The 2013 Cadillac XTS from General Motors is a strong entry into the midsize luxury sedan market. Replacing the Cadillac DTS, it still epitomizes comfort and luxury made famous by the Cadillac line. It carries the classic styling much loved by diehard fans. Yet, it’s been updated for the contemporary customer. For the older set, the sedan offers styling reminiscent of the Cadillac Sedan de Ville. For the younger set, the XTS has lines and lighting treatments that remind of today’s top of the line German and Japanese luxury models. This sedan is an elegant blend of traditional interior accents coupled with a contemporary tech instrument panel. The low front end with upswept and sleek aerodynamic lines speaks nothing but class. It’s elegant design and grille treatments belie the XTS’ roominess. In fact, the 2013 Cadillac XTS separates itself from its competitors with its traditional yet contemporary flair. Its spaciousness, comfort for rear passengers, and opulent interior put a decidedly American stamp on luxury sedans.
New For 2013
The XTS is an all-new car for 2013. It sits atop Cadillac’s range of sharply designed sedans and is roughly the size of the old DTS it replaces. The XTS was the first car to receive the brand’s new CUE (Cadillac User Experience) infotainment software, which uses touch-capacitive sensors and two LCDs—one on the center stack and an optional one for the gauges.
Exterior
The 2013 Cadillac XTS sedan competes well with its rivals. In fact, GM sets this entry to compete with larger German and Japanese luxury models. The XTS’ lines are sleek. The sedan channels styling from classic Cadillac lines. Cadillac also uniquely uses sheet metal to enhance the sedan’s elegance. It borrows some of its styling from the old DTS that it replaced. It carried over the unique front grille that debuted with the Cadillac DTS. GM borrowed some of XTS lines and tooling from its foreign competitors yet remained distinctly American. And, it didn’t give up Cadillac’s rear lighting styling that started with the DTS. GM kept the rear lighting treatment that makes the Cadillac stand out at night. The new lighted door handles make them easy to find in in the dark and reduces fumbling to open the car door. Its handle treatment is not found on any luxury model. These distinctive features set the 2013 Cadillac XTS apart from other sedans in its class.
Interior & Cargo
Extravagant, spacious and luxurious is the best description of the 2013 Cadillac XTS’ interior. And, it is extremely comfortable. With a choice of four trim styles—XTS, Luxury, Premium, and Platinum—there’s a XTS for every taste. The interior sports real wood accents in six color/wood combinations. It has enough space to carry five passengers with ease. Using a stretch version of the Epsilon II platform and a 111.7-inch wheelbase, GM gave rear passenger comfort much consideration. With extra windows in the c pillars, extra leg room, and rear climate controls, rear passengers enjoy as much comfort as front passengers. Cargo room in XTS’ trunk is cavernous. The XTS’ large, 18.0-cubic foot trunk has ample room to carry luggage for four. Like its sleek exterior, the sedan’s interior is well-appointed.
Safety
The 2013 Cadillac XTS has the safety features found in more expensive luxury German models. Yet, the sedan has front passenger, side and side curtain airbags. And, it has the OnStar system with crash assistance. These features are standard. But, it also has front collision warning radar hidden behind the badge on the front grille. And, it has a rear, blind zone alert as well. The optional driver assist package takes safety to a higher level in the XTS. There’s a lane departure alarm and the radar system will automatically apply the brakes in the event of collision. And, the package adds adaptive cruise control. For a luxury sedan, the XTS has ample safety features and is a secure choice for families with children.
Driving Experience
It goes without saying that comfort and luxury are the emphasis of the 2013 Cadillac XTS. The sedan is built to offer a smooth ride with its Hy-Per strut front suspension, the same suspension used on the Corvette and the Cadillac CTS-V. Also adding to the smooth ride are magnetically controlled shocks and H-arm rear springs. The only disappointment with the XTS is not having rear-wheel drive, a traditional Cadillac staple. This model uses front-wheel drive with all-wheel drive being optional. Front-wheel drive will take a bit of getting use to for Caddy diehards. Fuel economy is decent, ranking at 17/27 mpg city/highway. The Cadillac doesn’t get kudos for sharp cornering and the performance of higher end models. Yet, it is no sloth. It still has strong touring performance. Its 3.6-liter, 304-horsepower, V-6 engine makes 264 lb-ft of torque. The strong engine is in keeping with Cadillac’s long-standing reputation as a comfortable touring car. In terms of performance, the 2013 Cadillac XTS keeps pace with its German and Japanese competitors.
Key Competitors For The 2013 Cadillac XTS
- Acura RL
- Lexus ES
- Lincoln MKS
- Volvo S80