to complete braking, if necessary.

Driver Awareness And Driver Assist Packages

Many of the advanced safety features are bundled in the Driver Awareness and Driver Assist packages.

The Driver Awareness package is standard with the Premium and Platinum Collections and available on Luxury. It includes:

Safety Alert Seat
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Keep Assist (FWD models only)
Side Blind Zone Alert
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Forward Collision Alert
Surround Vision (new for 2016)

The Driver Assist package is standard on the Platinum Collection and available on the Premium Collection. It includes all of the Driver Awareness package content, plus:

Full-speed range adaptive cruise control
Front and rear automatic braking

Airbags

The airbags in the XTS are comprised of dual-stage:

Frontal air bags
Knee air bags
Side-impact air bags
Head-curtain air bags
Seat side-impact air bags for outboard rear passenger

Rearview Camera

A rearview camera with dynamic guidelines is standard on Luxury, Premium and Platinum Collections.

Head-Up Display, Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control

A color head-up display and full-speed adaptive cruise control are available.

Automatic Parking Assist

On FWD models, the XTS also offers automatic parking assist. The feature enables the car to park itself in parallel spaces by using ultrasonic sensors to locate a suitable space and maneuver the car into the space. The driver is required to only engage reverse and apply the accelerator and brake pedals.

Adaptive Forward Lighting & IntelliBeam

Adaptive forward lighting, which turns the headlamps with the direction of the front wheels, and IntelliBeam, which automatically deploys high-beam headlamps when needed and instantly turns them down when oncoming traffic is detected, are standard on Premium and Platinum collections.

Trim Levels & Pricing

The 2016 XTS is offered in these six trim levels:

Standard
Luxury
Premium
Platinum
V-Sport Premium
V-Sport Platinum

The Platinum trim represents the highest level of technology and luxury in the XTS. It includes a unique front appearance, wheels and interior colors, materials and trim.

Meanwhile, the XTS V-Sport takes the performance of the XTS to a higher level. It’s powered by a 3.6L Twin-Turbo V6 engine coupled with all-wheel drive. V-Sport available in the Premium and Platinum trim levels.

2016 Cadillac XTS Pricing - Front Wheel-Drive
Engine & Trim Level	2016 XTS Sedan
3.6L V6
Standard	$46,290
Luxury	$50,245
Premium	$56,700
Platinum	$65,545

2016 Cadillac XTS Pricing - All Wheel-Drive
Engine & Trim Level	2016 XTS Sedan
3.6L V6
Luxury	$52,245
Premium	$58,930
Platinum	$67,775
3.6L Twin-Turbo V6
V-Sport Premium	$64,765
V-Sport Platinum	$73,315

Features

Standard and available features across the lineup include:

Magnetic Ride Control, rear air springs, HiPer Strut front suspension and Brembo front brakes – all standard
Standard front-wheel drive, with available advanced all-wheel-drive system with electronically controlled limited-slip differential
Standard 19-inch wheels and available 20-inch wheels
Capless fuel tank filler for easier, cleaner refueling
Folding rear-seat head restraints that enhance rear visibility
Safety Alert Seat that pulses to alert the driver
Intervening braking system that reduces or avoids the risk of collisions (not available on standard model or Luxury Collection)
Short- and long-range radar systems that support adaptive cruise control, front/rear automatic brakes and rear cross traffic alert (not available on standard model or Luxury Collection)

XTS is the only luxury sedan with standard Magnetic Ride Control – the world’s fastest-reacting suspension. Meanwhile, the advanced all-wheel-drive system uses Haldex technology with an electronic limited-slip differential to transfer power front-to-back, and side-to-side, along the rear axle. It is available on all three Collections.

2016 XTS vs. 2015 XTS Pricing Comparison

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the 2016 XTS grew between $250 and $2,535, depending on the trim level.

The smallest increase is the additional $250 for the Luxury trim level, while the largest is the $2,535 for the Platinum and V-Sport Platinum trims. As with the 2015 XTS, all wheel-drive remains a $2,000 option on non-V-Sport models. V-Sport models have all wheel-drive standard.

Following is an MSRP comparison of the 2016 Cadillac XTS Sedan to the 2015 XTS Sedan based on trim level.

XTS Front Wheel-Drive
Engine & Trim Level	2016 XTS Sedan	2015 XTS Sedan	+ / – 2016 MY
3.6L V6
Standard	$46,290	$44,660	+$1,630
Luxury	$50,245	$49,995	+250
Premium	$56,700	$55,665	+$1,035
Platinum	$65,545	$63,010	+$2,535

XTS All Wheel-Drive
Engine & Trim Level	2016 XTS Sedan	2015 XTS Sedan	+ / – 2016 MY
3.6L V6
Luxury	$52,245	$51,995	+$250
Premium	$58,930	$57,895	+$1035
Platinum	$67,775	$65,240	+$2535
3.6L Twin-Turbo V6
V-Sport Premium	$64,765	$63,730	+$1,035
V-Sport Platinum	$73,315	$70,780	+$2,535

About The Figures

Pricing figures represent starting Manufacturer Suggested Retail Prices (MSPR) for each trim level without additional options
MSRP provided by Cadillac for the United States market
MSRP includes $995 destination charge per vehicle
Manufacturer incentives or rebates not included in MSRP

The XTS V-Sport has the following notable equipment:

Twin-Turbo 3.6-liter V6 LF3 engine making an SAE-certified 410 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque
Advanced Haldex all-wheel drive system
Magnetic Ride Control
Front Brembo brakes
20-inch wheels wrapped in all-season tires
3.16 axle ratio
Electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD)
Power variable-effort rack-and-pinion steering
HiPer Strut front suspension
Standard front and rear park assist
Standard lane departure warning
Unique V-Sport grille and deck lid identification

For 2016, Cadillac changed the way it spells V-Sport, from Vsport to V-Sport.