Cadillac’s bold new XT5 crossover is spotted undisguised on the streets of New York

By Miles Branman June 26, 2015

Cadillac XT5 Spied front angle — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Cadillac has a lot riding on its next-generation SRX crossover, which will take on the XT5 name. With the segment growing dramatically, and luxury vehicle buyers willing to fork over large chunks of cash for handsome, refined models, Cadillac can either offer a strong rival for the German competition, or watch consumers continue flock to the BMW X5, Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and Lexus RX.

It all starts with the look, and recent Cadillac vehicles like the new CTS and CT6 have absolutely nailed it in the styling category. Combining a bold new face with advanced construction and strong engines have pushed the brand’s models further into a luxury buyer’s consciousness.

As for the XT5, we can finally start to draw conclusions about its redesign thanks to a pair of spy shots captured of an undisguised XT5 parked on the streets of Manhattan. This doesn’t appear to be a preproduction model in any way. This is the real deal, and the new design is sure to polarize consumers.

Cadillac XT5 Spied rear angle — Image used with permission by copyright holder

The design is clearly influenced by the new CT6 and CTS, including the vertical LED running lights, wreathless crest, wider grille, and more angular character lines. The XT5 is expected to use a new front-wheel drive platform from GM as standard, with an all-wheel drive setup available.

Powering the XT5 will be a 3.6-liter V6 engine, presumably the one that debuted in the new CT6 that develops 335 horsepower and 284 pound-feet of torque. The transmission of choice is expected to be GM’s new nine-speed automatic, but a six-speed version could be used at the start of production. A hybrid variant is also planned, because luxury and hybrid seem to go hand-in-hand these days.

While the XT5 may look like the SRX in proportions, Cadillac has redesigned the vehicle from the ground up. It remains to be seen if the comfort, engine options, and interior technology are enough to steal buyers from BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Lexus.

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