XT6

Make
Cadillac
Segment
SUV

Cadillac has unveiled its first-ever, all-new 2020 Cadillac XT6 three-row crossover just a day before the 2019 Detroit Auto Show gets underway. The XT6 comes at a critical time for GM's luxury brand due to high demand for larger crossovers, a segment in which Cadillac has never previously competed. The Escalade ESV simply does not appeal to most crossover buyers but the XT6 promises to offer all of the luxury and styling we've come to expect from a modern Caddie.

The XT6 rides on a stretched version of the same platform underpinning the XT5, but Cadillac stresses that "every inch of the XT6 has been carefully considered and developed to offer a refined, comfortable place to connect and enjoy the ride." Let's talk some specifics.

Power comes from a 3.6-liter V6 with an estimated 310 hp paired to a nine-speed automatic. All-wheel-drive is available on the Premium Luxury trim and optional on XT6 Sport. The latter has active yaw control and a continuous damping control for a more "enthusiast-level driving feel."

In terms of styling Premium Luxury models come decked out with exotic wood trim while Sport XT6s have performance-inspired carbon fiber trim. Both come standard with 20-inch wheels and 21-inchers are optional on the Sport. Each also has LED lighting with a three-way projector array.

Optional features include adaptive cruise control, night vision, HD surround vision camera, and illuminated Cadillac Crest hands-free liftgate. There is a standard power-folding third-row seat and a remote fold-down feature for the second-row seat.

Standard driver assistance items include an HD rear vision camera, forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert, and a speed limiter. Connectivity is a must-have for all new vehicles, especially luxury ones, so the XT6 also has a new rotary controller with a jog function. It's designed to better integrate buttons and steering wheel controls on the eight-inch color touchscreen display, which was first introduced on the XT4, only this time with the jog function that enables users to lift the knob – kind of a like a joystick – to better navigate whatever is being displayed on the screen.

A few other tech items include 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, six USB charge ports, and wireless charging.

"The XT6 is unmistakably Cadillac," said Andrew Smith, executive director of global Cadillac design. "It reinterprets our design language in a unique way, with Premium Luxury and Sport models adding more sophisticated or aggressive character depending on preference."

Official pricing has yet to be announced and orders will get underway this spring.