Automotive
After spending five years on the market, Cadillac, General Motors’ luxury division, introduced updates to the XTS for the 2018 model year. The refresh focused primarily on exterior styling and interior enhancements, while the powertrain options remained largely unchanged.
Given the intense competition in the luxury full-size sedan segment, Cadillac needed to keep its models competitive. The 2018 XTS was unveiled in summer 2017, showcasing design cues reminiscent of its larger sibling, the CT6. Positioned against rivals like the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the XTS retained its front-wheel-drive platform with optional all-wheel-drive, a configuration shared with Audi models. Despite this setup, customer acceptance allowed GM to maintain this architecture, while focusing on exterior and technology upgrades.
Adhering to Cadillac’s Art and Science design philosophy, the 2018 XTS featured redesigned LED headlamps with integrated daytime running lights extending into the bumper. The prominent pentagonal grille sported three chrome-plated horizontal bars and displayed the Cadillac emblem at its top. Below, the wraparound plastic bumper housed a central air intake flanked by side intakes, finished in either chrome or satin chrome depending on the trim level.
The 2018 Cadillac XTS was offered in five trim levels: the base model, Luxury, Premium Luxury, Platinum, and V-Sport Platinum. The first two trims came with 19-inch alloy wheels, while the higher-end versions featured 20-inch wheels. To enhance its sporty appearance, Cadillac added creased lines along the body, connecting the front fenders to the taillights, complemented by chrome accents on the lower door panels.
True to Cadillac’s design heritage, the 2018 XTS retained its signature vertical taillights, now updated with full-LED technology and a refined appearance compared to the previous version. The rear also showcased a dual exhaust system with chrome-tipped outlets.
Inside, the 2018 XTS maintained its luxurious ambiance. All versions featured newly designed front bucket seats with eight-way power adjustment and leather upholstery. The Platinum and V-Sport Platinum trims offered more luxurious 22-way adjustable seats with semi-aniline leather. Standard across the range was a configurable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster paired with an updated touchscreen infotainment system and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. The rear seat, a 60/40 split bench, accommodated three passengers, though center seat legroom was somewhat restricted due to the transmission tunnel.
Mechanically, North American customers saw no changes. The standard powertrain across most trims remained a 3.6-liter naturally aspirated V6. Only the top-of-the-line V-Sport Platinum trim received a turbocharged version of this engine, producing 410 horsepower (416 PS) and featuring standard all-wheel drive. An AWD system was available as an option for all other XTS trim levels.
