Cadillac continues to play catch up when it comes to its crossover line-up with the debut of its new XT5 Sport package at the Chicago Auto Show.
General Motors luxury brand had been late to the party when it came to luxury utes smaller than the its class-leading Escalade. However, it’s certainly been trying to make up for lost time since it put its plans in place to compete in the segment.
The new XT5 Sport arrives on the heels of brand’s recently introduced XT4 small ute that has quickly become a strong seller for Cadillac. However, the XT5 Sport fills a need for an aggressive-looking model that competitors like Lexus, BMW and others have been offering.
“The new XT5 Sport package harmonizes styling cues from Cadillac’s new Sport models, first launched on XT4 and all-new XT6,” said Steve Carlisle, Cadillac president. “It gives our best-selling XT5 a dark, aggressive appearance and expands customer choices within our successful crossover portfolio.”
(Cadillac reshapes line-up with new XT6 crossover. Click Here for the story.)
The new look features darkened exterior styling elements that complement Cadillac’s signature front, cornering and LED lighting, adding a personalized flair to Cadillac’s global best-selling crossover. The new limited-edition Sport package is offered on the XT5’s Luxury and Premium Luxury trims. Specific features include:
- A gloss black grille with Galvano surround.
- LED headlamps, signature lighting and cornering lamps.
- Neutral-density (clear) taillamp lenses.
- Side-assist steps.
- 20-inch aluminum wheels with Technical Gray finish.
- Sport pedals.
- Two interior color choices: Cirrus/Jet Black with Diamond Cut aluminum trim or Jet Black with Diamond Cut aluminum trim.
(Click Here for a review of the Cadillac XT4.)
Cadillac is on a roll with new products and GM has invested heavily – $2 billion at the Spring Hill, Tennessee plant alone – to ensure the products are a success.
The company added 700 people to aforementioned Spring Hill plant to meet the production needs of the XT5, and recently added another 200 for the XT6, which is expected to hit showrooms this spring. Crossovers are big money for GM these days.
(To see more about GM investing in Cadillac’s crossovers, Click Here.)
In 2018, the company sold 1,034,808 crossovers, up 7% versus 2017.
