Test Drive: 2013 Cadillac XTS Premium Collection AWD

2013 Cadillac XTS Premium Collection AWD. Click image to enlarge

Review and photos by Mike Schlee

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2013 Cadillac XTS Premium Collection AWD

Cadillac has spent the past decade reinventing itself with modern, sportier vehicles like the CTS, STS and ATS. This is not one of those vehicles; this is the 2013 Cadillac XTS. Although Cadillac is trying desperately to appeal to a new, younger, more global audience, they are not about to turn their back on their, let’s say, more traditional customer.

The XTS is a replacement for both the STS and DTS, and is based off of the platform currently underpinning the Buick Lacrosse and upcoming 2014 Chevrolet Impala. Power is limited to just one engine choice: Cadillac’s ubiquitous 3.6L V6 producing 304 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque. This engine is usually terrific, but in the XTS gets overwhelmed as it is tasked with motivating 1,912 kg of luxury around. Constant applications of the throttle result in less than impressive fuel economy. Officially rated at 12.5 L/100 km city and 7.7 L/100 km highway, I was only able to average in the mid-11s during hundreds of kilometres of highway driving, and was closer to 16 L/100 km in the city.

In stark contrast to the ATS, CTS and previous STS, the XTS is a front-wheel-drive-based vehicle with a transversely mounted engine. There is, however, the option of a Haldex all-wheel-drive system with electronically controlled limited-slip differential, with which my test vehicle was equipped. No matter which drivetrain you choose, all XTSes come equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission. The transmission is both smooth and seamless in operation, but I was left scratching my head as to why, in a vehicle with no sporting intentions, did Cadillac install a Sport mode and steering wheel–mounted paddle shifters?

Those hoping that the new Cadillac XTS will compete with the likes of the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class will be sorely disappointed. We’ll have to wait a few years yet for a proper, rear-wheel-drive-based flagship to arrive from Cadillac to take on the Germans. For now, this car is better suited to face off against the likes of the Lincoln MKS and maybe even the Lexus ES. Sadly, unlike those vehicles, the XTS has trouble hiding its family sedan roots. Pronounced tire noise and a coarse suspension ruin an otherwise pleasant driving experience. The latter is quite a surprise as all other applications of the Magnetic Ride Control have been exceptional.

2013 Cadillac XTS Premium Collection AWD. Click image to enlarge

This vehicle is large and feels large. The standard 245/45R19 tires, Magnetic Ride Control, rear air springs, HiPer Strut front suspension and front Brembo brakes all do their best to keep this large car under control, and it more or less works. Drive it like a family sedan and you will be fine. Expect ATS-like reflexes and it will disappoint.

Like all Cadillacs in recent memory, the XTS features the trademark Art and Science design language. The overall effect makes the XTS look modern, yet conventional enough to not alienate Cadillac’s ‘traditional’ customers. A cool feature is the rear taillight treatment, which actually seem to pay homage, with a modern twist, to the tailfins of classic Cadillacs.

Inside, Cadillac has given the XTS the full Cadillac User Experience interface, or CUE for short. It is a touchscreen-based infotainment unit that is designed to resemble using a mobile tablet. It will also respond to voice controls, and although it takes a little while to get used to, it is more intuitive to use than some other, similar systems on the market. Finished in piano black plastic, those who have OCD about fingerprint marks on shiny surfaces may go bat-crazy when looking at the centre stack.

2013 Cadillac XTS Premium Collection AWD. Click image to enlarge

The overall fit and finish of the XTS interior is well executed; the materials look and feel more expensive than usually associated with a vehicle costing ‘only’ $60,760. The steering wheel feels great, and I really liked the cruise control buttons that allowed me to adjust speed levels by one or five kilometres depending on how hard it was pushed down. But all was not perfect with the steering wheel; the volume down button had a tendency to stick in when it was depressed and would cause the radio to spiral down to mute. While I am mentioning malfunctions, the keyless entry thumb buttons on the outside of the XTS door handles were on the fritz as well. At first, only the rear left side door would work, but by the end of the week that one also refused to operate. These were probably one off issues isolated to my specific test vehicle, but they were issues nonetheless.

2013 Cadillac XTS Premium Collection AWD. Click image to enlarge

The rest of the vehicle did perform as expected and the heated front seats are some of the most powerful I have experienced. The driver’s seat also features the ‘Safety Alert Seat’ function that will vibrate the front seat when either the lane departure warning or forward crash detection is triggered. I found the lane departure warning was too aggressive and is constantly vibrating your rear; I turned it off within hours of picking up the XTS. The crash detection warning works much better and rarely gives out a false warning, but I found it odd that adaptive cruise control is not standard with this system and can only be purchased with the $2,495 Driver Assist Package.

As can be expected of a Cadillac cruiser, up front it feels like sitting on a recliner while rear seat space approaches limousine levels thanks to its generous proportions. I could easily spend a road trip anywhere in this car, and with 509 L of cargo space in the trunk, bring all the gear I’d need as well. The XTS really is a big, posh, luxurious vehicle. Although it comes up a bit short in other areas, and could have been so much more, it still should resonate well with current Cadillac owners driving Devilles and Sevilles. And really, that is its true mission within the Cadillac family, anyway.

Pricing: 2013 Cadillac XTS Premium Collection AWD
Base price: $59,000
Options: $1,660 (Ultraview sunroof with express open/close, power sunshade)
A/C tax: $100
Freight: $1,595
Price as tested: $62,355

Competitors
Acura RLX
Lexus ES
Lincoln MKS
Volvo S80

Crash test results
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)