Cadillac Debuts its XT5 SUV

2017 Cadillac XT5 (Credit: © Cadillac)

Only recently, Cadillac revealed its new flagship CT6 sedan, starting the launch of its new naming scheme. Today, it expands upon this with the introduction of its new XT crossover lineup with the introduction of the XT5.

The XT5, which will eventually replace the SRX crossover, sits on an all-new chassis that is unique to this model. In addition to a new platform, the XT5 is 278 pounds lighter than the existing SRX and 100 pounds lighter than one of its main competitors, the Audi Q5. In addition to being lighter, the SRX is also 7 inches longer than the Q5. Even more impressive is that it’s a whopping 650 pounds lighter than the new Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.

2017 Cadillac XT5 (Credit: © Cadillac)

Inside the cabin, the XT5 delivers all the luxury expected of a Caddy. It features cut-and-sewn materials, horizontal orientation of its surfaces for a roomier look, and metal or genuine wood trims. When compared to the outgoing SRX, the new XT5 has an extra 3.2 inches of rea-seat legroom, putting it at 39.5 inches. What’s more, the XT5’s rear seats slide forward and backward, and recline, adding to its rear-seat comfort.

The XT5 will arrive in the U.S. with a new 3.6-liter V-6 that delivers 310 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of twist. This V-6 will feature cylinder deactivation that cuts off two cylinders under light load to reduce fuel consumption. In other markets, like China, the standard engine will be a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The standard cog swapper in the XT5 is an eight-speed automatic unit.

2017 Cadillac XT5 (Credit: © Cadillac)

The 2017 XT5 will come standard with front-wheel drive, but a twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system is available. This all-wheel-drive system can transmit up to 100 percent of the power to the front or rear axles and up to 100 percent to either of the rear wheels. This gives the XT5 great traction in all conditions and will help out in handling too.

Cadillac has not announced when the 2017 XT5 will hit showrooms, but it will likely be in early- or mid-2016. Pricing will likely be slightly higher than the existing SRX, so look for it to start at around $40,000. We’ll bring you more details as they become available.