Cadillac is filling a significant gap in their
sedan-focused lineup by unveiling the 2020 XT6. Set to be shown at the North
American International Auto Show, the XT6 is a three row crossover that will
slot in between the smaller XT5 and larger Escalade. It sports a unique design
as it wears an Escala-inspired grille which is flanked by standard LED
headlights. Designers also installed in vertical LED daytime running lights and
numerous “bright galvano” accents.
Moving further back, the crossover has slightly
generic styling which is broken up by a large greenhouse. While the design
isn’t too adventurous, the XT6 has strong shoulder lines, a sloping roof and
20-inch alloy wheels. Buyers will also
find a tailgate-mounted spoiler, a dual exhaust system and distinctive
taillights. Drivers looking for something more aggressive can
opt for the XT6 Sport which features a black mesh grille, sportier bumpers and
clear taillights. The model also has a unique exhaust and available 21-inch
wheels.
Cadillac didn’t say much about the interior, but it
follows in the footsteps of the XT5. This is slightly disappointing, but
drivers will find wood or carbon fiber trim as well as an 8-inch touchscreen
infotainment system.
Of course, the whole point of the XT6 is its
standard power-folding third row. Legroom back there is pretty tight at 75 cm, but that’s slightly more than the Audi Q7 and 3.3
cm less than the Infiniti QX60. In terms of practicality, the XT6 offers 356 liters of luggage space behind the third row. When the second and third rows are
folded down, that number climbs to 2,228 liters.
Like the rest of the Cadillac lineup, the XT6 offers
an impressive amount of luxury features. Details will be announced closer to
launch, but Cadillac confirmed options will include semi-aniline premium
leather upholstery, heated / ventilated front seats and heated second row
seats. Customers will also be able to order an air ionizer and “Cadillac’s first
Bose Performance Series sound system with 14 custom-tuned speakers delivering
immersive, powerful audio.”
As expected, the XT6 is powered by a 3.6-liter V6
engine that produces an estimated 310 hp and 373
Nm of torque. It is paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission which sends
power to the front wheels. All-wheel drive is standard on the XT6 Sport, but
optional on the XT6 Premium Luxury. While most crossover buyers don’t care about weight,
the model tips the scales at 2,127 kg. It can also tow up to 1,814 kg, but this is less than the four-cylinder Audi Q7 which is rated
at 1,995 kg.
Since crossovers are designed primarily as people
haulers, the XT6 comes standard with an assortment of safety features. Among
the highlights are automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert and
park assist. Other items include lane
change alert with side blind zone alert and lane keep assist with lane departure
warning.
Customers can also order adaptive cruise control,
automatic parking assist, a head-up display and a night vision system. The 2020 Cadillac XT6 will go up
for order this spring and pricing will be announced closer to launch.
