The Impression of Cadillac Has Changed Again

"M.A.R.S" prioritizes "functionality and design" above all, valuing the spirit of the times without being swayed by trends. Designer Yohji Yoneyama, who founded this exceptionally unique accessory brand in 1990, has garnered significant support from influencers, particularly for his meticulously crafted men's jewelry. He is also known as an avid car lover, and he...Cadillac "XT5 Crossover"...took the wheel of the brand-new Cadillac's symbol, the luxury crossover "XT5 Crossover," and enjoyed a drive.

The impression of Cadillac has changed dramatically again. I was truly surprised. My first encounter with Cadillac was in the 1990s with a friend's front-wheel-drive, two-door hardtop "Eldorado" equipped with a 5.7-liter V8 engine. Later, I thought I had caught up with the times after test-driving the recently released "ATS", but I was surprised again after driving the XT5 Crossover. It's become a modern car once more. While the taste is different, the luxuriousness is still unmistakably Cadillac.

"M.A.R.S," with its theme of "functionality and design," is also logical. Archive and pop-up exhibitions were held at Shinjuku Isetan Men's Building the year before last and last year, receiving significant acclaim. How did the XT5 Crossover appear to the logical designer?

Simply put, it's cool. And while it's quite different from the "Eldorado," I could tell it was a Cadillac at first glance. I think that's quite remarkable.

It Seems Suitable for Anyone in Any Situation

What were your impressions after driving it? Did you recognize it as a Cadillac the moment you stepped on the accelerator?

Somehow. Despite its substantial body size, it doesn't feel large. It's easy to maneuver, and the acceleration is more than adequate if you push it. It felt even more agile than it looks.

Yoneyama, a car enthusiast, has owned a succession of French and Italian cars. He once had a passionate affair with an enthusiast sports car featuring a V8 engine mounted mid-ship at the rear, produced in Modena.

When I consider a car, the most important thing for me is style. More than function, it's about whether it has style first. That's how I've chosen my cars, so my previous vehicles have been quite specialized. While red is the standard body color for Italian sports cars, I deliberately chose gunmetal.

Did the XT5 Crossover possess style?

The fact that you can tell it's a Cadillac at first glance is the greatest proof of its style. Yet, it's also very versatile. When a car has style, it often means it's specialized or requires compromises in certain areas, but the XT5 Crossover has none of those drawbacks. It seems like it would suit anyone, in any situation. That aspect is quite unique.

Agile and Responsive Driving

Upon receiving the XT5 Crossover keys, Yoneyama first drove it on the Shuto Expressway towards the suburbs. Although it was a route he took daily, it left a deep impression.

What struck me most while driving was the agility of the ride. You could even call it responsive. At the same time, I also appreciated the exquisite craftsmanship of the interior, which was constantly visible during the drive. The bold use of suede-like leather and the wood trim, which minimizes gloss to highlight the material's texture, are quite elaborate. I also like how they are intricately combined and designed with a sense of depth. It has the calm ambiance of an adult lounge.

What kind of drives does this car suit?

The moment I got in, I thought it would be perfect for a golf trip. Golf starts early, so you're sleepy on the way there, and tired on the way back, making you sleepy again. With the XT5 Crossover, the driving support and various information devices would make the drive easier and more enjoyable. It seems like it would enhance the experience of going to and from golf.

Of course, it would be great for special trips, but it surprisingly suits the city well, making it perhaps the best car for everyday use.

I drove on the Shuto Expressway, crossed the Rainbow Bridge to the Bayshore Route, then crossed the Bay Bridge towards Sachiura. Because theアイポイント (eye-point) is high, the views from the bridges were fresh. Yet, the center of gravity isn't excessively high, and it has a nimbleness unusual for an SUV, making even just driving on the Shuto Expressway enjoyable.

I mentioned it suits the city, but its styling creates a pleasing contrast within the urban landscape, so it doesn't blend in or get lost. That perfect fit is also part of its charm.

Recommended for Those Who Value Their Own Principles

So, who would this car suit?

Above all, people who cherish their own principles. It might be an overly optimistic personal hope, but I think it would also be suitable as a date car. This car has a distinct personality, and someone who can leverage that would be able to drive it with considerable style. The unparalleled sophistication of Cadillac, even in an SUV, is profound.

As expected of a car enthusiast, Yoneyama was well aware that Cadillac is now a New York brand.

New York is a city that is constantly evolving, always changing. It has a unique energy, doesn't it? When I go to New York, I visit "The Evolution Store" in SoHo. It's like a museum that sells specimens of animal and insect skeletons and taxidermy, and it's also a source of motifs and inspiration for accessories. It's quite an unusual store with a unique atmosphere found only in New York, and I like it.

For me, New York is a city where I can recharge my energy. Isn't the Cadillac also becoming a car that allows you to recharge your energy? I felt that way after driving the XT5 Crossover.

The Symbol of a Brand-New Cadillac, the "XT5 Crossover" →

Cadillac XT5 Crossover Luxury | Cadillac XT5 Crossover Luxury
Cadillac XT5 Crossover Platinum | Cadillac XT5 Crossover Platinum
Body Size | Length 4,825 × Width 1,915 × Height 1,700 mm
Wheelbase | 2,860 mm
Weight | 1,990 kg
Engine | 3,649 cc V6 DOHC VVT
Maximum Output | 231 kW (314 ps) / 6,700 rpm
Maximum Torque | 368 Nm (37.5 kgm) / 5,000 rpm
Transmission | 8-speed AT (8EAT)
Drivetrain | AWD
Seating Capacity | 5 people
Price | (Luxury) 6.19 million yen (Platinum) 6.99 million yen

• Detailed Information on Cadillac XT5 Crossover