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July 20, 2021
A youthful and fun SUV – Test drive of the Cadillac XT4 | Cadillac
Driving Like a Sporty Coupe
The 1997cc inline-4 turbo engine produces a maximum output of 169 kW (230 ps) and a maximum torque of 350 Nm. Coupled with a 9-speed automatic transmission, it drives all four wheels. Rather than an off-road-oriented cross-country 4WD, this is an urban SUV that drives like a sporty coupe in terms of ride comfort, quietness, and handling.
I would recommend this to anyone looking for a reasonably sized SUV, partly because of the excellent responsiveness of the engine torque to the accelerator pedal. The car reacts sensitively to the slightest pressure on the lightly set pedal. The steering wheel is also light. You can experience agile movements reminiscent of a hot hatch.
The XT4 offers a completely different driving experience from the imposing presence of the Escalade mentioned earlier. It was impressive that an American manufacturer could create such a globally appealing vehicle. In other words, its performance is such that it would be readily accepted in any market worldwide.
The 4WD system disengages the clutch at low loads, switching to front-wheel drive. Drive modes are also available. In addition to "Touring," which is ideal for daily use, there are "Sport," "AWD," and "Off-Road" modes. The "Twin Clutch AWD system" combines torque distribution control between the front and rear with engine output control.
The driving-related equipment is also quite substantial. Particularly impressive was the navigation system. It's a cloud streaming navigation system with DR (Dead Reckoning) map matching, jointly developed with Zenrin. The map data is new and accurate.
Personally, I sometimes think it would have been interesting if the Cadillac crest (emblem) within the front grille were larger. A so-called "big logo." By combining the traditional image of Cadillac cars with a modern sensibility, I felt it could more strongly convey the impression of a new generation of vehicle.
There are three grades. Starting with the base model "XT4 Premium" (5.7 million yen), there is the "XT4 Platinum" (6.7 million yen), and the "XT4 Sport" (6.4 million yen) which I test-drove. The latter two models have larger tire sizes, upgrading from 18 to 20 inches. Additionally, driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, are only available on the Platinum and Sport models.
The Platinum's exclusive feature is a large glass roof, while the Sport is equipped with variable-rate damping suspension. The manufacturer states it's for those seeking a sportier drive. While the Premium model feels somewhat lacking in equipment, the Platinum and Sport offer the enjoyable dilemma of choosing based on preference. Personally, I prefer the Platinum for its greater emphasis on comfort.
