MM Full-Review: 2013 Cadillac XTS
#16
Lexus Champion
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I think you are giving the automotive press too much credit/blame for the ride of modern cars. Could it just be an evolving change in consumer preferences for these modern vehicles?? I fit the gramps profile and do not long for the days of floating boats that have trouble getting out of their own way.
![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
#17
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
In fairness, not ALL auto jornalists hate big traditional Cadillacs and Lincolns. One of the rare exceptions is Road & Track's Peter Egan. He writes the monthly "Side Glances" column (which I read regularly) and restores old sports cars. He does a lot of driving around the country for the magazine, and recently bought a used Cadillac DTS for long road trips in comfort for him and his wife Barb. As expected, he gets some rapping from the other guys at the magazine, but felt that the DTS's comfort was worth it.
Could it just be an evolving change in consumer preferences for these modern vehicles??
I fit the gramps profile and do not long for the days of floating boats that have trouble getting out of their own way.
![Wink](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
Last edited by mmarshall; 09-06-13 at 07:14 PM.
#18
Lexus Champion
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I'm old enough that the consequences of aging have begun
and still don't yearn for the good old automotive days. If I do, I'll buy an old car and take it to our Thursday night cruise in.
I maintain that the boomers who are aging and retiring are used to different dynamics in their vehicles and their retirement vehicles will reflect the ride, handling etc. of the vehicles that they are used to vs. what my parents preferred.
![Crying](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/Peace.gif)
I maintain that the boomers who are aging and retiring are used to different dynamics in their vehicles and their retirement vehicles will reflect the ride, handling etc. of the vehicles that they are used to vs. what my parents preferred.
#19
Lexus Fanatic
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Good review, my thoughts exactly about the XTS. I loved the XTS when I looked at it, the interior is *really* nice, feels very upscale. But, it fell apart for me when I drove it. You're right it rides hard and is loud, without being sporty or fun to drive. I think the big wheels are to blame. I considered going back and driving one with the 19s, but I never did.
#20
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I just drove a new Impala and was very surprised at how much better the ride was than on the XTS. They are on the same platform, yet the much cheaper Chevy has a more luxurious ride. I still think most of the poor low speed ride in the XTS is due to the oversize wheels and low profile tires they use. They may look good to some, but result in a harsher ride.
Steve
Steve
#21
Lexus Fanatic
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
While there is no doubt the A8, 7 series and S class are all flagships. Cadillac technically does not really have one at the current moment.
Last edited by Toys4RJill; 09-07-13 at 08:25 AM.
#22
Lexus Fanatic
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I think you guys are putting a little too much stock in this idea of a "flagship" vehicle.
Is the S Class the "flagship"? I don't know that someone who buys an SL63 would agree.
Is the S Class the "flagship"? I don't know that someone who buys an SL63 would agree.
#23
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Marshall, the DTS was never the flagship for Cadillac, even when the STS went out of production, the CTS would of become the flagship for Cadillac simply based on default. The vehicle price and size does not always give you an accurate idea of what the flagship is. Just because it is the biggest car does not mean it truly is the flagship or is a flagship. It most cases the flagship is the highest priced but not with the DTS.
Cadillac technically does not really have one at the current moment.
![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
![Wink](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
We'll see if they do a version of the upcoming full-size Holden RWD platform or not.
#24
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Well, that's where opinions differ. Technically, in the Mercedes line, the Maybach would have been my definition of a flagship....at least while it was around. Now, I would probably consider it the S600....possibly the S65 if engine power is a factor.
Last edited by mmarshall; 09-07-13 at 09:29 AM.
#25
Lexus Fanatic
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
You have to understand that, you may feel like thats the "flagship" but Mercedes likely doesn't look at it that way, and nor will most Mercedes consumers. The auto industry is different today, you don't have a clear model lineup where any one vehicle is the "ultimate" of that brand. Using Mercedes as the example, for me the ultimate Mercedes would be the S Class. But, I have a friend who has an SL63 and would never be caught dead in an S Class. So for him thats hardly the "ultimate" Mercedes. So the discussion of "which car is the flagship" is completely meaningless.
Even Lexus is that way. Is it clear that the LS is the "flagship" anymore? Looking at how Lexus decided to revamp every model but the LS basically, and for the first time ever they refreshed the same generation LS for a third time...I would argue they aren't focused on the LS as the flagship anymore.
#26
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Even Lexus is that way. Is it clear that the LS is the "flagship" anymore? Looking at how Lexus decided to revamp every model but the LS basically, and for the first time ever they refreshed the same generation LS for a third time...I would argue they aren't focused on the LS as the flagship anymore.
![Big Grin](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
#27
Lexus Fanatic
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The Maybach was not a Mercedes. It was a Maybach. Thats like saying Toyota's flagship is the LS...they don't look at it that way nor do any consumers.
You have to understand that, you may feel like thats the "flagship" but Mercedes likely doesn't look at it that way, and nor will most Mercedes consumers. The auto industry is different today, you don't have a clear model lineup where any one vehicle is the "ultimate" of that brand. Using Mercedes as the example, for me the ultimate Mercedes would be the S Class. But, I have a friend who has an SL63 and would never be caught dead in an S Class. So for him thats hardly the "ultimate" Mercedes. So the discussion of "which car is the flagship" is completely meaningless.
Even Lexus is that way. Is it clear that the LS is the "flagship" anymore? Looking at how Lexus decided to revamp every model but the LS basically, and for the first time ever they refreshed the same generation LS for a third time...I would argue they aren't focused on the LS as the flagship anymore.
You have to understand that, you may feel like thats the "flagship" but Mercedes likely doesn't look at it that way, and nor will most Mercedes consumers. The auto industry is different today, you don't have a clear model lineup where any one vehicle is the "ultimate" of that brand. Using Mercedes as the example, for me the ultimate Mercedes would be the S Class. But, I have a friend who has an SL63 and would never be caught dead in an S Class. So for him thats hardly the "ultimate" Mercedes. So the discussion of "which car is the flagship" is completely meaningless.
Even Lexus is that way. Is it clear that the LS is the "flagship" anymore? Looking at how Lexus decided to revamp every model but the LS basically, and for the first time ever they refreshed the same generation LS for a third time...I would argue they aren't focused on the LS as the flagship anymore.
Back to Cadiilac, there simply is no flagship in the sense of the way S class and LS are flagships.
In some ways people might say the Escalade is flagship, and in some ways it could be.
Maybach was definitely NOT the flagship of Mercedes Benz in any way.
The XTS for Cadiilac is not a flagship either.
Last edited by Toys4RJill; 09-07-13 at 09:54 AM.
#28
Lexus Fanatic
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Engine options and price points are not the defining factor of a flagship. Neither is the size of the vehicle.
#30
Lexus Fanatic
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
For Lexus, I would still consider the LS as the flagship car, the LS600h is not the flagship, it is the whole Lexus LS line. For Mercedes it would be the S class, not an individual S class model.
Back to Cadiilac, there simply is no flagship in the sense of the way S class and LS are flagships.
In some ways people might say the Escalade is flagship, and in some ways it could be.
Maybach was definitely NOT the flagship of Mercedes Benz in any way.
The XTS for Cadiilac is not a flagship either.
Back to Cadiilac, there simply is no flagship in the sense of the way S class and LS are flagships.
In some ways people might say the Escalade is flagship, and in some ways it could be.
Maybach was definitely NOT the flagship of Mercedes Benz in any way.
The XTS for Cadiilac is not a flagship either.
In your opinion, what is the flagship vehicle for Lexus?
Engine options and price points are not the defining factor of a flagship. Neither is the size of the vehicle.