Powerful and Efficient: All-new Cadillac XTS

by Mike Hunter

With a rocky economic climate over the past few years, it is no wonder that carmakers are looking for an edge when it comes to luxury. A time of substance has meant that frills are gone. The engineers at Cadillac have created a vehicle that has proven to be luxurious, efficient and priced right.

Replacing the DTS, Cadillac’s larger “town car,” the XTS is a new generation conceived in a new size, with new technologies and fuel efficiency. CUE is the new on-board infotainment system that is fast and responsive and mimics the smartphone userabilities many have come to rely on. A touch screen makes controls convenient and easy to navigate, integrating devices through Bluetooth technology to sync contacts and more. Voice activation and a configurable instrument panel make this new high-tech dash the new “mobile” device.

Not necessarily disappointing, the DOHC 24-valve V-6 with direct fuel injection boasts 304 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque. No lightweight, but not the beasts of the past. Getting any real power is an effort, but it does perform in a pinch. The six-speed automatic transmission is reliable and goes virtually unnoticed. A manual shifting mode will have to suffice for any “sport” setting as there is no performance-empowering sport mode tightening the suspension or enhancing the  power shifting.

It is all about style and design. The XTS exterior “sculpted” shapes and “carved” lines are impressive and will get drivers noticed. With low-profile 19-inch wheels standard, the look is more racing than this class has seen in the past. The interior is elegant and plush beyond the gadgets that enhance the forward cabin. Leather seating and trim, ambient interior lighting and substantial rear legroom mean that, like the DTS or the Deville, the XTS is a strong candidate for the livery vehicle. The available 14-speaker Bose Studio Surround Sound system is notably pure quality sound that is a must option. The Ultraview Sunroof spans both the front and rear seating areas and provides options for light, air and a near-convertible feature.

Available in standard, luxury, premium and platinum versions, the XTS offers options that are mostly cosmetic. However, the new era is evident in luxury combined with efficiencies and the latest technologies, and Cadillac has gotten it right with the all-new XTS.

2013 Cadillac XTS

City MPG             17
Hwy MPG           28
0-60 MPH          6.7 sec
Transmission    6-speed automatic
MSRP                   $44,995 – $59,080


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