New for 2017

For 2017, the XTS gets a revised gauge cluster, teen driver feature, a new 20-inch wheel design for the V-Sport model, and three new exterior colors: Phantom Gray Metallic, Bronze Dune Metallic, and Deep Amethyst Metallic.

Old dog, new tricks

The 2017 Cadillac XTS proves that old school luxury can coexist with modern performance and technology. The XTS is a big, comfortable sedan like the kind Cadillac has built for decades. Yet it also has some new tricks up its sleeves, including powerful V6 engines, adaptive suspension, and a host of advanced technology features. It’s a 21^st-century update of the classic American luxury sedan.

Performance

The XTS is the successor to Cadillac’s classic luxury cars, but that doesn’t mean it can’t hold its own against modern sports sedans. Cadillac offers two powertrains in the XTS that both provide plenty of thrills, while the chassis is set up for comfortable long-distance cruising.

The standard XTS powertrain is a naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V6 that produces 304 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque. All XTS models use a six-speed automatic transmission, with standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. With front-wheel drive, the XTS gets an EPA-rated 22 mpg combined (18 mpg city, 28 mpg highway), while all-wheel-drive models get 20 mpg combined (17 mpg city, 26 mpg highway).*

Cadillac also offers a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 with standard all-wheel drive in the XTS V-Sport. This muscular engine produces 410 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most power-dense six-cylinder engines in the segment, according to Cadillac. This engine is rated at 18 mpg combined (16 mpg city, 23 mpg highway).*

The XTS chassis is well equipped to handle these powerful engines. Extensive use of high-strength steel helps make the body both stiff and light, while standard Magnetic Ride Control suspension provides both sure-footed handling and a comfortable ride. All-wheel-drive models use a sophisticated Haldex system that includes an electronic limited-slip differential, which splits power between the rear wheels to maximize traction.

Features

The 2017 Cadillac XTS is a four-door, five-seat luxury sedan. It’s offered in six trim levels, priced starting from $45,295.**

Even the base XTS comes well-equipped, with standard features including Magnetic Ride Control, 19-inch alloy wheels, Cadillac CUE infotainment system, eight-speaker Bose® audio system, power tilt and telescoping steering column, OnStar® 4G LTE with built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless phone charging, power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and more.

Moving up from the base model, the XTS Luxury model adds navigation, ambient LED interior lighting, heated steering wheel, heated front seats, daytime running lights, power-folding heated auto-dimming outside mirrors, rain sensing wipers, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, and more.

The Premium Luxury builds on the other models, adding massaging front seats, 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster display, head-up display, tri-zone automatic climate control, adaptive headlights, a 110-volt power outlet, 14-speaker Bose® surround-sound audio system, memory package, and front-seat thigh adjusters.

In addition to the applicable standard features from the base, Luxury, and Premium Luxury models, the XTS Platinum includes 22-inch wheels, a power sunroof, rear sunshades, rear armrest audio controls, and more.

In addition to the standard models, Cadillac also offers a V-Sport performance model in combination with both the Premium Luxury and Platinum trim levels. The V-Sport gets the more powerful twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V6, plus model-specific 20-inch wheels and other special cosmetic touches.

Design

The 2017 XTS wears Cadillac’s family design language, sporting a modern look that is more confident and extroverted than the styling of many of Cadillac’s German and Japanese competitors. Sharp surface lines and plenty of bright trim help the XTS stand out from the crowd, while a low roofline gives the big sedan a sporty silhouette. Platinum and V-Sport models are set apart by special grilles and wheel designs.

To give the interior a true luxury feel, Cadillac used premium materials wherever possible. Semi-aniline leather seating is standard with Opus leather optional, and both materials feature perforated detailing. Platinum models get wood and leather trim on the steering wheel, center console, instrument panel, and door panels, plus a microfiber suede headliner.

All of that wood and leather comes straight out of the old-school luxury playbook, but the XTS is very much a car of the times. It gets the latest version of the CUE (Cadillac User Experience) infotainment system, which makes extensive use of capacitive switches for a clean look and feel that should be familiar to any smartphone user. A 12.3-inch digital instrument display is also available, along with a head-up display.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2017 Cadillac XTS includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, and a full array of airbags. Optional features include a rearview camera, front and rear automatic braking, adaptive front lighting with high-beam assist, automatic parking assist, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, side blind zone alert, rear cross traffic alert, and forward collision alert. The XTS also features Cadillac’s Safety Alert Seat, which vibrates to warn the driver of potential obstacles.

Verdict

The 2017 Cadillac XTS is an all-American luxury car with all the performance and refinement you'd expect from the Cadillac brand.

Be sure to contact us online or visit 3Birds Template at 505 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516 to schedule a test drive.

*EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions.

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