![[Image: Autohome.com.cn]](https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/0x0_1_autohomecar__wKgH0VkVCzWAIaU-AANtf9N35xs285-610x407.jpg)
The crossover is king and Cadillac doesn’t have nearly enough of them. As it works to correct that problem, the automaker hasn’t completely forgotten about the segment that once made it the first name in American automotive opulence.
As many of its models are now global, it’s not surprising our first view of the refreshed Cadillac XTS front-wheel-drive sedan hails from China — General Motors’ main growth engine.
Don’t expect massive appearance changes on the updated model, at least when viewed from the side. As we saw with a camouflaged example spotted by a reader while tootling around Chicago, the XTS’ flanks remain essentially unchanged, minus the addition of a fender crest.
![[Image: Autohome.com.cn]](https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/0x0_1_autohomecar__wKgH5lkVCzWAOJU5AALeZot2cck194-610x368.jpg)
The images, posted by China’s Autohome, do reveal the model’s adoption of certain CT6 and XT5 styling elements, bringing the aging XTS in line with the brand’s contemporary design language. A broader, more upright grille is flanked by Y-shaped headlamps, with a more aggressive lower bumper lending an impression of width. Out back, a sculpted trunklid and L-shaped taillights join a revamped lower bumper.
The XTS was thought to be doomed until GM eased back on cancellation plans. Thanks to its continued profitability, especially in China, the model now sits below the flagship CT6 and should soldier on with a new face for at least a couple of model years.
It isn’t known if the model will see new powertrain options when it appears later this year as a 2018 model. In China, buyers have a choice of a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and nothing else. American buyers can choose from a standard 3.6-liter V6 or a twin-turbocharged V-Sport variant with 410 horsepower.
[Images: Autohome.com.cn]
I’m sorry, please forgive me, but I am from a generation where the phrases, “turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder” and “made in China’ should never appear in any sentence with the name Cadillac.
the 2.0T is in China for tax reasons. Continental has a 2.0T in China as well.
A lot of the people in PRC who own these cars also have a driver. The owner spends most time in the car sitting in the rear seat, and probably couldn’t care less what’s underhood.
At least Lincoln was kind enough to not sell a 2.0T Conti in the US.
Cadillac got it half right for the US. The XTS comes std with the 305 HP 3.6 currently. The new RWD CT6 has the 2.0T which doesn’t belong in that car for the prices being asked.
Nice.
Could. Not. Agree. More.
So sad, those eyes are.
“Please stop crying, you aren’t *that* ugly…”
I really can’t stand the whole melted-boomerang-shaped headlight/taillight styling trend.
Agreed, Sloomis.
As other commenters and I have observed in several past threads, facelifts worsen the appearance of a car the vast majority of the time. Even relative to that standard, this is bad.
I realize the pre-facelift XTS skews unpopular around these parts, but style-wise I think it’s a reasonably successful combination of the Epsilon II platform, Art & Science design language, and ’65-’68 Sedan de Ville styling cues. This facelift ruins the de Ville part of that equation.
That tail light treatment is laaaaame.
I like it, it looks like one of those art deco angels, like the one on the Hyundai Equus grill.
Looks okay to me and enough to differentiate it from the previous versions.
I kind of like it, especially since the pre-facelift version has a grille that looks rather like a cow-catcher.
I like the update.
As to the engine choice, for shuttling passengers from JFK to downtown Manhattan, a 2 liter turbo should be fine. It only needs to run the A/C compressor and the alternator and be able to accelerate to about 25mph.
Ruined what was otherwise a pretty decent-looking car.
“…the model now sits below the flagship XT6 and should soldier on with a new face for at least a couple of model years.”
That purported flagship would be the CT6, actually… once again demonstrating the confusing insipidity of Cadillac model names.
I don’t know how it’s any more complex then DeVille Seville Eldorado Fleetwood ETC SLS DTS DHS XLR Allante Cimarron ESCALADE & ESCALADE XL…but ok.
So Cadillac took an MKZ and grafted a new schoz on it? Check out the mirror image side profile using the lead image and MotorTrend’s tester.
http://st.motortrend.com/uploads/sites/5/2012/04/2013-Lincoln-MKZ-front-three-quarter.jpg
Not really. The XTS and MKZ both hit the market as ’13 models, and they don’t really look alike from the front, rear, or rear three-quarter view.
This appears to be just a change, albeit a pretty awful one, to the XTS’s front and rear clips. The only sheet metal change appears to be the trunk lid.
They do look alike from that front three-quarter view, though.
It looks like we’ve progressed from “they ALL do that” to “they all LOOK like that”.
One GM source said to expect the newer LGX and 9 speed to show up in this refresh. That would certainly be advisable but hopefully they remember the “off” switch for the stop/start!
Makeup gun was set to-
Nah, actually I like the updates.
“HOW EMBARRASSING” should be Cadillacs new slogan….
The update looks fine IMO, but if Cadillac keeps going with this china bs I’ll be done with the brand(yes i realize that they won’t care much less notice).
Currently own a 2014 XTS & was excited to read on this one….now I’m sorry i did. I for one wont be purchasing ANY car, let alone a Cadillac, made in Gina.
Some global parts are fine…but it needs to be built in the US or Canada…might be time for me to look at German….we shall see.