The 2019 Cadillac XT4 “will be made on a variation
of GM’s global Epsilon II platform, which also underpins the Cadillac XTS and
Chevy Malibu, and it should be a little bit bigger than the Chevy Equinox.”
Autoline’s report further suggests that the XT4 will
start rolling off the line in July 2018 for the 2019 model year, at General
Motors’ Fairfax plant. That’s where the E2XX-based Malibu is assembled, and
bearing in mind the proper tooling is already there, the report might not be
that far-fetched after all. Whatever the outcome, the XT4 compact crossover has
some serious competition to tackle.
The Lexus NX comes to mind, as do the Audi Q3,
Mercedes GLA, and even more domestic offerings such as the Lincoln MKC. The XT4
is also important for Cadillac in Europe, a place where CUVs keep getting more
and more popular. And a place where Cadillac is struggling to grab a piece of
the pie from European brands.
As far as engines are concerned, a 2.0-liter
turbocharged four-cylinder is definitely on the cards. Think 250-plus
horsepower, joined by at least 260 pound-feet of torque. On the subject of
transmissions, the front-wheel-drive model should get a nine-speeder, whereas
the XT4 AWD is best suited for the AF50-8 transmission developed by Aisin for
transverse applications.