Cadillac joining the tiny crossover SUV wars.
Media at the Cadillac XT4 compact SUV during its unveiling Tuesday 27 March 2018 at Cadillac House in New York, New York. The XT4 has a new 2.0-liter turbo engine with Active Fuel management for 118.5 hp per liter, coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission and “Electronic Precision Shift.” The XT4 will be available in Premium Luxury and Sport models.
The Kansas built XT4 – a Chevy Malibu derivative – will be priced starting at $35,790 when it goes on sale in fall 2018.
At launch, the 2019 XT4 – chubby at 3600 pounds curb weight for lower level models – will be offered with several interiors, based on Luxury, Premium Luxury or Sport trims:
- XT4 Luxury — Light Platinum/Jet Black with Aluminum Metallized decor trim
- XT4 Premium Luxury — Jet Black with Diamond-Cut Aluminum, Light Platinum/Jet Black with Linear Galaxy High-Gloss Wood, Sedona/Jet Black with Fineline Calico High-Gloss Wood
- XT4 Sport — Jet Black with Cinnamon Accents with Twenty-Two High-Gloss Carbon Fiber, Light Wheat/Jet Black with Red Accents and Morello Red High-Gloss Carbon Fiber, Sedona/Jet Black with Fineline Calico High-Gloss Wood
Technologies
Led by the latest (marketing babble alert) Cadillac user experience, the brand’s most advanced infotainment interface, the XT4 offers a connected environment. It is a dynamic platform that offers a smartphone-like experience with an intuitive interface, faster response and improved voice recognition that can be updated over time to meet a “customer’s evolving connectivity needs.”
A new controller includes volume and seek forward/back controls for the audio system; shortcut buttons for fast access to the most frequently used apps such as Audio, Phone, Navigation (if available) and Home; and a large center dial to operate primary features of the most frequently used apps, scroll menus and lists and select other apps to be displayed.
- The 8-inch diagonal interface screen has 768p HD resolution.
- Near-Field Communication, a Cadillac-first integration, greatly improves the process of pairing a phone (if compatible) with Cadillac user experience it’s claimed.
- Next-generation, 15-watt wireless charging is available and offers faster charging times.
- There are four standard USB Ports and three 12-volt accessory power outlets. Models equipped with the optional navigation radio also receive an SD memory card reader in the center console.
- Active optional safety features includes Surround Vision and second-generation Rear Camera Mirror.
Driving Dynamics
The engine has a twin-scroll turbocharger to increase torque production at lower speeds, as well as direct injection, active thermal management and stop/start technologies. Output is SAE-certified at 237 hp (177 kW) and 258 lb-ft of torque (350 Nm). A nearly flat torque curve gives the XT4 responsiveness throughout the engine’s RPM range. The system is designed to optimize performance and efficiency by having three distinct operating modes, including high and low valve lift and Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation).
A nine-speed automatic transmission is paired with the new engine, helping the XT4 achieve a Cadillac-estimated 30 mpg in highway driving. The vehicle also features the next generation of electronic precision shift, which features an intuitive shifting sequence.
A cheap strut-type front suspension and a more sophisticated five-link independent rear suspension are claimed to be tuned to balance refinement with responsiveness. The standard Driver Select Mode allows that tuning to be adjusted on demand for different driving styles and road conditions.
A twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system is optional and decouples entirely from the rear wheels when the driver chooses, eliminating some drivetrain friction.
XT4 Sport’s optional more expensive Active Sport Suspension features Continuous Damping Control and takes driving dynamics and control to a higher threshold, using electronic sensors to monitor the road in real time and making damping adjustments every 2 milliseconds.
The XT4 is also the first Cadillac to introduce electro-hydraulic braking assist, which supplants the traditional vacuum-assisted power braking system with an electro-hydraulic system that increases fuel economy and takes up less space under the hood.
