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Quick Spin: 2013 Cadillac XTS

We expected the bigger Caddy to be good, but it's better than that.

By Exhaust Notes May 29, 2012 8:27AM

Photo by GM.By Kirk Bell


In the minds of most Americans, Cadillac is still that brand that makes big luxury cars. The truth, though, is that Cadillac hasn't had a successful large sedan in a long time. In fact, the brand hasn't even offered a large sedan since production ended on the sporty STS and luxurious DTS more than a year ago. That left Cadillac with only three model ranges: the successful midsize CTS, the increasingly popular SRX midsize crossover and the behemoth Escalade SUV.

 

For 2013, Cadillac is adding two new models: the compact ATS sport sedan and the large XTS sedan, set to be priced from $44,995. We drove the XTS in and around Los Angeles last week; here are our initial thoughts.


LIKES

 

Beautiful interior: The cabin of the XTS is beautifully designed and appointed. Rich, soft-touch materials abound. The new Cue user interface simplifies the layout by eliminating buttons, and the overall look is accented with wood and -- in the top trim level -- splashes of purple stitching. (Don't worry, it looks cool.)

 

Controlled handling: Though it isn't intended as a sport sedan, the XTS has a lot of suspension technology that makes it controlled and almost sporty. Cadillac's Magnetic Ride Control adjustable suspension firms up in corners, an H-arm rear suspension improves ride quality and reduces noise, rear air springs control the ride height, and General Motors' HiPer Strut front suspension eliminates torque steer while also improving steering feel.

 

Big back seat and trunk: The rear seat's 40 inches of legroom make it comfortable for even very tall passengers. The deep trunk boasts 18 cubic feet of space, which is 4 cubic feet more than the BMW 5 Series. 


Photo by GM. DISLIKES

 

Not as sporty as the competition: With its front-drive architecture, the XTS can't compete with the 5 Series or Lexus GS when it comes to ultimate handling.

 

Pretty thirsty: The 3.6-liter 304-horsepower V6 engine is plenty powerful, but it gets only middling mileage numbers of 17 mpg city/28 mpg highway with front-wheel drive and 17/27 with all-wheel drive. The comparable V6-powered Ford Taurus comes in at 19/29.

 

High-tech control interface will intimidate some buyers: The new Cue central control system is controlled by a center touch-screen and through voice commands. It worked well for us during initial tests, but tech-challenged or gadget-weary car buyers might balk at so much technology.


Photo by GM.

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129Comments
Realistically272
Jun 3, 2012 4:20PM
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I have owned several Caddies.  I am a huge fan of the car.  There are other great cars out there, but don't discount the Caddie.  Every one I have owned rides like a dream and been reasonable on gas even with a V8.  I do wish they would bring back the El Dorado, as it was my favorite.  Maybe in time they will. 
975
May 30, 2012 4:13AM
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I would like to see what the cost of the European cars would be if they made cars of the same category to the Cadillac's standards. I would expect they would cost more than they already do now. Although I love the sounds of a German made auto, I'd take a Cadillac over your German cars any day of the week. Especially when it comes time to fix one! Less cost and the engine layout and other parts needed to be worked on are better configured and more functional to work on.. 
heavynumbertaco
Jun 3, 2012 1:55PM
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I've worked in the car business for 40 years and MBZ isnt what it used to be,neither is Toyota(Lexus) or BMW.Domestics are making huge gains and are absolutely producing top grade product.MBZ,Toyota,H​onda have been coasting on their reputations while Ford,GM and Chrysler have been making huge strides.MBZ used to be in my top 5 a few years ago,with Toyota being number one,now MBZ barely makes the top 10 and Toyota is number 4.MBZ,Lexus are the vehicles that are overpriced and undependable.BMtroub​leU is just as overpriced and undependable but has the service covered,but trust me,you'll be using their service dept plenty and you'll spend a major portion of your life dealing with it.Infiniti is probably one of the finest luxury cars available to consumers out there right now,with GM and Ford right there with it.Chrysler is trying,but needs more time to work out the kinks with Fiat
FollowTheWhiteRabbit
Jun 3, 2012 12:48PM
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Folks, please understand that a car is never an investment. A car is a liability. So, what does it matter what a vehicle will lose in value over a given number of years.

 

My Cadillac CTS is 8-years young, and nothing but one annual oil change and, from time to time, some new tires. People looking at it believe it to be a new car; still gets compliments.

 

Buy a Cadillac, and it'll be the last car that you shall ever need buy. Simple.

putt for dough
Jun 3, 2012 4:59PM
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I too have owned and currently own a Cadillac, I'm spoiled I guess because I prefer them over almost any other vehicle. I will continue to buy Cadillacs. I do like the looks of the new XTS, can't wait to see one in person.
WS6 Trans Am
Jun 3, 2012 12:29PM
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 I have seen this vehicle up close and its gorgeous.  Just amazing.  The fit and finish is second to none.  The looks blow away anything on the road.  What I find funny is the fuel comparison to the Ford Taurus which is smaller, and isnt a luxury car.  28 MPG highway for a 300 horsepower v-6 is pretty darn good.  Espexially when it weighs as much as this car does.  The Rust Stang only gets a CLAIMED 31 and its over 600 pounds lighter with the same power specs. 

TONY SOPRANO IM A COOZEHOUND
Jun 3, 2012 11:35AM
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its good to see caddys making a comeback
sks777
Jun 3, 2012 2:59PM
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The lincoln town car has been the definition of the big american luxury car since the late 70s.  My 2004 town car is great, I get 25-28 mpg on the freeway.  No modern car rides like it, i work way out in the country and drive rough, heat damaged roads and am very comfortable.  All other cars feel rough compared to a lincoln town car. And all the parts are cop car heavy duty parts which I love.  I also have a 2010 lincoln MKS ecoboost.  I picked that compared to the 7 series BMW and the S class mercedes benz. (I test drove all three). The MKS is never given enough credit (even in this article they compared the cadillac to the taurus??? I am not saying lincoln and cadillac are any better or worse than the foreign brands (though I think they are). I am just saying they are OUR brands. Just like john deere, craftsman and smith and wessen. 
jacked11
Jun 3, 2012 2:08PM
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I have owned and leased several DTS models and have averaged over 27MPG on long trips and over 20mpg in town.  I loved the V8, powerful, responsive, hit the pedal and watch it go.  The comfort in the interior is my big thing.  I am 6'5" and 255lbs, the seats were great and the sound system beautiful.  Why do they keep messing with a good thing.  Get the Government out of GM
nukinfuts
Jun 3, 2012 4:11PM
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I'd rather have the v-8 northstar than a 6- cylinder anyday.
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