Cadillac Introduces New XT5 Model to Japan

Cadillac XT5 Crossover | Cadillac XT5 Crossover

Cadillac Introduces New XT5 Model to Japan

General Motors Japan announced the Cadillac XT5 Crossover, a luxury crossover that will go on sale from October 28, 2017. Prices start at ¥6,685,200.

Text & Photographs by SHUNICHI UCHIDA

A New Model with a Refreshed Architecture

The XT5 Crossover (hereafter referred to as XT5) was born as part of Cadillac's ongoing brand reform. As proof of this, it has been given the "XT" designation, which refers to the crossover line. Incidentally, the sedan line is "CT," and the first of these was the recently introducedCT6.

In Japan, theSRX Crossoverexisted in the same position, but the XT5 is its successor.

The models being introduced to Japan are the "Luxury" and "Platinum" grades. The Luxury model will begin delivery in early next year.

The engine is a 3.6-liter V6 VVT, producing a maximum output of 314 ps and a maximum torque of 368 Nm. It also features cylinder deactivation and an idling stop function that automatically switches between 6 and 4 cylinders depending on engine load. Fuel economy is said to be approximately 10 percent better than the SRX Crossover.

The AWD system uses a twin-clutch with mode select. It can vary torque distribution between the front and rear wheels according to driving conditions and road surface changes, and can also achieve 100% front and rear torque distribution. Furthermore, by optimizing the left and right torque distribution for the rear wheels, it ensures stable driving in adverse weather, on slippery surfaces, and during cornering.

The XT5 employs a new architecture. This modular design can accommodate everything from mid-size SUVs to full-size crossovers. Therefore, it is planned to be used in models positioned above and below the XT5 in the future.

High-tensile steel plates are used in appropriate places to achieve both lightweight construction and agile driving performance. Strength analysis of all parts is performed. The strongest steel plates are used for areas requiring the highest structural strength and essential for safety, such as the safety cage. For parts that do not require structural rigidity or safety, such as body shaping components, thinner standard steel plates are used. Furthermore, optimal welding techniques, from laser welding to spot welding, are employed.

Specifically, GM's patented lightweight structural adhesive technology uses approximately 24 meters of structural adhesive when measured in a straight line. As a result, rigidity is increased compared to conventional methods, achieving a weight reduction of 90 kg compared to the SRX.

Mr. Itaru Wakamatsu, President of General Motors Japan, emphasized its perfection, stating, "It achieves a nimble ride that belies its SUV classification."

Cadillac XT5 Crossover | Cadillac XT5 Crossover

Cadillac Introduces New XT5 Model to Japan (2)

Enhanced Rear Seat Comfort

The XT5 features an extended wheelbase for a spacious interior. The rear seats, in particular, have a newly designed slide mechanism that allows for up to 14 cm of travel, ensuring nearly one meter of legroom. Additionally, the rear seats offer a recline function with up to 12 degrees of adjustment and six selectable positions. The rear seats also have a 40:20:40 split-folding function. The cargo space is approximately 850 liters normally, expanding to a maximum of about 1,784 liters.

The audio system is a Bose Studio Surround Sound 14-speaker system. It also features Bose Active Noise Cancellation, a system developed specifically for the XT5. By achieving high levels of quietness, it reduces fatigue and provides a comfortable driving environment.

The UltraView sunroof is also standard equipment to enhance interior comfort.

The XT5 has also achieved high safety ratings. In addition to high marks in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) five crashworthiness tests (small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength, and head restraint performance), it received excellent ratings for its frontal crash prevention capabilities, earning the IIHS's highest safety rating, "2016 Top Safety Pick+."

It is also equipped with advanced safety devices utilizing radar, cameras, and ultrasonic sensors. These include automatic braking, front pedestrian braking, lane keep assist, side blind zone alert, adaptive cruise control, parallel and perpendicular parking assist, surround vision, and a 360-degree camera.

Cadillac XT5 Crossover | Cadillac XT5 Crossover

Cadillac Introduces New XT5 Model to Japan (3)

Launch of the "Power Woman Project"

To commemorate the introduction of the XT5, General Motors Japan has launched the "Power Woman Project." This initiative focuses on the life stages of women active in society, inviting them to be influencers.

The power women acting as influencers this time are yoga instructor Mei Yoshikawa, chef Janice Wong, stylist Tsugumi Wata, and photographer Akiko Takayasu.

Mr. Wakamatsu stated, "This project is not something overly ambitious, nor is it a promotion solely for women. I myself often listen sincerely to the opinions and advice of women. We started this initiative with the idea of having women, who are flexible enough to freely perceive and adopt new things without being bound by conventions or rigidこだわり, rediscover the good aspects of Cadillac and communicate them to everyone more clearly."

The XT5 made its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2015. "The market to which this new crossover belongs is the most popular, hottest, and fiercely competitive segment in the global luxury car market. Within this segment, the XT5 has already achieved significant success in markets around the world where it was launched ahead of Japan," said Mr. Wakamatsu.

Regarding Cadillac's global sales up to June of this year, Mr. Wakamatsu commented, "They are very strong, with a 27.1 percent increase year-on-year. The XT5 is making a significant contribution to this, accounting for about 40 percent of sales." He expressed high expectations, stating, "I am confident it will be a success in Japan as well."

To commemorate the introduction of the XT5 to the Japanese market, a "First Limited Edition" has also been prepared. The base model is the "Platinum," featuring interior and exterior color combinations different from the standard catalog models, along with additional equipment such as side assist steps for easier entry and exit, and illuminated sill plates on the tailgate. It will be available in two body colors, with 10 units of each, for a total of 20 limited production units. The price for this edition is ¥7,250,000.