2018 Cadillac XT5 Adds Mild-Hybrid Powertrain In China

For starters, the XT5 28E benefits from a nine-speed automatic transmission designed with increased efficiency in mind. It’s one of the most vital assets of the mild-hybrid powertrain, reducing fuel consumption to 7.9 liters per 100 kilometers (29.7 mpg). By comparison, the U.S.-spec XT5 with front-wheel-drive and the 310-pony V6 is rated 26 miles per gallon (9 l/100 km) highway.

The internal combustion engine of the 28E is the 2.0-liter LTG, whereas the mild-hybrid part of the system comes in the form of an electric motor. The latter, which is essentially the eAssist system available in various General Motors products such as the 2018 Buick LaCrosse, works in conjunction with the ICE in many driving scenarios.

For example, the electric motor increases both power and acceleration when the loud pedal is pressed down to the floor. While cruising, the motor recovers excess power, which will be used for gathering momentum for the next round of acceleration. Even when braking, energy is recovered. The transmission is calibrated specifically for this powertrain, further boasting ETRS, meaning that the mid-size SUV switches to Park automatically after the engine shuts down.

Available exclusively with all-wheel-drive, the China-only XT5 28E comes in two flavors: Advanced 4WD and Platinum 4WD, with the range-topping coming in at RMB 530,900. Also new for the 2018 model year of the XT5 for the Middle Kingdom is an updated Cadillac User Experience infotainment system, now boasting optimized functions, Kaola FM, and cloud-based apps.

The highlight of the CUE is the 10th-generation OnStar, which provides 22 intelligent services. In China, OnStar is offered free of charge for the first five years of ownership, with the base plan including Automatic Crash Response, Vehicle Diagnostics, and Remote Vehicle Control.