ct5 (6)

Evan is an East Coast based automotive journalist and a Certified Engineering Technologist. He is an avid autocrosser, hack mechanic, and a member of AJAC. If you don't find him driving or writing about cars, you'll probably find him in the garage breaking one.

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 is getting a mild facelift, but some big changes inside. The exterior changes are meant to give the luxury sedan a more authoritative stance, but the ones inside should enhance the car's luxury feel and make its impressive driver assistance suite more transparent.

New headlights are the highlight of the new nose. The new lamps get a redesigned version of the company's vertical light signature along with stacked headlamps. All models get a new grille with a larger opening and detail changes down below, with the Sport trim maintaining its black mesh look. Stretching out the grille and headlights makes the CT5 look more athletic than before, at least in the company's included photos.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-177707" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ct5-7-scaled.jpg" alt="2024 Cadillac CT5" width="2560" height="1707" />

A new 33-inch display is the highlight of the updated interior. Most of the seamless screen is touch-sensitive, including the centre display and the portion of the screen to the left of the steering wheel. The main portion of the 9k-resolution display is for the infotainment system, while the touch area on the left is meant for the driver. They can help configure the dash portion using those buttons.

Behind the new screen is new software. The 2025 CT5 will use a Google built-in system that comes with Google Maps as the integrated nav system, as well as the Google Play store for apps. The system will continue to support Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto. GM has said it will drop those with its future EVs, but the two live on in gas models. AKG audio replaces the existing Bose system, an upgrade Cadillac has begun making across its lineup.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-177701" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ct5-1-scaled.jpg" alt="2024 Cadillac CT5" width="2560" height="1707" />

Blind zone steering assist and intersection automatic emergency braking are now part of the suite of standard driver assists. The entire driver assist suite, which includes the optional Super Cruise hands-off highway driving system, has been tweaked for the new model. Cadillac says the changes and updates to lane keep assist make the system drive more smoothly than prior versions of the system, which could be jerky in some situations.

Cadillac confirmed that the 237 hp 2.0L turbo-four and 335 hp twin-turbo 3.0L V6 would be returning, but discussion about the V and Blackwing models was off the table. Expect more about those to come, along with pricing for the 2025 Cadillac CT5. The cars should arrive at dealers in early 2024.

2025 Cadillac CT5 Gets Mild New Looks, Big New Screen

MY25_CADILLAC_ESCALADE_IQ_SPORT_exterior_front3q

With over two decades as a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), Michael Bettencourt has been writing about cars and automotive topics for over 25 years. A journalism graduate of Ryerson University, he has won multiple awards for automotive photography, vehicle testing, plus EV and green topics, and has owned various EVs since 2011.

From a secret location in suburban Detroit, Cadillac introduced its futuristic-yet-familiar Escalade IQ: the first all-electric version of its massively popular<a href="https://www.wheels.ca/vehicle-reviews/review-2021-cadillac-escalade"> Escalade full-size SUV</a>.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ is slated to arrive in mid-2024 and will be sold alongside its gas-powered progenitor in showrooms for the foreseeable future, although Cadillac has publicly committed to going all-electric by 2030. Company executives, therefore, expect a gradual ramping up of the Escalade IQ electric model to the point where sales equalize and then tilt increasingly towards the EV version before the expected phaseout of ICE Cadillac models by the end of the decade.

Despite the name, the Escalade IQ is not just a conventional Escalade with the engine, transmission, and gas tank replaced by batteries. It rides on GM’s Ultium all-electric platform, and shares a lot with the Hummer EV pickup, including its 24-module battery pack. Executives here said this battery will offer over 200 kWh of usable capacity. But the Escalade’s smoothened aerodynamics – 15 percent better than any other Escalade – plus lighter weight than the Hummer combine to allow Cadillac to estimate more than 724 km (450 miles) of range in ideal conditions.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-177338" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Rear_3q_ext_CADILLAC_ESCALADE_IQ_SPORT_B__RJM11320_crop.jpg" alt="Cadillac Escalade IQ" width="2000" height="1172" />

Big battery, Big Range

Recharging a pack that large will take a fair amount of time at any charger, with GM estimating roughly 24 km of range added per hour using home or office L2 charging speeds, or roughly 60 km of range per hour if you opt for GM’s high output 19.2 kW AC charger, which requires 100-amp dedicated service to the EVSE.

Cadillac hasn’t stated its specific DC quick charge speed but will offer similar charging speeds to the top-line Hummer, offering up an estimated 160 km of range in 10 minutes of charge time at a 350 kW Level 3 charging station. GM Canada helpfully points out that DC chargers this powerful are very rare in Canada, with roughly 100 currently, and not in all areas of the country, though that number is destined to increase.

This doesn’t include Tesla Superchargers, by the way, which currently max out at 250 kW. The Escalade IQ will launch with the larger CCS connector, with a Tesla adaptor becoming available soon after to allow it to charge at Tesla DC fast chargers.

New levels of power, similar max towing, and pricing

The advanced powertrain in the Escalade IQ will offer 680 hp and 615 lb-ft of torque in its Normal mode, which is roughly the same power as the performance-oriented Escalade-V. Once in Cadillac’s “Velocity Max” mode, this increases to a gargantuan 750 hp and 785 lb-ft of torque, though it doesn’t quite reach the Hummer EV’s 1000 hp “Watts to Freedom” mode.

Still, Cadillac promises a 0-60 mph time of less than five seconds, which is incredible for a vehicle this size.

The Escalade IQ’s max tow rating also matches the top Escalade’s 8,000 lb maximum figure of the 2023 gas model, though Cadillac drivers can certainly expect a significant decrease in range when towing.

The American arm of Cadillac has announced an expected price of US $130,000 for the Escalade IQ, which is closer to the Escalade-V’s current starting price of roughly US$150,000.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-177333" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Center_screens_CADILLAC_ESCALADE_IQ_SPORT_RJM13378.jpg" alt="Cadillac Escalade IQ" width="2000" height="1662" />

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-177339" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Escalade_IQ_eTrunk.jpg" alt="Cadillac Escalade IQ" width="1000" height="667" />

That price brings with it a new level of luxury inside, with a visually masterful 55-inch curved screen sweeping across the dash. AKG Audio comes in either a 19-speaker or 36-speaker version. The interior includes wireless charging for two phones, available power doors that open at the touch of a button, and over-the-air updates which promise to keep the software and features up-to-date and snappy.

Size-wise, the seven-passenger Escalade IQ lands in between the standard and extended Escalade ESV models, with a similar wheelbase to that longer Escalade. Plus the Escalade IQ has a front trunk that powers open to reveal a healthy 345 litres of carpet-lined space up front, on top of the 670 litres available behind the third row, which is slightly less than the 722-litre space in the current Escalade.

The Escalade IQ is expected to arrive in showrooms next summer but the smaller Cadillac Lyriq EV expected last fall has only just started trickling into showrooms over the last few months. So it’s likely wise to take all these planned arrival and departure dates as estimates versus locked-in timelines.

First Look: 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ

XT4 front

Living in rural Nova Scotia, Matthew Guy has immersed himself in car culture for over 30 years and relishes the thought of a good road trip. A certified gearhead, he enjoys professionally writing about cars and is very pleased to contribute for wheels.ca.

His work has also appeared on Car Throttle, The Truth About Cars, and in CAA Magazine. Find him on Twitter @matthewkguy

The crew at Cadillac has gifted their smallest crossover, the XT4, a major redesign for the 2024 model year. In addition to a massaging of its front and rear styling, the cabin gets a total overhaul by taking more than a few cues from the tony Escalade and all-electric Lyriq.

Caddy chooses to continue offering the XT4 in either front- or all-wheel drive configurations, permitting the advertisement of a sub-$45,000 price tag. Every XT4 is equipped with the same 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 235 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft of torque when fed a diet of premium gasoline. This plays dance partner to a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Three trims are on tap: Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport. Only the first one is available as a front-driver while the latter two are identically priced but aimed at different customers – the Premium Luxury has more chrome brightwork and the Sport has blacked-out details, just for starters. The $44,798 Luxury FWD trim has 18-inch bright alloy wheels, colour keyed door handles and heated side mirrors, and LED lamps all around. A power liftgate is fitted to the rear. The hue of Argent Silver Metallic is shown here as the only no-cost paint option, an irritating detail that also extends to the more expensive trims.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-176936" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/XT4-int.png" alt="2024 Cadillac XT4" width="1800" height="1024" />

An absolutely enormous uninterrupted display commands attention in the cabin, measuring a claimed 33 inches and packing the likes of wireless smartphone integration plus built-in Google services and GM’s generally excellent wi-fi program. The front chairs and rear outboard perches are heated, dual-zone climate control keeps warring factions happy, and a smattering of USB ports means everyone should have a place to plug in. So-called ‘Interluxe’ upholstery (read: fake leather) is standard and more than good enough for the vast majority of us. Real leather is a $1,725 option.

Safety gear is impressive with the likes of automatic emergency braking, blind zone steering assist, parking helpers, and forward collision alerts all part of the deal. Old-school cruise control is at the ready but the brand’s tremendous SuperCruise has yet to make it to this level on the Cadillac ladder.

What We'd Choose 

The selection of front- vs all-wheel drive is a debate which has raged for generations and is not likely to be resolved within the confines of this article. Shuffling power to all four corners has huge advantages in parts of our country where what falls from the sky in winter is not to be believed, but it’s worth noting the old saying that all-wheel drive does not mean all-wheel stop. Fitting a set of stout winter tires should be mandatory no matter the number of driven wheels.

A trailering package costs $655 and should be considered even if you don’t plan on hauling anything thanks to its inclusion of better gubbins for engine cooling. Monochrome emblems are available for the vain, though we can think of better ways to spend $265. Audiophiles may consider the $1,010 AKG 13-speaker sound system a decent upgrade, though we remain ambivalent. It is one’s own decision whether or not to splash $3,400 on all-wheel drive – just remember to leave room in the budget for winter tires no matter yer choice.

Every week, wheels.ca selects a new vehicle and takes a good look at its entry-level trim. If we find it worthy of your consideration, we'll let you know. If not, we'll recommend one - or the required options - which earns a passing grade.

Base Camp: 2024 Cadillac XT4

IMG_E9800

Whether it’s a first-drive feature from the sun-soaked California coast, a quick news story about an off-road pickup that may (or may not) be coming to your local dealership or a review of a hot new sports sedan, somewhere Lee Bailie is writing about cars and car culture, something he’s been doing for almost a decade. A car guy to the core, he went on his first automotive plant tour at age seven.

While GM’s luxury brand is busily electrifying its portfolio, which so far consists of the Lyriq SUV, the ultra-luxury Celestiq sedan and the forthcoming Escalade IQ SUV, Cadillac is also updating its gas-powered models.

For instance, the subcompact XT4 crossover, the second-best selling Cadillac in Canada in 2022, gets its first major refresh since it arrived in 2018 as a 2019 model. Built on GM’s Epsilon 2 platform that also undergirds the Buick Envision SUV, the XT4 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine (235 hp / 258 lb-ft.) that’s paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Front-wheel drive is available on the base Luxury model, while all three grades can be had with all-wheel drive. The top two trims, Premium Luxury, and Sport are AWD-only.

Despite a lack of mechanical changes, the XT4’s updates are significant, as I discovered during a recent media preview event held in suburban Detroit.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-176822" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/IMG_E9808-scaled.jpg" alt="2024 Cadillac XT4" width="2560" height="1440" />

In terms of exterior styling, everything from the A-pillar forward is new. This means the ’24 XT4 receives a new hood, fascia, grille, and LED headlights. Of note, Cadillac is introducing model-specific styling cues to differentiate the Premium Luxury and Sport grades, including unique wheels, grille, fascia, roof rails, and side body accents for the former, while the latter receives the same only in a dark finish. All grades also receive new 18 and 20-inch alloy wheels.

In the cabin, the biggest change is the addition of a 33-inch diagonal 9K LED colour touchscreen that sweeps across the dashboard and is curved toward the driver. Unlike other panels, this screen is one continuous display rather than two smaller screens stitched together.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-176821" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/IMG_E9820-scaled.jpg" alt="2024 Cadillac XT4" width="2560" height="1440" />

The display, which is inspired by the one used in the Lyriq EV, is standard on all trims, and it comes with a console-mounted Rotary Infotainment Controller. Embedded navigation is optional on all trims. Cadillac calls this interface the Virtual Cockpit System, and it serves as the basis for the XT4’s infotainment system and connected car features.

Among these features are 5G Wi-Fi hotspot, Google built-in, which is being gradually rolled out in other GM vehicles and includes features such as Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are also standard, as is Amazon Alexa compatibility.

A wireless cellphone charge pad is optional for Premium Luxury and Sport trims, but four USB ports are standard on all grades. On the audio front, an all-new AKG Studio audio system with 13 speakers is available on all trims.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-176819" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/IMG_E9885-scaled.jpg" alt="2024 Cadillac XT4" width="2560" height="1440" />

As for trim and décor, finishes will vary depending on grade. Luxury models receive piano black trim with laser etching. Premium Luxury trim includes genuine wood or aluminum depending on colour combination, while Sport comes with genuine carbon fibre or genuine wood, also depending on colour.

All grades feature brushed aluminum décor on a redesigned dashboard, along with new embroidery patterns on the seats. Colour options include Jet Black and Oxford Stone, with Santorini Blue or Gray accents.

Other cabin design elements include a more sculpted dashboard, new vent slider design, metal speaker grilles, embroidered Cadillac pattern in the door panels, and the addition of ambient lighting.

Of note for Canada, a Cold Weather Package is standard on all trims, and includes heated driver and front passenger seats, heated rear outboard seats and a heated steering wheel. Ventilated and massaging front seats are optional for Premium Luxury and Sport, but all trims receive a standard power liftgate.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-176823" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/IMG_E9801-scaled.jpg" alt="2024 Cadillac XT4" width="2560" height="1440" />

The Cadillac Smart System suite is standard on all 2024 XT4s and includes the following:
<ul>
 	<li>Blind Zone Steering Assist</li>
 	<li>Rear Cross Traffic Braking</li>
 	<li>Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking</li>
 	<li>Following Distance Indicator</li>
 	<li>IntelliBeam auto high beams</li>
 	<li>Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning</li>
 	<li>Second Row Seat Belt Indicator</li>
</ul>
For an extra $2,105, the Active Safety Package for Premium Luxury and Sport includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Pedestrian Alert, Reverse Automatic Braking, Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking, Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking (new), and more.

Other notable option packages include Comfort and Convenience ($2,685), which adds ventilated and massaging front seats, and an 8-way power front passenger seat, and Technology ($1,895), which comes with a Head-Up display, power tilt and telescoping steering column, wireless charging, and rear camera mirror with washer.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-176818" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/IMG_E9902-scaled.jpg" alt="2024 Cadillac XT4" width="2560" height="1440" />

It’s an extensive update but the changes come at some cost. Each trim configuration is at least $3,300 more than its predecessor ($3,700 higher on Luxury grades), and while these figures are likely far less than the total cost if each new item were priced individually, the jump in MSRP is worth noting.

Also noteworthy is the lack of an electrification option and GM’s impressive Super Cruise hands-free driver aid, which is spreading to other models, but not to the XT4. At least, not yet. Whether these are weaknesses or not are in the eye of the beholder but there’s no doubt the 33-inch 9K screen is a real showstopper, especially in the subcompact premium SUV segment.

2024 Cadillac XT4 pricing (base MSRP excl. destination, taxes, and fees)

Luxury FWD – $43,999
Luxury – $47,399
Premium Luxury – $51,199
Sport – $51,199

The 2024 Cadillac XT4 is on sale now.

2024 Cadillac XT4 thoroughly updated but more expensive

2023 CADILLAC XT5 SPORT AWD-MAIN

Rob Beintema is an Auto Journalist for Metroland Media

PASS-A-GRILLE, FLORIDA - The theme was supposed to be “Go Big or Go Home”, taking a <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/reviews/why-i-love-my-vehicle-2022-escalade-esv-sport-4x4">Cadillac Escalade</a> ESV - the extended version that makes Cadillac’s mothership the biggest SUV of all - on a long-haul road trip.

Fine for big families towing trailers or packing to the gunnels with golf bags and gear. But we were just a couple of snowbirds migrating south to a different flock - the Toronto Blue Jays spring training camp in Florida. And two passengers travelling light in a stretched-out, eight-passenger, V8-powered behemoth seemed like a case of overkill, unless we were planning to take the Blue Jay infield out for beers after a game.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-175665" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2023-CADILLAC-XT5-SPORT-AWD-COLUMBIA-SC-scaled.jpg" alt="2023 Cadillac XT5" width="2560" height="2051" />

So, the theme changed to “Less is More” with a 2023 Cadillac XT5 instead - more affordable and more practical, more suitable for a smaller family.

And, actually, less is also just less, with an XT5 that is, sure, less roomy, but also less cumbersome, less difficult to fit in a garage or parking spot, less pricey at the dealer lot and also considerably less costly at the gas pumps - in this case, an approximate 190 litre reason for changing vehicles.

In fact, you could argue that the “less factor” inspired the creation of the XT5, giving Cadillac customers access to the brand with a less trucky crossover with more modest pricing, passenger, payload and towing abilities.

The XT5 (Crossover Touring 5) debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2015 as a “lean and athletic” successor to the SRX, same-sized but weighing in at almost 300 lbs less than that predecessor, and with “wheels to the corner” architecture that extended the wheelbase by two inches with a corresponding one inch wider track.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-175660" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2023-CADILLAC-XT5-SPORT-AWD-REAR-scaled.jpg" alt="2023 Cadillac XT5" width="2560" height="1858" />

Sure, for our trip south, we’d be giving up the sheer oversized audacity of the Escalade but the XT5 exudes enough Cadillac bravado, with its modern sharp-edged styling, the angles adorned with vertical DRLs and taillight treatments that throw back to rocket fins and other heritage Cadillac cues. The XT5 has proved popular enough to spur the creation of XT4 (smaller) and XT6 (bigger) siblings - more crossover choices to slot in under the Escalade. But the XT5 remains the popular choice, with a kind of Goldilocks “just rightness’ that seems to hit the sweet spot of size, comfort, price and utility.
And despite my emphasis on “less”, there are plenty of “more” factors included in standard equipment and content packages that build through the three XT5 trim levels ranging through Luxury, Premium Luxury and Sport models.

A no-cost Argent Silver Metallic paint is supplemented by seven other optional colours ($900-$1,395) including our Sport tester’s Crystal White Tricoat. Other options in our Sport tester included Kona Brown Sauvage leather seats, 20-inch 12-spoke Diamond Cut alloy wheels and a Technology Package with an 8-inch gauge cluster, head-up display, rear camera mirror and more. And there are plenty of other optional packages and stand-alone options available.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-175668" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2023-CADILLAC-XT5-SPORT-AWD-INTERIOR-scaled.jpg" alt="2023 Cadillac XT5" width="2560" height="1708" />

The XT5 first debuted with a 3.6-litre V6 engine making 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque and with a fuel economy rating of 12.9L/9.3L/100km (city/hwy). A model revision in 2020 made a new 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder the standard engine. It makes 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque and is a bit thriftier at 11.2L/8.7L/100km (city/hwy). The XT5 was the first model to adopt GM’s Electronic Precision Shift system, and this weight-saving, fly-by-wire system hooks up to 9-speed automatics with both engine choices. An AWD system that can shift 100 per cent of the power to either front or rear axles also benefits from drive mode settings of Tour, AWD, Sport and Offroad.

They kept the V6 as an optional powerplant in the mid-range Premium Luxury trim and made it standard in this top-of-the-lineup Sport model. I was hoping that auto stop-start and cylinder deactivation, which effectively turns the V6 into a V4 during those long highway miles, would narrow the gap between the two fuel economy ratings. But added power for passing is always appreciated and, although we wouldn’t be hauling a trailer, the V6 also boosts towing ability to 3,500 lb from the four-banger’s 1,000 lb rating.

The 2023 Cadillac XT5 Sport complements the engine power with a little extra performance mojo, adding quicker responsive steering, red-painted Brembo brakes and a sport suspension with real-time damping control that can adjust the ride every two milliseconds depending on varying road and driving conditions. Now, we weren’t exactly slaloming through the Blue Ridge or the Tail of the Dragon on the way, but even on the interstate, added control and ride/handling responsiveness can always be appreciated.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-175666" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2023-CADILLAC-XT5-SPORT-AWD-FLA-SUNSET-scaled.jpg" alt="2023 Cadillac XT5" width="2560" height="1793" />

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-175667" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2023-CADILLAC-XT5-SPORT-AWD-FLA-SUNSET2-scaled.jpg" alt="2023 Cadillac XT5" width="2560" height="1836" />

So, we headed south for fried green tomatoes in Charleston, strolls through the fountained parks of Savannah, the crack of the bat in Dunedin and long beach walks in Pass-A-Grille, Florida. There’s nothing like a few days in the saddle to really get to know a vehicle. And the XT5 did not disappoint. No problems, no drama, just easy cruising in a competent package of luxuries and comforts to suit any Cadillac fan.

Here are a few numbers. The 2,422 km trip to Florida -mostly highway miles with the occasional stop-and-go slowdowns and some futzing about in towns - used up 235 litres of fuel for a respectable 9.7L/100km (comb) fuel economy average. That cost $285.92 CDN. American gas is still cheaper than Canadian prices, working out to a $1.20 CDN/litre average once we did the metric and currency conversions.

We were still in Florida at the time of writing, so I expect the round trip to be about double - roughly 5,000 km, 470 litres and under $600 CDN in total.

To sum up, the 2023 Cadillac XT5 competes in a tough field against worthy rivals like the BMW X3, Volvo XC60 and Genesis GV70, to name just a few. There are rumours of a revised XT5 for 2024, possibly only available in China, but speculation about the future is rife, especially with Cadillac’s commitment to an all-electric lineup by 2030.

But, for now, the 2023 XT5 soldiers on, providing its unique Cadillac blend of styling, luxury and included content availability in a user-friendly, five-passenger crossover.
<h3>2022 Cadillac XT5 Sport AWD</h3>
BODY STYLE: two-row, five-passenger compact crossover ute
DRIVE METHOD: 9-speed automatic, AWD
ENGINE: 3.6-liter VVT V6 engine (310 hp, 271lb-ft of torque)
FUEL ECONOMY: 12.9L/9.3L/100km (city/hwy). As tested 9.7L/100km (comb).
CARGO VOLUME: 849 litres behind second row, 1,784 litres behind first row
TOW RATING: 1,588 kg (3,500 lb) when properly equipped
PRICE: 2023 Cadillac XT5 Sport MSRP $59,098 As tested $67,588
WEBSITE: cadillaccanada.ca

2023 Cadillac XT5 Sport Review

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Having worked in the automotive industry in many roles for over 15 years and currently the Content Strategist for Wheels.ca - Kunal's obsession with cars goes back to his early childhood. Even now his insatiable thirst to be in the know of anything with wheels and a motor continues, and will likely never fade. His idea of bliss is the open road,  good tunes and a manual gearbox. Kunal is a member of AJAC (Automobile Journalists Association of Canada)

Kapuskasing, ON – General Motors has been cold-weather testing vehicles in Kapuskasing since 1941 but it didn’t start with passenger cars. Back in those days GM’s testing focused on military vehicles and airplanes for the Canadian government.

Three decades later, on February 14, 1973 the GM Cold Weather Development Centre was born. The town of Kapuskasing officially became GM’s permanent cold weather testing home for North America and it’s only evolved since then.

Now spanning 272 acres it is the largest facility of its kind in Ontario. The centre boasts a 3.6 km advanced test track, a decommissioned airstrip, 30 cold cells that can reliably recreate conditions of -45 degrees Celsius or lower, and a squeak and rattle building (we’ll explain that last one later).

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-175096" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC04339.jpg" alt="GM Cold Weather Development Centre Kapuskasing" width="2048" height="1365" />

Most of Canada has cold winters but the weather in Kapuskasing, which is a 9 hour drive north of Toronto, has a consistently frigid winter climate. If you’re looking for dependable cold and snow, then Kapuskasing is ideal. We’re talking average temps of -30 degrees Celsius in the winter with dips into the -50 degree Celsius range not uncommon. It’s an extreme environment but if a vehicle can survive here, it’ll work just about anywhere.

Most models GM sells to the public from the humble Chevy Spark to the sporty Corvette spends a part of its development life cycle here. It must successfully pass a series of rigorous tests to get final approval for production.

We recently spent a day in Kapuskasing in order to witness the trials and tribulations a vehicle must undergo to get GM’s seal of approval.

There’s an air of secrecy here. Media usually aren’t allowed in, so getting to see it all is a big deal. With camouflaged experimental vehicles driving around we sense a bit of nervousness from the staff as any leaks could land them in hot water. The secretive nature of the site is understandable as the competition between automakers is cutthroat.

But I’m not here to spy on pre-production vehicles and I’ve always wanted to see what takes place in Kapuskasing. Much of the testing here is shifting to focus on electric vehicles. GM has ambitious plans to phase out internal combustion vehicles by 2035, and our focus in Kapuskasing is understandably centered on the EV.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-175091" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC04366.jpg" alt="GM Cold Weather Development Centre Kapuskasing" width="2048" height="1365" />

A showroom ready Cadillac Lyriq (which you can find a review of <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/first-drives/2023-cadillac-lyriq-first-drive-review">here</a>) would be our test mule for the day and with the temps hovering at -25 degrees Celsius it was precisely the type of weather an EV like the Lyriq isn’t supposed to work in.

EVs not faring well in cold and snowy conditions is a common misconception and many think they aren’t suitable for many parts of this country. With the exception of reliable charging infrastructure, an ICE car faces the same set of challenges an EV does.

Josh Walton, Engineering Group Manager, is the project lead in Kapuskasing and has worked at the development centre since 2015.

“The only thing majorly different (when testing an EV) is obviously that you need to charge the vehicle. So what we do different with EVs compared to ICE (internal combustion engines) is test all three levels of charge. So Level1, level 2, and level 3 charging.” Walton tells wheels.ca.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-175089" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC04374.jpg" alt="GM Cold Weather Development Centre Kapuskasing" width="2048" height="1365" />

The development centre has 21 Level 2 chargers but more importantly 6 DC Fast chargers capable of outputting up to 400kW of power making them some of the fastest chargers around. That’s an irrelevant number because there aren’t any EVs on the market that can make use of those charging speeds just yet. The Cadillac Lyriq itself maxes out at 190kW. But in Kapuskasing the main goal is to collect data and to then apply what they’ve learned to improving the products and correcting any issues before the cars arrive in customer’s driveways.

“Our general durability (testing) is a 12-week cycle. We evaluate everything from powertrain to HVAC performance to interior comfort and infotainment systems. The entire car is tested top to bottom inside of 12 weeks.

“ We go through roughly 9000 km of test mileage during that, so it’s pretty comprehensive,” says Walton.

During those 12 weeks the cars are tested 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, during which time every component is put under scrutiny. During a typical test cycle a window can be rolled up and down up to 1200 times! In a few months each vehicle sees about 2 years of regular use under extreme conditions and they can test up to 250 vehicles annually.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-175094" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC04355.jpg" alt="cold cells kapuskasing" width="2048" height="1365" />

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-175092" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC04361.jpg" alt="GM Cold Weather Development Centre Kapuskasing" width="2048" height="1365" />

The cold cells, basically giant freezers, can hold two <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/reviews/2022-chevrolet-bolt-ev-review">Chevy Bolts</a>. They recreate conditions of -45 degrees Celsius. Cars are parked inside overnight and then started in the morning and things like the heated seats, HVAC systems, defoggers, and defrosters are all tested.

We drive the Cadillac Lyriq inside what GM calls the “Squeak and Rattle” building, which is essentially a large tunnel with varying bumpy road surfaces that you drive the cars through up to 20 times an hour. There are speed bumps, rough surfaces, and interlocking tiles that mimic European cobblestone roads. It’s an extremely bumpy ride, even at 20 km/h. This test exposes any squeaks, or rattles from loose trim, improperly fitted components, or materials that have not fared so well in the cold weather. It’s also where they test how comfortable the cabin is.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-175086" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC04393.jpg" alt="GM Cold Weather Development Centre Kapuskasing" width="2048" height="1365" />

Next we’re driving on the test track, which has a hard packed snow over gravel surface representative of the rural roads in Northern Ontario. We only took a few laps in the Lyriq but in actual testing the vehicles are driven here for up to 8 hours a day. They also use a decommissioned airfield across the street for dynamic testing, where things like traction control, ABS and stability control systems get put to the test.

For real world testing each car is also driven on the multitude of logging roads surrounding the proving grounds.

So after pouring through the reams of data extracted from testing has GM figured out the EV secret sauce to mitigating diminished battery capacity and the loss of driving range in cold weather?

“We do have data on this, but unfortunately a lot of that’s proprietary and I can’t get into the details and specifics of that,” says Walton.

A predictable answer but we had to ask.

It was a condensed but informative view of what happens in a day at the Kapuskasing winter proving grounds. It’s also an exciting time in the automotive industry and things are constantly in flux.

“It’s a dynamic environment, so it’s not the same mundane stuff day after day, says Walton. “Every day in Kapuskasing is something different and unique.”

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GM Cold Weather Development Centre in Kapuskasing tests EVs under extreme conditions