2013 Cadillac XTS
Starting MSRP $44,075–$60,385
By Cars.com Staff
Cars.com National December 13, 2011Vehicle Overview
The XTS is Cadillac's all-new full-size sedan, which replaces both the DTS and STS. Though it hasn't been priced as of this writing, it will probably be somewhere between midsize luxury sedans like the Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series and these competitors' full-size sedans, the A8 and 7 Series, respectively. The XTS' exterior size, likewise, fits among these large cars, though it boasts above-average interior volume.
The XTS comes in three trim levels: Luxury, Premium and Platinum.
Exterior
Continuing Cadillac's Art & Science design language, the XTS has the diamond-like multifaceted surfaces, vertical headlight assemblies and large grille we've seen for years and adds some of the newer elements from recent models: a boat-tail rear end, a red trunk lid spoiler that doubles as a center brake light and 3-D taillights that recall classic tailfins. The rear end doesn't come to as sharp a point as the CTS coupe's, but it's deeper than the CTS sedan's tail, which has just a hint of a peak.
Perhaps the boldest look is a dark-colored XTS Premium, on which the real-aluminum grille is the most dominant. Lower trim levels have less grille bling. Nineteen-inch alloy wheels are standard, and 20-inchers are optional.
Interior
Though it's based on a different platform, the XTS continues in the DTS sedan tradition with a roomy interior and huge trunk. The main event in the XTS' well-appointed interior is the debut of the Cadillac User Experience, or CUE, which comprises a configurable electronic instrument panel, an 8-inch touch-screen and the buttons that control them — on the steering wheel and dashboard. To mitigate one of the chief complaints about touch-sensitive panels, which have taken the place of mechanical buttons in some cars, CUE implements a tactile pulse felt when the user pushes one of the buttons or even the touch-screen.
Under the Hood
Available with front- or electronically controlled all-wheel drive, the XTS is powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that produces 300 horsepower. The sole transmission is a six-speed automatic. Air suspension in the rear and Magnetic Ride Control adaptive shock absorbers at all four corners are standard, as are Brembo-brand brakes. The XTS introduces a capless fuel tank, a design first adopted by Ford.
Safety
The XTS includes the federally required antilock brakes, electronic stability system and frontal airbags. Also standard are front-seat side-impact airbags and side curtains. The XTS offers a slew of active safety features — mostly as options — that are intended to prevent a collision: radar-based blind spot warning, cross-traffic alert, forward collision alert and automatic collision preparation. There's also lane departure warning and optional front and rear automatic braking. OnStar is standard with an introductory subscription.
Additional Reviews
Cars.com Expert Reviews
| David Thomas | Cars.com National | September 4, 2012 |
| Cars.com Staff | Cars.com National | December 13, 2011 |
Affiliate Reviews
| Courtney Messenbaugh | Mother Proof | December 14, 2012 |
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