2013 Cadillac XTS review, reviews, specs, prices and photos (2023)

Bengt Halvorson Chief editor

25. maj 2012

Like

• Voice control that works
• Calm, refined interior
• Generous space in the back seat
• Impressive new safety technology
• Near ideal ride and handling

do not like

• Capacitive "buttons" are not as good as the original
• Front seat support could be better
• Expensive for what it is

buying tips

Remember, if you're tech-savvy and want to get the most out of CUE, you should get one of the Premium or Platinum models, as they have an upgraded sound system and full navigation capabilities.

features and specifications

In recent years, Cadillac has built some memorable sedans—most notably the CTS and CTS-V models, which are bolder and bolder than any other sports sedan on the market. The problem is that overly edgy style hasn't exactly resonated with the hearts of the luxury market. The CTS (and the adrenaline-pumping CTS-V) may contribute a lot to Cadillac's image, but there are many more Cadillac buyers who wear their Fratelli Rossettis (okay ... or just rock Hush Puppies) than their Pilotis to flaunt. .

Helping Cadillac tailor its controls to the heart of the luxury market — "grand luxury," as they call it — is the softer, sleeker 2013 Cadillac XTS. and the back of the upcoming 2014 Chevrolet Impala). Cadillac probably prefers to let you look inside out, as the XTS's dash and interior trim look like no other GM vehicle. There is a smarter look and softer details throughout. We're impressed by the combination of smooth contours inside and contrast with slanted metallic edging that all sit tight.

In the center of the XTS's instrument panel is a reminder of this sedan's advanced features: an eight-inch, fully capacitive touch screen – as used in iPads and other tablets, and the first of its kind to be integrated into a new car. The system comes as standard, keeping the dashboard uncluttered and remarkably free of physical buttons. and in many XTS models there are no real gauges either - just a reconfigurable "display" of simulated gauges.

Cadillac is quick to point out that the 2013 Cadillac XTS isn't trying to be a polished sports sedan. But when you factor in this more comfort-oriented mission, the XTS ends up feeling surprisingly sporty. The XTS's 304-hp 3.6-liter V6 engine makes it go very fast with a responsive six-speed automatic transmission that accelerates to 60 mph in under seven seconds. And when you're cornering, you don't feel the 4,000+ pound curb weight as much; Thanks to a well-tuned suspension with MagneRide magnetic ride control and air springs, the XTS remains balanced and isolated, keeping out minor bumps while providing sharper response than other comfort-oriented vehicles.

MagneRide magically cleans up the ride quality, while Active Noise Control (also included on all XTS models) combats road noise, so with the added noise isolation of the XTS, it's very quiet inside. And when passenger space is a priority, the XTS is the place to be. Especially in the rear seating area, it's more spacious than most other sedans of this size, with plenty of headroom and lots of legroom. The front seats also offer plenty of space, but could provide a little more support.

Opting for one of the safety technology packages on the 2013 XTS gets you one of the most comprehensive safety features of any vehicle, regardless of price -- including, later this year, a system that can brake. The XTS stops at a speed of about 20 miles per hour to reduce pedestrian accidents, for example.

The XTS is available in standard, Luxury Collection, Premium Collection and Platinum Collection versions. All come with CUE, although only the top two models have navigation and premium audio – helping to get the most out of the system, which also has one of the best voice recognition interfaces we've tested.

2013 Cadillac XTS

Styling

Cadillac's very bold and bold "Art & Science" design theme, which has appeared throughout the Cadillac lineup in recent years, is perhaps the boldest, most aggressive, and most polarizing of the CTS sports sedans. A new design direction was mapped out for Cadillac, but with the XTS, the brand is taking a softer, softer direction to appeal to comfort- and technology-oriented luxury buyers.

So it's certainly not a mistake that the XTS is taking a step back. On the outside, it's a good-looking car, and while the boxy front and rear give the XTS a distinctive look, the profile and gently sloping roofline reveal some resemblance to the Buick LaCrosse (this also ties in with the one to come). 2014 Chevrolet Impala). One of the main differences between the Premium and Platinum models when viewed from the front is that the Platinum models have a metal grille, while the Premium models are blacked out in between for a more contrasting look.

Inside, the instrument panel and interior panels of the XTS are unlike any other GM vehicle. They are largely based on the appearance of the XTS Platinum Concept (first shown at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show). It features elements of the arts and science themes that have been seen in Cadillacs for years now, but there's a more sweeping look and softer details throughout. We're impressed by the combination of smooth contours inside and contrast with slanted metallic edging that all sit tight.

In the center of the XTS's instrument panel is a reminder of this sedan's advanced features: an eight-inch, fully capacitive touch screen – as used in iPads and other tablets, and the first of its kind to be integrated into a new car. The system comes as standard, cleaning up the dashboard and making it remarkably devoid of physical buttons; and in many XTS models there are no real gauges either - just a reconfigurable "display" of simulated gauges.

2013 Cadillac XTS

Performance

Cadillac is quick to point out that the 2013 Cadillac XTS isn't trying to be a polished sports sedan. But when you factor in this more comfort-oriented mission, the XTS ends up feeling surprisingly sporty.

Under the hood of all XTS models is a 304-hp version of GM's 3.6-liter V6. Power is transmitted via a six-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel or four-wheel drive. The engine starts without jerking and idles smoothly. And overall, the six-speed automatic transmission does a good job of keeping the revs up when it's needed and lowering it when it's not. The engine doesn't produce as much low-end torque as some competing V-6s, but it allows for 0-60 mph acceleration in just 6.8 seconds and a (limited) top speed of 136 mph.

Front-wheel-drive cars weigh about 4,000 pounds, while four-wheel-drive models weigh 200 pounds more. That weight is felt more than a little when starting from a standstill—that's about the only time the V-6 seems to struggle a bit to get up to speed—and with a noticeable dive under hard braking (though theoretically somewhat limited by the HyperStrut design). Accelerator actuation is more aggressive than the CTS's—perhaps a nod to a more hesitant target driver.

In the corners, you don't feel the weight nearly as much (surprisingly, considering the size of the XTS). The XTS doesn't throw its weight around; It loads and unloads effortlessly and stays surprisingly flat. More importantly, it rarely feels unstable, with MagneRide contributing to that impression by absorbing road noise and reducing harshness.

There are two wheel sizes (19 and 20 inches) – and the differences between them behind the wheel are really minimal.

2013 Cadillac XTS

comfort and quality

At over 200 inches long and nearly 112 inches in wheelbase, the 2013 Cadillac is the right choice if passenger space is your top priority, then you've come to the right place to choose the XTS.

Compared to most of these cars, the LaCrosse's secret weapon is the back seat. There really is enough room to accommodate any passenger comfortably. The loft ceiling has recessed areas for even more headroom behind the sunroof house, so people who are significantly over 1.80 m tall have extra space. The rear seats aren't quite as shapely as we expected, although the center back seat position—either narrow, too narrow, or even thinly bolstered on many larger sedans—is helpful here.

It's good up front, but not as excellent as the rear seating area. In the XTS, you tend to sit a little higher than in other large luxury cars – which means you have a good view out. The front seats are reasonably comfortable, but don't quite measure up to the sculpted, extremely supportive seats found on some performance sedans.

The interior materials in the 2013 XTS are impressive and significantly better than the XTS. These include genuine wood upholstery and soft Opus leather with perforated inserts (platinum). There's also a leather-wrapped instrument panel and soft-touch finishes almost everywhere, while Platinum models also feature an Alcantara (synthetic suede) headliner.

In terms of operation and ergonomics, some users may find it surprising that there are no physical buttons for climate control or audio (apart from those on the steering wheel). Instead, the occupants must touch the capacitive surfaces directly over the lobed (corrugated) areas. However, we've found that these "buttons" don't always work consistently or as well as the original on the first go.

2013 Cadillac XTS

Security

The 2013 Cadillac XTS is an all-new model; However, it builds on the already proven Epsilon structure of the Buick LaCrosse sedan—a model that has received the highest ratings from both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the federal government.

While we can't guarantee that the XTS will achieve the same ratings, it likely will. And if you choose either the Driver Awareness package or the all-new Driver Assist package—which includes many firsts from GM—you get one of the most comprehensive lists of safety features in any vehicle, regardless of price.

With the Driver Attention Package, you get Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Side Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Warning and a reflective LED display, as well as a safety warning seat that vibrates on one or both sides to alert you to potential hazards – for example when crossing the lane markings. And later this model year, with the availability of a Driver Assistance Package, the XTS will offer adaptive cruise control, automatic collision preparation, and automatic front and rear braking functions that can actually bring the car to a stop at speeds as low as 20 miles per hour or less. At higher speeds, the function also reduces the severity of the impact by starting to brake.

Other safety-related options include full-speed adaptive cruise control and a head-up display. A backup camera system is standard on all but the base model. The OnStar Directions and Connections feature is also included, as is the Stolen Vehicle Assistance feature.