2017 Cadillac XT5 Arrives in US, but We Have China to Thank

Whenever a new luxury car comes out, you can thank China for it, and the same is the case for the 2017 Cadillac XT5, which had its North American debut at the 2015 L.A. Auto Show.

There is a huge demand for luxury cars in China, especially luxury crossovers, and if it weren’t for China, we’d probably still be stuck with the stodgy SRX. Cadillac is expecting to sell loads of XT5s in China, and will even build the crossover there for the local buyers, while continuing to build in in the U.S. for customers over here.

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The XT5 sits on a unique chassis and structure that allows it to weigh 278 pounds less than the SRX, while still being more roomy inside, even though the outside dimensions are fractionally smaller.

The all-wheel or front-wheel-drive XT5 will be powered by a 3.6-liter V6 with 310 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. The engine also gets stop/start and cylinder deactivation and will be paired to a eight-speed automatic transmission with a new electronically controlled shifter, which is a first for Cadillac. The XT5 for China will get a turbo 2.0L four-cylinder.

ALSO SEE: 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show Coverage

The all-wheel-drive system has the ability to send 100% of the power to the front or rear axle if needed, and drivers can actually use the system to drive only the front wheels to save on gas.

Of course, the Cadillac is packed with tech and safety features like a rear view camera that enhances a driver’s rear vision by 300%, a head-up display, a hands-free liftgate, adaptive cruise control, and a suite of other driver assistance technology like park assist, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, automatic front and rear braking for low-speed conditions, and rear cross traffic alert.

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