As the replacement for the DTS, a.k.a. the DeVille, the Cadillac XTS is destined to spend most of its time in the hands of Florida retirees and rental customers, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be fun to drive.
For the 2014 model year, Cadillac is giving the XTS a literal dose of speed, in the form of a 3.6-liter, twin-turbocharged V6.
The V6, which also features direct injection, is all-new and will be shared with the 2014 CTS. It produces 410 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. That’s a significant improvement over the 2013 XTS’ naturally aspirated 3.6, which was only good for 304 hp and 264 lb-ft. That engine will become the base powerplant in the 2014 XTS lineup.
Both engines are paired exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission. As before, the XTS is available with front- or all-wheel drive.
In addition to the new engine, the 2014 XTS also gets some more tech gadgetry.
Front-wheel drive models are now available with electric power steering and Automatic Parking Assist, which allows the car to parallel park itself. Intellibeam headlights, which automatically switch between low- and high-beam, are optional on all but the base trim level.
Back-seat drivers will be contented with a new entertainment system, complete with a pair of screens in the backs of the front headrests, as well as radio and sunshade controls on the rear armrest.
There are no visible exterior changes, but that’s fine with us. The XTS was a handsome car to begin with.
Despite its powerful new engine, the 2014 Cadillac XTS is still too laid back to be a real sports sedan, but given its mission of cushy boulevard cruising, that’s alright.
However, it is nice to know that this reinvigorated Caddy won’t let its driver down if he or she is in a hurry – or just want to have some driving fun.
