To paraphrase Mark Twain, rumours of the Cadillac XTS's death have been greatly exaggerated -- and that's a surprise considering the flashier CT6 has now been around for four years.
The XTS's name is also easy to mix up with that of the XT5, a compact crossover that competes in a vehicle segment car shoppers actually still pay attention to, unlike the full-size sedan category this aging model belongs to.
Following a styling refresh for 2018, the XTS returns with just one change: an updated wireless smartphone charging system that boasts more power, a larger charging surface to accommodating quickly growing devices and compatibility with both Apple and Android's wireless charging protocols.
Sharing its platform with the Chevrolet Impala, the XTS adds the option of AWD and a turbocharged version of the 3.6L V6 shared by those two cars. Turbo power is exclusive to the V-Sport variant and comes with 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 an option in non-turbo cars and standard with the more potent engine; the only transmission is a six-speed automatic that speaks to this car's age, as some other GM models now boast eight- and 10-speed units.
The turbo engine turns this big sedan into a surprisingly sporty car, especially when fitted with GM's magnetic ride control suspension. With either powertrain, it's a big, comfortable sedan that isolates occupants from pavement imperfections while offering lots of interior space for four people and their stuff.
Not much demand remains for cars like this: the Impala goes up against 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.
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.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
