Blame it on a BMW 740iL ride years ago, but luxury sedans have always held a certain appeal. The allure of a spacious, comfortable cruiser is undeniable, especially when business trips and tall colleagues enter the equation. Finding a rental car that accommodates individuals towering at 6’4″, 6’5″, and even 6’7″ is no easy feat. Standard intermediate cars simply won’t cut it, leading to inevitable rental upgrades. During a recent trip with a vehicle shortage due to a large conference, a 2019 Cadillac Xts became our chariot of choice, and it proved to be quite the experience.
The Cadillac XTS immediately strikes you with its bold presence. Its design language is aggressive yet refined, a striking combination for a vehicle of its size. It evokes a sense of stealth and speed, much like the legendary A-12 Oxcart reconnaissance aircraft.
Under the hood, the 2019 Cadillac XTS carries over the familiar 3.6-liter VVT direct-injection V6 engine, a powerplant also found in the Camaro. While docile in everyday driving thanks to its gearing, a firm press on the accelerator unleashes its 305 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque. Surprisingly, this power is delivered to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission, a configuration chosen to maximize interior space. For those seeking enhanced traction, an all-wheel-drive XTS-4 version is available.
With Huntsville’s abundance of off-ramps and cloverleafs, a solo drive in the XTS presented a perfect opportunity to assess its braking and handling. Having accumulated around 30,000 miles, this particular model was nicely broken in. Aggressive late braking into corners revealed firm and responsive brakes, instilling confidence. Despite expecting some front-end push during sharp apexing, the factory-equipped 245/45 19″ Goodyear tires held their ground, maintaining composure even when accelerating out of tight turns. The ride quality strikes a comfortable balance, avoiding the overly soft, “old-mattress” feel of older luxury cars. The suspension feels taut, contributing to a planted and stable feel at all times.
Drawing from past experiences with modern Cadillacs, including a 2015 SRX-4, expectations for the 2019 Cadillac XTS interior were tempered. Regrettably, the interior largely echoes previous Cadillac designs, offering a familiar but somewhat dated ambiance. The CUE (Cadillac User Experience) infotainment system, while updated, presents a user interface that remains challenging to navigate. Many interior elements, including the buttonless haptic feedback HVAC controls, are reminiscent of the SRX. On a positive note, the BOSE audio system continues to impress with its rich sound and well-placed speakers.
A humorous quirk emerged with the electronic parking brake. The “E” in E-brake now officially stands for Electronic, and its button placement and size are noteworthy. Relocated from the center console to the far left of the dash, near the door, the button is roughly the size of a window switch. Locating it required a moment of searching before smoothly exiting the rental lot without dragging the rear brakes. Hopefully, this interior design marks the “end of the line,” paving the way for a more contemporary and user-friendly Cadillac cabin in future models.
Similar to other Cadillacs equipped with this engine and drivetrain, the 2019 Cadillac XTS offers seamless shifting and remarkably low engine revs at cruising speeds. At 63 mph (100 kmh), the engine barely exceeds idle, registering around 1600 rpm in top gear. However, fuel economy mirrors that of the SRX, averaging in the low 20s mpg combined. Being a V6, cylinder deactivation is absent, and the engine lacks auto start/stop functionality at traffic lights.
Visibility presents the most significant drawback of the XTS. The low roofline, reminiscent of Audi and VW models like the A7, Arteon, and CC, as well as Mercedes-Benz sedans, results in substantial blind spots. The B-pillar consistently obstructs the view, regardless of seat adjustments. While the mirrors are generously sized, they prove insufficient to fully compensate. Merging into traffic necessitates considerable head movement and shoulder checking to avoid sideswiping other vehicles. Parking, particularly forward parking, proves somewhat awkward due to the low seating position and front-end design. Backing into parking spaces is comparatively easier. Taller drivers, however, seemed to encounter fewer visibility issues. Despite its sedan classification, the XTS is undeniably large, measuring 200 inches in length, just 3 inches shorter than a typical minivan.
The 2019 Cadillac XTS boasts numerous advantages. It comfortably accommodates even very tall passengers, offers a cavernous trunk (large enough to “fit a full coffin,” as one colleague humorously noted), and features a plush, well-built interior. The design, both inside and out, is clean and refined without being ostentatious. While beige interiors aren’t typically favored, the two-tone scheme and faux-wood trim in this XTS are surprisingly appealing.
The primary consideration for potential XTS buyers boils down to value. Ignoring fuel economy, the $52,000 price point places the 2019 Cadillac XTS in competition with a wide array of well-equipped vehicles, including some compelling sports cars. This makes its value proposition a complex question. As with all car reviews, thorough research and personal test drives are crucial. For detailed specifications, resources like Edmunds.com and the official Cadillac website are readily available, along with dealer locators for test drive arrangements.
