Even though crossovers and SUVs currently sell better than ever, Cadillac has just two of these on the market with the XT5 and the Escalade. In order to benefit from the current market conditions, a new one is expected to be launched soon. The 2018 Cadillac XT3 is a car that has been rumored ever since they trademarked its name. The car is expected to use the same platform as the new Chevy Equinox meaning it will have very little in common with the larger XT5. On top of that, it is not going to be rear wheel drive like some rumors suggested. GM’s new D2XX platform, which will likely underpin it, is a new generation modular chassis which should easily handle all the car’s needs. With it the XT3 should be comfortable, great to drive and also provide a great level of safety.
2018 Cadillac XT3 Price and Design
Unfortunately so far Cadillac didn’t say much about their upcoming crossover. Luckily though, it has been spied testing in the wild and the result seems to be quite impressive. For starters, it is roughly the same size as the Equinox or the Terrain which means it is not as small as some people suggested. Also, despite being larger than most of its competitors, the XT3 will more than likely be lighter as well. This will help with handling and it should also help it be quite frugal. The car’s price is unknown but considering its intended class, expect it to cost over $30,000. If Cadillac manages to come up with a comprehensive basic package then we don’t see any reasons for it to fail.
Source: autoblog.com
The 2018 Cadillac XT3 is definitely going to be a Cadillac despite the low-end platform. Being quite large means that Cadillac will be able to install large wheels and plenty of flashy features on it. For starters, it seems that the camouflaged model of the car boasts a similar pentagonal grille to the larger XT5. Even though its headlights have been hidden, they do seem similar to those on the larger model as well. The rear of the car on the other hand is nothing like it. It seems that the XT3 has a raked roof which ends with a much smaller rear window than its larger sibling. This could mean that the end result might look quite sporty. The test mule also had 19 or 20 inch rims which are quite impressive for a car at this price point.
We are more than likely going to be a shrunken version of the interior found on the XT5 with influences from the Equinox. While the design will likely resemble that of the Equinox, it should boast the same type of materials as its larger sibling. Expect leather upholstery, an Alcantara headliner and even a dashboard covered completely in leather. We only hope that Cadillac is not going to go for the button-based transmission selector and instead go for a more conventional lever.
Under the hood of new 2018 XT3 Cadillac
The platform siblings of the upcoming 2018 Cadillac XT3 come with tiny turbocharged gasoline engines aimed at fuel efficiency. This is not really going to be the case here. Instead, the XT3 is more than likely going to receive at least one performance engine which will have to set it apart from the competition. The base model might get a 1.5 liter turbo-four in some markets. This could offer north of 170 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque which is barely adequate for its class. Further up the range a 2 liter turbo-four with around 252 horsepower is also a real possibility. However, GM will also likely give the XT3 a specially tuned 2 liter turbo-four with closer to 270 horsepower. All these engines will likely be mated to a 9 speed automatic which would drive either the front or all wheels via viscous couplings. The end result should be a neutral driving experience with all the benefits of an all wheel drive system. Unfortunately this type of system is also usually prone to understeer but considering it is a crossover, this shouldn’t really be a problem. Some also suggested that the 2018 Cadillac XT3 would get a diesel. While we would love the idea, a small diesel in a $30,000 Cadillac doesn’t sound all that great.
Source: autoblog.com
Cadillac XT3 Release date
The first test mules of new Cadillac s’ crossover, the XT3 that were caught on the spy camera are in early stages of testing. Despite the fact that the US manufacturer is way behind its rivals in this segment the car won’t be out this year. During 2017 you can expect camouflaged models which are close to production design, but first naked vehicle won’t be presented before the start of 2018. Cadillac will most likely try to leave a good impression so the presentation could happen on 2018 NAIAS. In case they fail to prepare XT3 by that date, you can expect it on one of the two following auto shows (Chicago or NY). The begging of the year will probably serve for a showing of the future 2018 Cadillac XT3 while the dealership ready version won’t be available before the start of summer. In any case, Cadillac should hurry up because of the expansion of luxury crossovers segment they could be further left behind in a race which is getting more competitors each and every day.
Competitors
As we already mentioned the XT3 is coming into an Ocean already full of sharks. With car market moving away from sedans and shifting in the direction of crossovers new 2018 XT3 will really have to leave a good impression. Most of the manufacturers are already well aware of these changes and are by today entirely dedicated to creating almost exclusively crossovers. The Cadillacs’ latest baby will have to go against already established models such as BMW X1, Lexus NX, Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, Infiniti QX30, Audi Q3, Lincoln MKC, and Land Rover Range Rover Evoque.
