Cadillac Doubles Down On XTS With Extensive Updates For 2018

he Cadillac XTS is quite an interesting vehicle: initially developed to satisfy the needs of Cadillac DTS customers as that model was phased out, the XTS landed right in the midst of Cadillac’s transformation from a soft luxury marque that competed with Lincoln to a sport-luxury brand that competed with BMW, Audi, Jaguar, and Mercedes-Benz. Since its launch in 2013, the XTS has delivered steady sales results, thanks to its very attractive value proposition and nearly non-existent competition. The model was then slated to be discontinued around the 2018 model year, but GM/Cadillac leadership decided to not only keep it around, but also to give it a fairly substantial refresh — which we see here for the 2018 model year.

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TheSteve - 6/19/2017 1:40:59 PM

-5 Boost

Just beware of the pro-GM slant in this blog from GMauthority.com. More like PR than news.

dpalmo - 6/19/2017 2:18:27 PM

-7 Boost

They should really just unplug the silly XTS from life-support. The CT6 is far better and newer in every aspect, AND it doesn't have to directly compete with the new venerable A8.

Competing directly with the new successful, high-tech A8 would be a fruitless effort. That's why the CT6 exists!

MDarringer - 6/19/2017 4:48:42 PM

-1 Boost

The CT6 needs the killing given that the XTS easily outsells it by more and 2:1.

The CT6 was a pathetically dumb move.

TomM - 6/19/2017 5:41:22 PM

+4 Boost

No - Matt - the CT6 was a needed move - to produce a large Cadillac at the top of the divisions rear wheel drive group of sports sedans. The problem with the CT6 is that is has styling that was not updated enough to make it really desirable at first sight - although it does happen to be a really nice car to drive at that size (Remember - I have one) In addition to the styling - which is blah - the sales problem is that there are people in the USA who still want a XTS level car - those are the same people who also buy the Lexus ES. THey are looking for a large car to carry the family to the Sunday social - and are not looking for CT6 performance (Which also comes at a higher price.

If DeNysschen was good - he would be producing cars for both markets -although that is really what Buick is there for.

MDarringer - 6/19/2017 6:01:25 PM

0 Boost

@TomM You tell me I'm wrong and then prove my point. Go take your pills.

Truthy - 6/19/2017 3:03:05 PM

+2 Boost

The role of the XTS in the lineup is not that dissimilar from the ES at Lexus.
Its transaction price is substantially lower the the superior XT6. It sells mainly on value, especially to limo companies and traditional Cadillac buyers.
It will probably go away in 2020 - 21.

MDarringer - 6/19/2017 5:59:49 PM

0 Boost

If anything, the ATS and CTS should go away. The XTS should be recast as a Seville and priced like an ATS. The CT6 should become an Elmiraj and be priced like a CTS. They should build the Escala as their Tesla fighter.

cidflekken - 6/19/2017 7:38:10 PM

+2 Boost

The XTS is still a strong seller for Cadillac, with 6370 units this year compared to the CT6's 4383 units. With only 4% fleet sales for Cadillac this year, that's not a factor so clearly private buyers are drawn to the lower-priced car. What would make sense would be for Cadillac to offer a lower-priced, slightly decontented CT6 with much softer springing (and no adjustable suspension) as its lowest trim level, and say goodbye to the XTS. This way, they keep the imagine Cadillac is trying to portray and build and not spend millions on refreshes/redesigns and production of an additional model.

cidflekken - 6/19/2017 7:38:56 PM

+2 Boost

Oops, they "keep the image...."

MDarringer - 6/19/2017 11:37:16 PM

-2 Boost

No. Creating that version and replacing the CTS would be the plan.

mre30 - 6/20/2017 11:07:29 AM

0 Boost

Product planning at Cadillac has been SOOO inept for SOOO long...that perhaps Cadillac should have died with Olds, Pontiac, Hummer, and Saturn.

Here is how the lineup should waterfall downwards...

(a) Escalade at the top to compete with RR and MB GLS.

(b) 7-Seater XT7 SUV (derived from XT5) to compete with Acura MDX, Volvo XC90, etc

(c) Keep the XT5

(d) Roll out an XT3 based on the CTS

(e) Cancel the CTS

(f) Make the CT6 a little bigger and sell is as the El Mirage (sp?) CT6 trunk is too small and wheelbase should be 4-6 inches longer.

(g) Make the XTS the 'middle' vehicle in price but keep size the same

(h) Sell the ATS as the entry point at $29,500 and $39,500 fully loaded.

(I) Cancel all the 'sporty' Cadillac's - V-tech etc.

That's it.

(g)