New for 2015

The 2015 Cadillac XTS sees a number of upgrades, including 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hot spot and a revised rear-seat armrest that now supports integrated controls. 

A True Luxury Sedan   

As Cadillac’s flagship sedan, the 2015 XTS has all the key ingredients to compete successfully in the full-size sedan segment. It’s spacious, downright stunning to look at and, in true modern Cadillac fashion, sports the very latest safety and driver-focused technology. And with a starting MSRP of $44,660,* the XTS manages to undercut its Japanese and European rivals by a hefty margin.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2015 Cadillac XTS is available with one of two engines and various drivetrain configurations. Standard XTS models receive a naturally-aspirated 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 304 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a standard six-speed automatic transmission, however, the XTS is also available with all-wheel drive.

The mayhem doesn’t end there, however, and drivers seeking even more oomph can opt for a turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 that delivers 410 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. In turbocharged models, power is routed to all four wheels via a solitary six-speed automatic.

In addition to some pliant powertrains, and despite its heft, the 2015 XTS delivers the type of road-going manners that betray its larger frame. While it may be difficult to imagine the XTS as nimble, that’s exactly the type of experience you’ll get behind the wheel, thanks to an adaptive suspension and finely-tuned electrical power steering.

The 2015 XTS also sports a remarkably clean and comfortable ride. That same adaptive suspension that keeps body roll in check and plants the vehicle firmly into corners is also capable of providing a firm yet buttery-smooth ride on most surfaces. A pillowy-driving land-yacht this Cadillac is not.

And while the base engine acquits itself well, we recommend springing for the upgraded V6 if power is a priority.  

Features and Trims

A five-passenger luxury sedan should have it all (sans kitchen sink) and we’re happy to report that the 2015 XTS delivers in kind. There are four trim levels to choose from: base, Luxury Collection, Premium Collection, and Platinum Collection, each offering up even more goodies than the one before.

The 2015 Cadillac XTS sports an impressive array of standard features. So bear with us as we attempt to catalogue it all. Standard exterior features include 19-inch wheels, adaptive suspension dampers, xenon headlamps, heated mirrors, and rear parking sensors. Step inside the vehicle and drivers are treated to dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power front seats, and leather upholstery.

As mentioned before, the XTS prides itself on including the very best and latest onboard technology. This includes everything from Bluetooth® phone and audio connectivity, OnStar telematics, and an eight-speaker Bose® sound system, complete with CD player, satellite radio, HD radio, and iPod/USB ports. Other standard equipment includes an eight-inch touchscreen that integrates with Cadillac’s stunning CUE interface. New for 2015 is standard 4GE LTE connectivity that allows you to set up your own wireless hot spot on the go. 

Naturally, customers looking to customize their XTS even further should consider moving up to the Luxury Collection, which adds LED lighting accents to the exterior, a dual-exhaust layout to the rear fascia, and other creature comforts such as heated and ventilated front seats. The Luxury Collection also adds a heated steering wheel, wood trim, front and rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera that is particular welcome given the vehicle’s somewhat larger proportions.

Meanwhile, Premium Collection and Platinum Collection offerings include automatic high beams, a head-up display, an upgraded 14-speaker Bose® surround-sound audio system, adaptive cruise control, to name a few.

Exterior/Interior

If you’re a fan of the Cadillac’s latest design language then you’ll no doubt appreciate the XTS exterior. Sporting an aggressive front grille and angular, wedge-like profile, this is one full-size luxury sedan that exudes confidence and commands attention whether in motion or at a standstill. Cadillac has long-been a pioneer when it comes to design, and while it’s taken time to reincorporate the imagination and risk-taking the brand was known for, we’re happy to see that spirit captured within each new model. But more than any analysis we could offer, the proof is tied to the popularity and resurgence of the Cadillac nameplate, which is surging.

Of course, inside is where drivers will be spending most of their time, and thankfully, Cadillac’s design team spent a great deal of effort in perfecting it. Astute occupants will immediately notice the lack of dials inside the XTS. In keeping with the automaker’s progressive design ethos, the XTS does away with traditional buttons in favor of a capacitive touchscreen (think tablets and smartphones). There aren’t any real gauges either, with the instrument cluster replaced with a reconfigurable LCD display.

But if the XTS’ instrumentation looks to the future for inspiration, it’s fair to say that the vehicles layout is very “old world.” Seating is a particular bright note in a symphony of comfort. The second row deserves mention, too. It’s three-across configuration comfortably seats passengers of virtually all sizes, with just the right amount of padding to make even the longest most energy-sapping road trip a welcome occurrence.

And if its cargo room you require, the 2015 XTS serves up an ample 18 cubic feet of space.

Safety

Advanced safety is a cornerstone of the XTS’ design. Standard equipment includes antilock disc brakes, stability control, and traction control. Also standard is OnStar, which includes automatic crash notification, roadside assistance, remote door unlocking, stolen vehicle assistance, and turn-by-turn navigation.

Additional available safety features include blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warnings, forward collision warnings, rear cross-traffic alerts, and a vibrating driver seat that alerts the driver to an impending collision on either side of the vehicle. New for 2015 is an available lane-keep assist for front-wheel-drive models.

Bottom Line

With its sweeping good looks and inspiring performance, the XTS bridges the gap between premium-grade cruiser and out and out sport sedan. It’s also incredibly comfortable both in its road manners and interior appointments. Factor in the bleeding edge technology and prestige that accompanies the famous Cadillac shield and you have one compelling full-size luxury sedan. Stop by 3Birds Template today for a test drive.

Image: Cadillac

*The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment