Photo: original image by autoevolution
The XTS is an interim presence in Cadillac’s line-up, as it has to replace both the STS and the DTS, while waiting for the brand to release an actual flagship. Nonetheless, the XTS has more duties to fulfil. For instance, it must also close the gap between traditional Cadillac customers and those seeking all things new.
The car starts building this bridge right from the design department. The appearance of the XTS reminds us of the Caddys from the golden age, while its styling details are pure modern Cadillac. Nonetheless, the details are less aggressive than what we’ve seen on other recent models of the brand and the light clusters are a good example.
Climbing aboard, we find one of the best interiors the US car industru has produced. There’s a catch though and we’re referring to Cadillac’s CUE infotainment system. The center stack doesn’t hold any solid buttons, with all the operations being performed via capacitive touch controls.
The feeling you get when using it reminds us of the time when we had to switch from our old phones to the first generation of touchscreen smartphones. Things look nice, but they don’t move all that well. Perhaps once you get to live with the car, you’ll become more familiar with the system.
Out on the open road, the XTS is that kind of car that wipes the miles of your mental odometer during long trips. The thing knows how to relax the driver, as well as its occupants. As far as the tech side is concerned, this Cadillac brings mixed emotions. One one hand, it is built on a FWD-led platform, but it packs Magnetic Ride Control adaptive dampers, Opel’s HiPer Strut front suspension, as well as Brembo brakes.
Alas, the suspension does allow for a great degree of body roll, while the brakes have an odd feeling, due to the long pedal travel and the car’s dive.
Interim or not, the XTS aims to offer a lavish experience and the goal is achieved. As for the city driving part, we’ll go through this, along with other Caddy-ish details in our 2014 Cadillac XTS review.
Climbing aboard, we find one of the best interiors the US car industru has produced. There’s a catch though and we’re referring to Cadillac’s CUE infotainment system. The center stack doesn’t hold any solid buttons, with all the operations being performed via capacitive touch controls.
The feeling you get when using it reminds us of the time when we had to switch from our old phones to the first generation of touchscreen smartphones. Things look nice, but they don’t move all that well. Perhaps once you get to live with the car, you’ll become more familiar with the system.
Out on the open road, the XTS is that kind of car that wipes the miles of your mental odometer during long trips. The thing knows how to relax the driver, as well as its occupants. As far as the tech side is concerned, this Cadillac brings mixed emotions. One one hand, it is built on a FWD-led platform, but it packs Magnetic Ride Control adaptive dampers, Opel’s HiPer Strut front suspension, as well as Brembo brakes.
Alas, the suspension does allow for a great degree of body roll, while the brakes have an odd feeling, due to the long pedal travel and the car’s dive.
Interim or not, the XTS aims to offer a lavish experience and the goal is achieved. As for the city driving part, we’ll go through this, along with other Caddy-ish details in our 2014 Cadillac XTS review.
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