Model Highlights
The 2014 Cadillac XTS benefits from a host of technological features. The interior is the largest benefactor of this technology, including Cadillac's CUE information and media control module. CUE, which stands for "Cadillac User Experience," features an 8-inch touch screen set in the center stack that functions similarly to an iPad. It is able to respond to touch gestures as well as voice commands and utilizes much of the same technology as the aforementioned iPad. Cadillac has even gone so far as to design a CUE app for the iPad, further integrating it into the car.
Also unique among luxury sedans is Cadillac's magnetic dampening system. Normally seen on much more exotic sports cars, magnetic dampening uses magnets in conjunction with magnetic-reactive fluid in the shock absorbers to adjust shock stiffness and ride on the fly, producing both a quiet ride and surprisingly good handling for a luxury car.
The Cadillac XTS is available in four different trims: Standard, Luxury, Premium and Platinum. All-wheel drive is available on any of the top three models and adds a couple thousand dollars to the price of the vehicle. Standard power across the line comes from a 305-hp 3.6L V6. A new twin-turbocharged 3.6L V6 bumps output up to 410 hp, with 369 ft-lb of torque. It is available on Vsport spec models in the Premium and Platinum line.
The base XTS is very well equipped, with a long list of standard items, including 19-inch wheels, HID xenon headlights and a roof mounted antenna, as well as interior accoutrements like an 8-speaker Bose sound system, parking assist, leather seating and a 10-way power adjustable driver's seat.
Stepping up to the Luxury edition will net several improvements and open up the option of having all-wheel drive. Lighting is enhanced with daytime running lights and improved interior lighting, while the front seats now feature thigh adjustments. A rear view back up camera and nicer 19-inch wheels round out the important differences between the Standard and Luxury trim.
The Premium edition adds a navigation system, an uprated 14-speaker Bose sound system and a trick LCD instrument cluster that can be reconfigured and customized to the buyers' tastes.
The top-of-the-line Platinum edition adds 20-inch wheels, a power sunroof and sunshades for back seat occupants. The front fascia of the Platinum edition car has also been subtly modified to set it apart from lesser versions of the XTS.
The XTS is a thoroughly modern car, and the safety features speak for themselves. The standard host of anti-lock brakes, traction control and stability control are all present, as are dual-stage front airbags, side-impact airbags, curtain airbags and knee airbags. A driver awareness package is also available, which includes features like Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Side Blind Zone alert. The Driver Assist Package takes things one step further adding adaptive cruise control and Automatic Collision Preparation, to the list of safety features.
