Forget your grandfather’s 1985 Cadillac DeVille and even your neighbor’s 2011 DTS; the 2017 XT5 is the best iteration of the Cadillac spirit since the big fins and acres of chrome on the 1959 Eldorado. Sitting inside is where that feeling originates. The materials, the fit and finish, the in-dash technology, and the overall appearance impart a sense of luxury not found in prior generations.
The XT5 is completely new for 2017. Its clean-sheet architecture gave engineers the ability to bake in added comforts and features not seen Caddy’s previous crossovers. There’s an honestly new 3.6-liter V-6, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the techie part-time AWD system. But beyond the mechanics and greasy bits, the XT5’s interior simply feels a cut above. I recently spent time in a 2017 CTS-V – the 640-horsepower monster with the bones of Chevy Camaro ZL1. While it was insanely powerful, it can’t match the XT5 for luxury. Granted, the CTS-V’s aim isn’t to coddle, so I’ll give it a partial pass. Still, the XT5 just feels incredibly plush.
Continue reading for more opinions on the 2017 Cadillac XT5.
A New Time For Cadillac
The XT5 does share many of its internal materials with other Cadillacs and General Motors products, but a few key differences set it apart. The CUE system has been reworked to make its operation simpler. Toggle switches now control the main HVAC functions and only one “slider,” for the radio volume, remains. Even it feels easier to use than the CTS-V’s. See, luxury can be defined by the utter usefulness and convenience something offers, not just how high-tech it is or what material it’s made from. Simple is better, at least when it comes to a user interface.
Thankfully, the XT5 isn’t alone in this. The CT6 sedan, which debuted for the 2016 model year, also shares much of the XT5’s interior, including the new CUE system. I’m hoping to see Cadillac adopt this system (or something even better) on future vehicles.
As for the materials, things are impressive inside the XT5 Platinum, the range-topping trim offered on this crossover. It features suede on the headliner, on the dash, and on the door panels. The rest of the dash is covered in real leather, wood, and metal. Panel fitment is well done. Gaps are tight and annoying noises are completely absent. The heated and vented front seats provide hours of happy riding and the power-tilt and telescope steering column makes it easy to find the perfect driving position.
I do have a couple complaints, though. The cream-colored leather dash does create a pretty annoying glare on the windshield during the mid-day and the electronic gear shifter doesn’t provide the most intuitive or enjoyable user experience. I also wish the cubby hole below the HVAC controls was about two inches deeper to accommodate larger cell phones. Lastly, I’m not the biggest fan of the XT5’s exterior. Its proportions feel bloated. I think it boils down to the front fascia’s low-hanging chin. The XT5’s front third just looks overweight. That’s a complete departure from the CT6 sedan, which is one of the sexiest sedans on the road today thanks to its low hood and angular lines that borrow from no one. But that’s another topic.
When it comes to sitting in the back, Cadillac doesn’t treat you as second-class passengers. There is generous leg and headroom. The seats are well padded and can be reclined. Separate HVAC controls reside between the front seats and separate air vents make controlling airflow a breeze.
The XT5 is good at hauling cargo, too. My tester has the adjustable cargo bar that slides along the integrated floor rails. Moving it is simple and keeps your golf equipment from clubbing your groceries. A power liftgate makes for easy access, too. The rear seats are actually split 40/20/40 style, allowing each of the three seats to fold individually. That’s not a common feature these days, even in crossovers.
All told, the XT5 (along with the CT6) is a vast step forward for Cadillac’s interior quality and mind for luxury. It certainly feels worthy of the $67,155 MSRP attached to my tester.
What do you think? Do you like the Cadillac XT5? Would you buy this over the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, or even the Jaguar F-Pace? Let me know in the comments.
References
How It Works: The 2017 Cadillac XT5’s AWD System
Cadillac Fixed CUE for the XT5
Cadillac XT5
Read our full review on the 2017 Cadillac XT5.