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July 20, 2021
A youthful and fun SUV – Test drive of the Cadillac XT4 | Cadillac
Cadillac XT4 | The Cadillac XT4
Cadillac XT4: A Compact SUV Arrives After Careful Consideration
Cadillac has introduced the compact SUV "XT4" into the fiercely competitive compact SUV market. Motor journalist Fumio Ogawa test-drives the model to ascertain its true value.
Text by OGAWA Fumio | Photographs by KAWANO Atsuki
XT5 for Those Seeking Composure, XT4 for Those Who Enjoy Driving
When you hear "Cadillac," today's generation might think of it as an SUV brand. Indeed, the 5.4-meter-long full-size SUV "Escalade" is selling very well in the United States. Meanwhile, the "XT4," an SUV sized for everyday use, was launched in Japan in January 2021, and we had the opportunity to test drive it. It's a lively and fun SUV.
To sum up my impression of the Cadillac XT4, it's the antithesis of heavy and large. It's a youthful model with agile handling. While positioned below the XT5, which was announced in 2015, the driving impression is quite different. For those who desire composure, the XT5 is the choice; for those who actively enjoy driving, the XT4 is a very compelling option.
While the trend has been towards larger SUVs recently, that trend is finally showing signs of leveling off. SUVs that are easy to handle in Japanese urban areas, such as Tokyo, are gaining popularity. Among imported cars, competitors include the Mercedes-Benz GLA (4.4 meters in length) and GLB (4.6 meters), the BMW X1 (4.5 meters), the Audi Q3 (4.5 meters), and the Volvo XC40 (4.4 meters). These are all strong contenders in terms of driving performance as well.
In the fashion world and beyond, brands have been actively pursuing a younger image. Established European houses are collaborating with popular American hip-hop and board culture brands on products, reflecting a transformation in tune with the times.
Cadillac, too, is attempting to break away from the conventional notion of a "dad car" by encouraging younger users, including those in their 30s, to drive the XT4.
Although it hasn't garnered much attention in Japan, the image change has been successful in the United States. Cadillac has established a presence as a brand that embraces new technology and offers an enjoyable driving experience. It's not surprising that some people would want to enjoy the image of driving a Cadillac SUV.
The youthful styling also has a background story. Cadillac's management reportedly gathered young designers and asked them to "design a style that appeals to customers in their own age group."
The XT4 features a coupe-like profile with a forward-leaning tailgate. The front fascia boasts Cadillac's latest design language with LED headlights and a large air dam, while the hood features a prominent power bulge, giving it quite an aggressive look.