Cadillac sees its compact crossover as a way to fill the gap left by the large XTS sedan.
Cadillac will be eliminating the RWD-based and . XTS will also be being phased out. Although the four-door full-size sedan was not well-received by marketers, it played a crucial business role in many other areas. The Cadillac XTS was, among other things, the brand’s solution to livery businesses throughout its product lifecycle. This included conversions into limousines or hearses.
While the Escalade was a prominent player in this market, it will be replaced by the XTS to keep its place in the market. Jason Sledziewski (Cadillac’s director for product marketing), says that the XT5 crossover is the replacement.
An XTS could become a hearse – it can be done using an XT5. It is physically possible. We have seen people do it so there is potential for that,” Sledziewski states. “I believe that as we exit XTS and position CT6 It doesn’t necessarily mean that our portfolio cannot accommodate these types of vehicles. These vehicles might not be the same as people think.
It is actually quite fitting. The old XTS sedan’s driving dynamics were as lively as its rear occupants in the hearse. The current XT5 doesn’t feel as animated as a driver’s car, but that’s not a bad thing. It’s a good match.
In 2016, the Cadillac XT5 was introduced as a midsize crossover SUV. It replaced the SRX. The XT5 was the only crossover model in Cadillac’s lineup, until the introduction of the smaller XT4 during the second half 2018. With the launch of the three row XT6 later in the year, the lineup will grow further. All three vehicles were built or will be built here.
Cadillac’s expanded crossover lineup will likely give it a boost in sales as the passenger car market continues its decline, largely at expense of domestic brands. Cadillac is focusing on record sales worldwide these days, but the numbers reflect its momentum in China.