Cadillac knows it's make or break time. GM's luxury brand has had it rough lately with a lack of relevant product while its cross-town rival, Lincoln, has managed to find its groove. Hopefully, Cadillac's new lineup consisting of the CT4 and CT5 sedans and refreshed XT5 and all-new XT4 and XT6 crossovers will propel it to sales success. A completely redesigned Escalade will be unleashed shortly as well. Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids are also due to arrive in the near future. Given everything, Cadillac looks pretty well-suited to take on the likes of BMW – with one major exception: high-performance SUVs.
According to Cadillac Society, Cadillac has no plans to launch high-performance variants of the XT5 and XT6, at least in their current generations.
The XT5 is a direct competitor to the formidable BMW X5 which, of course, serves as the basis for the X5 M. Instead of a twin-turbo V6 or, heck, even a V8 option, the XT5 will continue to be powered from either a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque or the optional naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V6 with 310 hp and 271 lb-ft.
The XT6 is available only with the same V6 with identical output. All-wheel drive is optional for both vehicles. Cadillac Society claims brand sources familiar with future product plans confirmed the above information. As for the XT4's high-performance potential, however, that still remains a mystery. Nothing has been ruled out apparently for this compact crossover in the performance department. The likelihood of an XT4-V is fairly high. Not so long ago, some leaked images supposedly showed an XT4 prototype with V-Series badges. Cadillac quickly denied such a vehicle existed but not everyone was convinced.
At the moment, the XT4's sole engine is that same turbocharged 2.0-liter four; there's clearly serious potential for more, although that would require a different engine. Question is, will the NA V6 fit? Does Cadillac have something else in mind? We'll probably start getting some answers next month at the LA Auto Show.