2013 Cadillac XTS

General Motors presents the all new 2013 Cadillac XTS full size sedan and hopes very much that we, as in you, like it because it is a significant vehicle for the luxury brand.
And it’s a big car at over 4,000 pounds and nearly 17 feet long, more than 6 feet wide and almost 5 feet tall but it doesn’t handle like a big car at all.
Outside, there is the modernized but rather familiar Cadillac front chrome grille and narrow vertical headlights which flow neatly into the sedans handsome but more contoured sheetmetal.
The large foot print translates to a spacious and comfortable passenger compartment as well.
Our AWD Premium Edition had generous head, leg and rear dimensions and the general fit and finish of a luxurious, finely crafted automobile.
There’s plenty of technology onboard too starting with the touch screen entertainment and information system called CUE or Cadillac User Experience.
The set up incorporates audio, navigation, phone and OnStar functions with an 8-inch screen.
It’s takes a little getting used to but the functionality is broad and highly configurable without feeling overly “techy” or difficult.
High end leather and wood trim give the greenhouse a rich, European feeling and workmanship and materials including the microfiber suede headliner add to the opulence.
All XTS models are powered by GM’s 3.6 liter V6 engine tuned to produce 304 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque and paired to a six-speed automatic transmission driving either the front or in our case all four wheels.
The result is good fuel economy and a nice power supply that helps the large sedan move from zero to sixty in just under 7-seconds.
All wheel drive combined with a magnetic ride control program, a strut front suspension and air suspensions in the rear yield a very satisfying ride quality and gave us the sense that we were in more of a sport sedan than a high end country clubber.
There are a variety of state of the art safety features on the XTS including collision, lane departure, blind spot and traffic alert programs, rearview camera, a full complement of airbags and ABS with braking programs.
Pricing was not available at review time but we did find an online quote of $57,510 for a new XTS AWD Premium like the one we tested.