
One of the most exciting aspects of operating a luxury ground transportation company is the anticipation of adding new metal to your fleet. If you’re a veritable car geek like most of us here are, then you know exactly what we’re talking about.
Among the latest industry trends—for chauffeured transportation and OEMs—is the shift away from sedans to SUVs of all sizes. We’ve been told for years that your clients prefer the closed sedan cabin so that they aren’t disturbed by the elements when loading luggage, but what you generally gain with SUVs is additional interior space and a more upright sitting position. As we announced in the October issue, the Cadillac livery lineup now comprises all SUVs—as the XT5 joins the XT6 and the Escalade (it was also on the show floor at our CD/NLA Show in Vegas this past February). Unlike the larger XT6 and Escalade, the XT5 only has two rows of seating with rear seating for three—although two is probably more realistic with the armrest between them.


Cadillac XT5 Specs
TRIMS: Luxury, Premium Luxury
ENGINES: 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 (base); 3.6L V6 available with Premium Luxury trim
MPG: 28 (highway)/21(city)
HEADROOM (rear): 38.4"
LEGROOM (rear): 39"
CARGO AREA: 30.2 cu. ft.
PRICE: Starting in the low $40s
WARRANTY: Standard 6 years/70,000 miles for 2.0L I4 models; 3 years/150,000 miles for Luxury Premium with 3.6L V6
As for passenger comfort, the step up/down is likely going to be easier for most of your clients over sliding into or out of a sedan. Our testers found the rear seats to be firm and supportive with legroom clocking in at 39 inches. Headroom is ample for most average rear passengers; however, like the XTS, taller clients might find it little tight at 38.4 inches. You will no doubt love the 30.2 cubic feet of cargo space—try that with a sedan!
But since we run our vehicles so hard and long during normal times, one of the most important factors our industry considers is reliability. Good news: The Cadillac XT5 has a 4.5 out of 5 reliability rating according to J.D. Power and Associates. And we already know that Cadillac is fully committed to chauffeured transportation—a partnership that hasn’t wavered in decades—so you know its network of dealers will have you back on the road ASAP when you need service.TRIMS: Luxury, Premium Luxury
ENGINES: 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 (base); 3.6L V6 available with Premium Luxury trim
MPG: 28 (highway)/21(city)
HEADROOM (rear): 38.4"
LEGROOM (rear): 39"
CARGO AREA: 30.2 cu. ft.
PRICE: Starting in the low $40s
WARRANTY: Standard 6 years/70,000 miles for 2.0L I4 models; 3 years/150,000 miles for Luxury Premium with 3.6L V6