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The 2019 Cadillac XT4 is a small luxury SUV designed to compete with the new class of luxury entry-level vehicles. Once upon a time, entry-level luxury meant a compact sedan such as a BMW 3 Series. With the advent of crossover-itis at the market scale, the luxury of Entry-level means today a small SUV. As such, the luxury entry-level SUV market is in full rebirth (although the proportions are more Rubens than Raphael).
Cadillac hopes to attract buyers looking for subcompacts such as the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Lexus UX and Volvo XC40. Alas, the XT4 is more expensive and bigger than these vehicles, closer to compact Audi Q5, BMW X3, Lexus NX and Volvo XC60. Whatever the group, most of these SUVs are either new or newly redesigned, making it a very young segment. Competition is tough and it's hard to think of another segment that has so many new vehicles.
In this nurturing frenzy, Cadillac launches the XT4 in hopes of having a bigger fish.
The Caddy Que Zigs
Cadillac is adamant that the XT4 is not just a refitted version of an existing General Motors product. It's easy to make a comparison with the Chevy Equinox – a small SUV with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive available – but the comparison does not can survive a close examination.
The 2.0-liter Cadillac turbo has been extensively reworked to maximize efficiency without sacrificing power. The XT4 engine produces 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque while using tricks such as cylinder deactivation and variable valve lift for a return to 26 mpg combined (24 city / 30 highway). Overall, this means that the XT4 is very good for the segment, but that its competitors are less efficient in terms of fuel consumption.
The XT4 is built on its own platform. It is about 2 inches shorter than the Equinox, but it's still a big mite for the entry-level luxury SUV segment that Cadillac targets. In fact, the XT4 is 7 inches longer than the small Volvo XC40. While the Cadillac is intended to compete with subcompact size crossovers, it is actually closer to compacts in terms of overall size. This intermediate form factor and extra length means that the XT4 has more rear space than other entry-level SUVs. Although adults over 6 feet tall may have margin problems.
All who are well will be comfortable, however. The rear seats are nicely padded, but the front seats are the real stars, with excellent structure and adjustability. The seats make it easy to find a driving position that stays comfortable all day long. After our initial configuration, we did not feel the need to continue tweaking the parameters. A bit of credit goes to the armrests, which are placed both high enough and close to be easily usable.
Beyond comfort, the cabin made a good impression. Almost every surface is covered with a kind of soft-touch material or superior quality, including pretty, aluminum-look accents. There are some plastics reminiscent of the Chevrolet Equinox, but it is unlikely that most consumers will choose them at first sight. The cabin is also very usable, with plenty of pockets and bins to keep all your belongings organized and close at hand.
A new interface
Inside the XT4, there's something else that makes it unique in the Cadillac lineup: a button. The infotainment interface of the XT4 can be controlled via the touch screen or by a rotary knob placed near the gearshift. We have a weakness for physical controls because they tend to be less troublesome to use than touch screens, but the XT4 button is a little compromised.
For beginners, the menu structures and the interface are all optimized for traditional use of the touch screen. Navigating the menus is not as simple when using the button, especially compared to what brands such as Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz have managed. Second, the button's functionality is contextual. Access the music screen and the button switches from navigation buttons to switch buttons. Launch the navigation screen and the button zooms in and out. Enter some menus and the button stops working completely, accompanied by a message informing you that it can not be used.
All this means that if the button is useful, it is also a bit unintuitive. Cadillac is committed to touchscreen interfaces, so it seems unlikely that we can see the level of streamlining of integrated integration competitors. Still, the button is an easy alternative once you get used to it, and it is stocky and sturdy, making it a nice touch point.
Technology (and cameras)
Of course, the technological features of the XT4 are not limited to a button. As a GM product, it has many connectivity features, starting with OnStar and a 4G LTE connection and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, and the XT4 has USB ports and USB-C for front and rear passengers. There are a variety of active safety features and driver assistance available, including reverse automatic braking, which applies the brakes for you when you think you are about to return to an obstacle. The Cadillac Super Cruise Highway Control System will also be available.
One of the other tips of the XT4 is the number of cameras available. Beyond the 360-degree view of the camera, there is a real range of views and angles. No matter where you are, the XT4 is equipped with a screen that will help you get out of it.
There is even a rear view camera for the mirror. Just switch a switch and the mirror turns into a screen showing a live broadcast of the traffic behind the vehicle. It's a little disconcerting because it lacks the depth you get by focusing on objects in a mirror, but it's a broad and bright view that gives you a good idea of what's following you.
We enjoyed all these camera views because visibility is a bit of a weakness for the XT4. Thick roof columns and a relatively high waistline make it difficult to see, both on the road and during low speed maneuvers.
Overall, the list of technical features of the XT4 is very competitive, but has two caveats. Many features, such as driving aids, active safety features and sophisticated cameras, are additional options that can drive up the price of the Caddy. The other disadvantage is that even though the technology is both useful and user-friendly, the interfaces and displays are not as impressive as those of other luxury brands. You do not really need to be informed of the tricks that Audi should be impressed by the technical aspect of the cabin, but the Caddy is less obvious as to the depth of its features. Whether it is a positive or a negative, it is up to the preferences of the buyer.
Big Truck Little
On the road, the Cadillac is also distinguished from its competitors. The power distribution is soft and strong, and the transmission is fast changing, but the powertrain lacks urgency compared to more seasoned competitors. Driving the Caddy, especially with our tester's 20-inch wheels, felt a stiff leg and bounced off larger bumps. The steering is light and precise, but the front wheels give no sensation. Finally, the brake pedal is very firm and numb.
These characteristics combined meant that the XT4 we drove was more like a bigger SUV. Steering, driving, braking and power distribution are reminiscent of something much heavier. That said, there is no roll of a large SUV, and the XT4 has proven maneuverable and stable on winding roads. The actual dynamics of the vehicle match its size, but much of the feeling of interaction with the XT4 made us think of driving a bigger GM product.
In many ways, these features might suit GM's mission for the XT4: it will become both an entry-level product for those who may want to upgrade to a larger SUV and buyers who do not have one. need. the extra space and capacity of a large SUV.
All this definitely sets the Cadillac apart: most competitors in the luxury crossover segment focus on the sport or the car. The driving sensation of the X4 is another distinctive feature, but whether it's good or bad will probably depend on what you want from your SUV.
Price and availability
The XT4 arrives at dealerships in October with a starting price of $ 35,790 (including destination and handling). But start adding options and the price may rise quickly. All-wheel drive is an extra $ 2,500 (with a penalty of 2 mpg combined), and packages and options are not cheap. The version we produced was $ 54,485, and there were still a few unchecked option boxes. That sounds great for an entry-level SUV, but most competitors can break the $ 50,000 mark once you dive into the options menu. The extra size and space of the XT4 could be enough to make the middle price acceptable to the right buyer.
Overall, the 2019 Cadillac XT4 is an entry-level luxury SUV, comfortable and state-of-the-art, that fits perfectly into the Cadillac lineup. The comparison with this hot segment is another matter. With so many new or redesigned vehicles, it will be necessary to test on familiar roads before the winners are clearly identified.
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