We had assumed the arrival of the CT6 as the new Cadillac flagship in 2016 spelled the end of the line for the XTS, but this front-wheel drive car carries over into 2018 and even gains some styling and technical revisions in the process.
Those changes include updated front and rear fascia, standard LED headlights, a suspension revised for better ride comfort, new tires to reduce road noise and standard Brembo brakes across the range. Inside, there are new front seats and the latest version of the CUE infotainment system.
Sharing its platform with the Chevrolet Impala, the XTS establishes its premium status with the addition of optional AWD and a turbocharged version of the 3.6L V6 shared by both cars. That engine is exclusive to the V-Sport variant and makes 410 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, while standard versions of the car get a non-turbo 3.6L good for 304 hp and 264 lb-ft. All-wheel drive is optional in non-turbo cars and standard with the more potent engine; while many other GM models have graduated to eight- and even 10-speed transmissions, the XTS soldiers on with a six-speed.
The turbo engine turns this big sedan into a surprisingly entertaining car, especially when fitted with GM's magnetic ride control suspension. With either powertrain, it's a big, comfortable car that does a fine job isolating its occupants from pavement imperfections while offering lots of interior space for four, plus a huge trunk.
It's hard to say how much demand remains for cars like this: the Impala faces off against sedans like the Ford Taurus and Toyota Avalon, leaving the XTS to fight for customers with the likes of the Lincoln MKS and -- well, we're not exactly sure what else. Cadillac name-checks cars like the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class when discussing the XTS's competitive set, but the smaller, RWD-based CTS is a better car to line up against those German juggerauts.
While the styling changes sharpen this car's look, the new CUE infotainment setup is a more welcome addition, replacing a first-generation system that was far from intuitive. Cadillac says that in addition to better user-friendliness, the new CUE is easier to personalize based on driver preferences and the development of future applications.
Fuel consumption estimates range from 13.2/8.5 L/100 km (city/highway) in the front-wheel drive model to 15.0/10.2 in the turbocharged V-Sport.
