In China, automakers must disclose certain details about upcoming vehicles ahead of their unveiling, which means that we often get a look behind the curtain. In certain cases, such as with the next-generation Cadillac XT5, that can be relevant to North American readers, too.
General Motors had initially planned to discontinue the Cadillac XT5 crossover in North America. The model was expected to become obsolete due to Cadillac’s expanding electric lineup. However, in late 2023, as the EV market’s growth started cooling, and automakers decided that internal combustion vehicles weren’t quite dead yet.
This deceleration in GM’s EV transition plans reportedly implies that North Americans might also receive the new version of the XT5 after the current model concludes its production within the next year. Now, we have the opportunity to preview the design of the second generation of the SUV.
Read: Next-Gen Cadillac XT5 Could Be Sold In North America After All
A clear evolution of the existing model, the next-generation XT5 does a good job of updating the crossover to fit in with Cadillac’s latest design language. Featuring more upright, boxy proportions, the SUV will also get the thin headlights that have become all the range recently. They will sit above the grille, and will be connected by a piece of silver trim.
Further down, Cadillac’s distinctive vertical lighting elements continue to frame the grille, which appears to have been downsized compared to the current model. Along the sides, the XT5 showcases a more streamlined design with sleeker lines, and it introduces new creases over the wheel arches.
As you might expect, the next-generation model also sees a slight increase in size. It now measures 192.4 inches (4,888 mm) in length, which is about three inches longer than the current XT5. This extension should enable it to accommodate more cargo and cater to a broader customer base.
In China, the new Cadillac XT5 will be equipped with a 2.0-liter engine produced by GM’s partner SAIC, delivering 227 hp (169 kW/230 PS). The powertrain for the rumored North American model has not been confirmed yet. Currently, the XT5 in the States is available with either a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 235 hp (175 kW/238 PS), or a 3.6-liter V6 engine, churning out 310 hp (231 kW/314 PS).
