Cadillac crossovers bearing the new 'XT' designation are a key aspect of the brand's product-driven global growth plan.

'The all-new XT5 not only enters the most popular segment in the worldwide luxury auto market, it is the first in a series of four new crossovers from Cadillac,' says Johan de Nysschen, Cadillac president. 'It's pivotal to our ongoing growth, which is why we've developed XT5 from the inside-out to provide customers more space, more technology, luxury and efficiency.'

The new luxury crossover joins Cadillac's line-up immediately following the new range-topping CT6 Sedan, as the brand enters a new phase of product growth. The XT5 is the next chapter in elevating the Cadillac brand: It is bold, distinctive, sophisticated with superb driving dynamics. This new crossover perfectly reflects Cadillac's positioning in the luxury automotive marketplace, Nysschen said.

Chassis

Lightweight, efficient package enables more space.

The Cadillac XT5 is completely new, residing on a unique chassis and structure. Cadillac's new crossover embodies the brand's expertise for lightweight and agile driving dynamics. The new XT5 is 126kg lighter than its predecessor is.

Cadillac offers most of the improved interior space to the passengers. Rear-seat legroom is increased 8.1cm in the XT5, compared to its predecessor. The rear seat both reclines and slides fore and aft as well.

This was achieved using many of the techniques applied on the Cadillac CTS and ATS sport sedans – which are among the lightest cars in their respective segments. This includes the use of laser welding, ultra high-strength steel and advanced analytics that ensure a stronger structure, excellent crash performance, yet less overall bulk.

'The new XT5 takes the lessons learned from Cadillac's highly acclaimed lightweight and agile luxury cars and adjusts the formula for the unique desires of the crossover vehicle customer,' says David Leone, Cadillac executive chief engineer. 'Reducing mass and bulk not only improves driving dynamics, it enables us to improve interior space and fuel efficiency.'

The new architecture delivers a wheelbase that is 5.08cm longer than its predecessor is, and a track that is 2.54cm wider. However, the XT5's overall length, width and height are fractionally smaller than the SRX. This gives the car a firmly planted stance, and a lean and sleek look. Importantly, the expanded wheelbase and track enables more usable interior space.

Interior design

New Cadillac interior design theme emphasises space and craftsmanship

The first-ever XT5 brings a new level of sophistication that showcases Cadillac's evolving design language, which recently made its debut on the CT6 Sedan. The XT5 has a strong visual presence with proportions that convey the driving experience and the lightweight construction underneath the surface. There is a lean, taut, liquid quality to the surfaces with flowing, uninterrupted lines separated by crisp edges.

'The XT5 has a great stance, with wheels further to the corners and overhangs reduced,' said Andrew Smith, Cadillac executive director of global design. 'Our team continues to evolve the design language of Cadillac.'

The new XT5's interior showcases a new design direction based on a philosophy of clean, modern elegance and craftsmanship.

'We believe that luxury crossover customers particularly focus on interior design and materials,' said Smith. 'This is a new design direction for Cadillac predicated on modern craftsmanship and the artistic integration of technology.'

Interior surfaces inside the XT5 are wider and more horizontal in orientation, emphasising space-efficiency. Like all Cadillac models, the interior is assembled with cut-and-sewn wrapped panels, rather than a reliance on the moulded surfaces that dominate mainstream vehicles.

'Our focus for the interior was sophistication and simplicity, ensuring an economy of lines to reduce visual noise and clutter,'

Powertrain

Advanced powertrains add to efficiency and dynamics. The 2017 Cadillac XT5 is powered by the new 3.6l V6 engine, which also features on the CT6. This engine has been completely redesigned and features Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation technology, which allows the engine to seamlessly and automatically switch to a fuel- saving four-cylinder mode under low or moderate loads.