2013 Cadillac XTS AWD Premium: Luxury and traditon remain after downsize

Written by Steven Macoy
Thursday, 24 January 2013 12:03

2013 Cadillac XTS AWD Premium.We share the nostalgia for the block-long Cadillacs of old. They were cars we never cared to own (or could afford to own), but we never failed to delight in the occasional opportunity to ride in one or even drive it. Those cars oozed luxury and tradition, and they never gave the impression their owners feared someone might consider them immodest. 

The DTS, the last of the larger-than-life, rear-drive, V-8-powered Cadillacs, roared off into the sunset after the 2012 model year. Also gone is the stylish STS. Cadillac is now known for lavishly equipped SUVs and crossovers of varying sizes, and sporty yet luxurious midsize sedans and wagons. 

The XTS heralds quite a bold transition in two respects. First, V-8 power and rear-wheel-drive aren’t offered, even as an option. Second, the XTS seeks to replace not one model but two — the larger DTS and the smaller STS. 

With the XTS, Cadillac seeks to lure luxury-car buyers with previously unavailable features like all-wheel drive and V-6 fuel efficiency. We drove a DTS several years ago and found the XTS just as smooth-riding, quiet and luxurious, yet less thirsty and more sure-footed in bad weather. The 304-horsepower V-6 motivates this big sedan smartly yet quietly. The car is roomy front and rear. Its fabrics and molded components are of high quality, and they’re meticulously stitched and assembled. The trunk is large, as befits a full-sized luxury car, though the opening is small. 

Fuel economy is a very respectable 17 mpg city, 26 highway, on regular gasoline. Some competitors call for premium fuel. Our modestly optioned Sapphire Blue Metallic XTS Premium AWD had a base price of $55,810 and a sticker price of $59,625. A base XTS with front-wheel drive starts at $44,075. 

One of our test car’s most striking features was its vast array of safety features. Our XTS was equipped with the $2,395 Driver Assist Package, which provided adaptive cruise control, automatic braking and automatic collision preparation. But the Premium version of the XTS also included a rear-view backup camera and Driver Awareness Package. This feature causes the driver’s seat to vibrate on the appropriate side of the seat cushion when the car starts to wander into another lane, and a lighted amber icon in the outside mirror warns of a vehicle in the blind spot. These features are optional on base models. The XTS’ passive safety features work well, too. The XTS received five stars across the board (except four stars for rollover resistance) in government crash tests. 

Cadillac’s emphasis on safety extends to the car’s communications and audio systems, called CUE, which are designed for minimum distraction and maximum ease of operation. The system requires complex adjustments be made while the car is stationary. 

The XTS takes on a formidable stable of competitors, including the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Lexus GS, Lincoln MKS and Mercedes-Benz E-class … and dare we mention the Hyundai Genesis? As dilemmas go, that’s one we wouldn’t mind having. 

Steven Macoy ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) is a longtime car enthusiast and full-time editor who lives in Bethel, Conn.   

Price: $59,625

Engine: 3.6-liter V-6, 304 horsepower, 264 lb.-ft. torque

Transmission: 6-speed shiftable automatic

Drive: all-wheel

Weight: 4,215 lb.

Suspension: four-wheel independent, modified MacPherson strut front, 

double wishbone rear

Wheels: 20x8.5-inch painted aluminum

Tires: P245/40R20 all-season

Seating capacity: 5

Luggage capacity: 18 cu. ft.

Fuel capacity: 20 gallons

Fuel economy: 17 mpg city, 26 mpg highway

Fuel type: Regular