Many moons ago, Cadillac was a force to be reckoned with. The lumbering levithians they built were big and bold, and exuded a sense of authority few other marques could rival. Today, however, the shoe's on the other foot as the hallowed Wreath and Crest brand tries to find itself in a luxury market that demands performance credentials over coddling isolation. The 2018 Cadillac XTS still holds its own in the segment, having carved out a place in the market as the last big, cushy Cadillac sedan.
What's New for 2018
Good sales have provided the XTS with a stay of execution, and so Cadillac has seen fit to bring it up to speed in the looks department with the rest of the Cadillac stable. Up front, there's a redesigned fascia with a new grille, bumper, and headlights. Out back, a similar treatment has been applied to the taillights, trunk, and lower rear bumper. Inside, buyers will find a better integration of technology via an updated Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system, a new seat-foam structure and design, and more sound deadening. Rounding out the changes are new wheel designs and two new interior color and trim combinations for the platinum-spec XTS.
Choosing Your Cadillac XTS
Five different trim levels of the XTS are available, ranging from the base model to the top of the line V-Sport Platinum. The four lower trims are powered by a 3.6-liter V6 that makes 304 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque, while a twin-turbo variant of the same motor puts out an impressive 410 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Both engines use a six-speed automatic transmission to get power down, either to the front wheels in a naturally aspirated XTS or all four if it's a twin-turbo model. Gas mileage for the standard engine is 19 miles per gallon city, 28 highway, and 22 combined, while the twin-turbo is rated at 16/23/18 mpg.
On the safety front, every XTS is equipped with a melange of safety features. These include a rearview camera, 10 airbags, rear park assist, OnStar services, and a teen driver feature that lets owners set parameters and restrictions to keep young drivers from channeling their inner Jeff Gordon when borrowing the car.
AWD is standard on the V-Sport, unavailable on the base model, and a $2,000 option for the three middle trims.
Currently, Cadillac is offering strong incentives to boost lagging sedan sales, so take a look at the higher trims with the lavish features. Specifically, consider either the Premium Luxury or the V-Sport. If you're considering the Platinum, keep in mind the price hike to the V-Sport is $6,800, or about 10 percent. For that 10 percent price bump, the V-Sport brings a faster, smoother, and more rewarding driving experience thanks to the triple-digit increase in both hp and torque.