While Audi is "rightsizing" its engines, Cadillac is choosing to do the same with the wheelbases of its cars. That's a roundabout way of saying the American automaker has launched the XT5 crossover in China, and it doesn't have an extended wheelbase.
Photo: Cadillac
Almost every major automaker stretches its cars to fit the demands of Chinese customers. The most popular are sedans like the Audi A6L and BMW 750Li. However, crossovers and SUVs are also targeted, which is why the Range Rover has a big version.
Cadillac's decision not to stretch the XT5 could be explained in several ways. For starters, the crossover is already larger than the model it replaces and most of the added inches are there for the benefit of the folks in the rear seats.
Secondly, now is not the time to pointlessly re-engineer a new car. Headlines are filled with stories about the Chinese economic cooldown and how the luxury bubble is about to burst.
In China, the XT5 will be built by the SAIC-GM joint venture. Six trim levels are available with a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and high-performance 25T or 28T engines. The price was also announced today and will range between RMB 359,900 and 539,900 ($56,000 and $83,000).
Unlike the American model that exclusively uses a 3.6-liter V6, the Chinese XT5 28T adopts a 2-liter turbo engine with twin-scroll turbocharging and SIDI technology. The output is rated at 198 kW, equivalent to 266 hp (US) or 269 PS. Torque levels of 400 Nm seem almost unreasonable for a gasoline engine of this size.
Unfortunately, we can't figure out what the 25T is, but it should also be a 2-liter turbo (based on the name). The output is slightly lower at 184 kW, and the powertrain is probably shared with the Buick Regal.
“The upscale Cadillac XT5 is targeted at individuals who embrace innovation,” said SAIC-GM President Wang Yongqing. “These are social leaders and professionals who envision new avenues of creativity that demonstrate their success and ambition. The overall design, comfort, performance and technology of the XT5 will meet their desire for a crossover that embodies modern American luxury.”
Cadillac's decision not to stretch the XT5 could be explained in several ways. For starters, the crossover is already larger than the model it replaces and most of the added inches are there for the benefit of the folks in the rear seats.
Secondly, now is not the time to pointlessly re-engineer a new car. Headlines are filled with stories about the Chinese economic cooldown and how the luxury bubble is about to burst.
In China, the XT5 will be built by the SAIC-GM joint venture. Six trim levels are available with a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and high-performance 25T or 28T engines. The price was also announced today and will range between RMB 359,900 and 539,900 ($56,000 and $83,000).
A change of pace
Unlike the American model that exclusively uses a 3.6-liter V6, the Chinese XT5 28T adopts a 2-liter turbo engine with twin-scroll turbocharging and SIDI technology. The output is rated at 198 kW, equivalent to 266 hp (US) or 269 PS. Torque levels of 400 Nm seem almost unreasonable for a gasoline engine of this size.
Unfortunately, we can't figure out what the 25T is, but it should also be a 2-liter turbo (based on the name). The output is slightly lower at 184 kW, and the powertrain is probably shared with the Buick Regal.
“The upscale Cadillac XT5 is targeted at individuals who embrace innovation,” said SAIC-GM President Wang Yongqing. “These are social leaders and professionals who envision new avenues of creativity that demonstrate their success and ambition. The overall design, comfort, performance and technology of the XT5 will meet their desire for a crossover that embodies modern American luxury.”
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