Cadillac XTS Platimum Concept is a 350-hp Plug-In Hybrid
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Cadillac wasn’t secretive that it was showing a concept version of it’s upcoming XTS flagship, but GM’s luxury brand certainly did hide the fact that it was a plug-in hybrid. Until now.
Set to be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show, the XTS Platinum Concept certainly looks like a true flagship for the premium brand. Finally, there’s a Cadillac that wouldn’t look out-of-sorts parked next to a Mercedes S-Class. Size wise, it’s definitely large measuring 203.5-inches (3.5-inches longer than an S-Class), however, the wheelbase is considerably less at 111.7-inches (about 8-inches less than an S-Class). It is also roughly one inch wider than an S-Class.
Sadly, the XTS isn’t rear drive, however, it does feature an all-wheel drive setup. Added handling and agility are provided thanks to 20-inch wheels, and GM’s Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) shocks that measure the road every millisecond and adjust just as fast.
As for the plug-in hybrid system, it uses an electric motor, lithium-ion battery and a 3.6-liter direct-injection V6 gasoline engine to make 350-hp and 295 ft-lbs of torque. Capable of operating as a conventional hybrid, thanks to the plug-in capability, Cadillac claims it can achieve up to twice the efficiency of a conventional hybrid in city driving. The lithium-ion battery can be charged fully in just five hours using a conventional household outlet.
With an imposing look and a powerful and efficient engine, we’re possibly most impressed by the car’s interior. As a concept, it takes Caddy’s “Platinum” line philosophy to the extreme, using ultra high-grade materials and keeping with the Platinum mantra to hand cut and sew the interior leather. There’s also plenty of suede and we even have to admit the wood trim (which we typically hate) looks stunning.
The Cadillac XTS is scheduled to go into production in the near future and we’ll be sure to keep you updated on how close to the concept the production model will be.
Set to be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show, the XTS Platinum Concept certainly looks like a true flagship for the premium brand. Finally, there’s a Cadillac that wouldn’t look out-of-sorts parked next to a Mercedes S-Class. Size wise, it’s definitely large measuring 203.5-inches (3.5-inches longer than an S-Class), however, the wheelbase is considerably less at 111.7-inches (about 8-inches less than an S-Class). It is also roughly one inch wider than an S-Class.
Sadly, the XTS isn’t rear drive, however, it does feature an all-wheel drive setup. Added handling and agility are provided thanks to 20-inch wheels, and GM’s Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) shocks that measure the road every millisecond and adjust just as fast.
As for the plug-in hybrid system, it uses an electric motor, lithium-ion battery and a 3.6-liter direct-injection V6 gasoline engine to make 350-hp and 295 ft-lbs of torque. Capable of operating as a conventional hybrid, thanks to the plug-in capability, Cadillac claims it can achieve up to twice the efficiency of a conventional hybrid in city driving. The lithium-ion battery can be charged fully in just five hours using a conventional household outlet.
With an imposing look and a powerful and efficient engine, we’re possibly most impressed by the car’s interior. As a concept, it takes Caddy’s “Platinum” line philosophy to the extreme, using ultra high-grade materials and keeping with the Platinum mantra to hand cut and sew the interior leather. There’s also plenty of suede and we even have to admit the wood trim (which we typically hate) looks stunning.
The Cadillac XTS is scheduled to go into production in the near future and we’ll be sure to keep you updated on how close to the concept the production model will be.
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I'll be the first to say that I am not impressed with this car at all. In fact I would venture to say that I find both the interior and exterior to be quite ugly. The exterior is reminiscent of the DTS and looks nothing like a flagship vehicle in my eyes.
FWIW, 350hp/295 lb-ft of torque hybrid V6 will not cut it in a class of 370+hp V8s. The flagship class isn't about frugality or efficiency.
FWIW, 350hp/295 lb-ft of torque hybrid V6 will not cut it in a class of 370+hp V8s. The flagship class isn't about frugality or efficiency.
Last edited by MPLexus301; 01-11-10 at 09:59 PM.
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I think you guys are being a little quick to judge, keep in mind the target customer and how the world is different now then when the current 7/S/LS came out. A flagship no one drives isn't much of a success even if it is excessive in every way.
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IMO, this is definitely NOT a LS/S/7 competitor. For one it's FWD based, meaning it's more in line with the RL and A8. The A8 at least has a V8 and a longitudinal engine layout. Next gen RL is gonna be about this size plus it's going to be V6 hybrid only. Sounds like the XTS and RL are gonna be prime competitors. Not quite at the level of the A8/LS/S/7 but it'll appeal to a certain subset of buyers.
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#13
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So wheres the updated Northstar for this thing? 350hp hybrid in a flagship? Next to an S-class Hybrid and an LS600h that just seems weak. Very impressed with the interior however, but that rear seat headrest needs to go.