Cadillac XT4 | Test Drive

6 December 2021 Redazione News, Tested

CADILLAC XT4

Words Tommaso Mogge / Photos Ian Waltteri

Most people think that when it comes to an American car, the topic goes down to just two distinct categories: that of muscle cars (and pony cars) and that of huge SUVs and pick-ups that represent the ideal solution to cover the enormous distances they got overseas. All without taking into consideration the tide of anonymous sedans hardly distinguishable even from their respective owners. But the music has changed and the legendary Cadillac brand introduces its first midsize SUV: the XT4. For the Americans it will be considered much smaller than it actually is, but for us living in the old continent it represents a new option in the catalog of those models that continue undaunted to score positive data in terms of sales, going to settle next to premium vehicles like Audi Q3, VW Tiguan and BMW X1. Will it have what it takes to swim with sharks?

Obviously this is what I had to find out during my test driving days with one of the two engines currently available, both 4-cylinder 2-liter: a 230 horsepower petrol and a 174 turbo-diesel, like that of our test. This is one of the many salient features that make the Cadillac XT4 properly interesting from this side of the globe, which combined with small dimensions stating 459 cm in length, 188 in width and 161 in height make the car ideal for any intended use. We are talking about the urban environment, of course, where you can take advantage of its ground clearance and the excellent visibility on all four sides, but also ‘bout long motorway sections, where the exceptional comfort offered by the fantastic ultra-padded, heated, cooled leather seats equipped with massage will make you want to spend a lot of time inside this luxurious cabin.

Luxurious – exactly – another watchword of an extremely practical model that in perfect Yankee style offers fine finishes such as soft leather and real carbon fiber details at a negligible price for the package here. And we said that, in addition to the considerable load capacity at the back, five people comfortably take their seats in a passenger compartment that retraces the angular and unconventional lines of the exterior, alongside the numerous physical controls for climate and driving modes to a capacitive touch screen that can also be used via a convenient rotor located near the gear lever. As for the gearbox, despite being only available as automatic, it also stands out for its precision and flawless operation, regardless of the driving mode chosen by the driver (Tour, AWD, Sport and Off-road).

It is a 9-speed torque converter, which allows you to limit fuel consumption, especially on motorways and b-roads, managing on demand all-wheel drive which combined with its double-clutch technology guarantees optimal traction both when only front traction is needed, either when you engage Sport mode or the one for slippery surfaces and therefore you require an ideal torque distribution managed electronically between front and rear axle.

Always sticking into the cockpit, the touch screen proves to be among the best out there and although it is not of an exaggerated size, it perfectly integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which on this type of car is now an indispensable package. But as mentioned, Americans love to go big, even if the car body is as compact as that of the XT4. Take for example the rear-view mirror, which reflects the image in a traditional way, or digitally projects it using a rear view camera. Or the parking sensors that make the driver’s seat vibrate by pointing in the direction of the approaching obstacle. Or the 360 ​° maneuvering cameras, not only exceptionally sharp, but able to let you select from a myriad of different angles. In short, the XT4 is an everyday car that is able to surprise where the competition seems more interested in conforming itself. It does so with an even more interesting price tag, with figures starting at around € 46,000 for the turbo-diesel version, which limits consumption at about 6.7 l/100 km, still with impressive agility thanks to a weight that does not exceed the 2 tons (1,843 kg) and a maximum torque of 381 Nm available at just 1,500 rpm. The XT4 is also fun to drive, in fact, it moves well between curves and makes the most of a set-up with electronic damping adjustment, not to mention the excellent braking system and the aforementioned on-board comfort.

American quality guaranteed for a model designed especially for Europe and which manages without any compromise to tick all the boxes that may come to your mind when it comes to look for a brand new car. I would not be able to identify a single aspect capable of standing out on the overall package here. It could be on-board comfort, the feeling of solidity and reliability, or the capabilities of an engine so small yet so responsive, when asked to ground its modest power. But it could also be that C.S.I. look – especially if in black – that surely does not go unnoticed on the street and that as soon as people see the iconic badge up front, they all agree on that point that can never be questioned: this Cadillac is a great car. Yes, even if smaller than usual.

CADILLAC XT4 350 D

Engine 4 cylinder Turbo-diesel, 1.995 cc Power 174 hp @ 3.500 rpm Torque 381 Nm @ 1.500 rpm

Traction All-Wheel-Drive Transmission 9-Speed Automatic Gearbox Weight 1.843 kg

0-100 kph 10,6 sec Top Speed 200 kph Price from about €46.630