While many people thought the Cadillac XTS was discontinued, this is not really the case. Cadillac did not pay that much attention to the car mostly because they focused on the CT6 and the CTS. However, the XTS is still on the market and a few months ago it started to improve on sales by up to 25%. This was a surprise for most and mostly because of that, it seems that the car will not be discontinued as we first thought. Instead, an update is likely going to be released with the 2018 Cadillac XTS which may stay on the market until 2024 when the car is likely going to be replaced by an entirely new model. Until then though, the XTS will remain the only car still using the older Epsilon II platform which has been around for quite some time.
2018 Cadillac XTS in detail
At first many thought the 2018 update was going to be a complete revision. While this may still be the case, it is likely going to be the other way around. This will allow GM to remain focused on their rear wheel drive cars without having to discontinue the XTS.
The 2018 model will likely be released in the early 2017 and it should hit the market shortly after that. The car will likely come with an improved engine, a revised look as well as a better interior.
What is it exactly?
The 2018 Cadillac XTS will remain a full size luxury sedan. This spot has been mostly taken by the CT6 but this is usually less refined than the front wheel drive XTS. This has also been the main reason why it sold quite a bit better in the past few months.
Under the hood
The current model is available in the US, China and a few other markets and it comes with either a 2 liter engine or with a larger 3.6 liter V6. The base 2 liter turbocharged engine currently offers 272 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.
The revised model is expected to be upgraded to as much as 280 horsepower and closer to 280 lb-ft of torque. This should give it a really nice edge over some of its rivals. The naturally aspirated 3.6 liter V6 will likely provide 335 horsepower and over 280 lb-ft of torque.
Its turbocharged version might not change all that much. This is still expected to offer 410 horsepower but slightly more torque than before.
The older six speed automatic transmission is more than likely going to be discontinued. In its place we should see an eight speed automatic for the base engines.
The turbocharged V6 might get to be the first front wheel drive GM product to use their new nine speed automatic. The optional all wheel drive system is unlikely going to change for the time being.
The looks
The current model looks different and that is a very good thing. The 2018 Cadillac XTS should follow its design scheme closely. We do expect minimal bodywork changes in order to bring the car in line with their other models.
Expect it to feature the new headlight design found on the CT6 as well as a new grille. However, the raked roof, long body and long overhangs will likely stay. Same thing can be said about its interior as well. While the basic traits will remain, the XTS will likely feature better materials and more equipment than before.
On top of that, ti is expected to feature the newest infotainment system as well as a slightly different dashboard. This has been rumored to have a much cleaner design which will allow the front wheel drive Cadillac to compete with all those premium European offerings.
2018 Cadillac XTS Video
