We previously tested Cadillac’s new full-size luxury sedan, the XTS. As a Cadillac, it surprised us because there was front or all-wheel drive instead of rear-drive, a somewhat ordinary V-6 instead of a big V-8, and almost none of the sporty bravado that has characterized several of the company’s other recent models. We liked the very well-executed interior and ample space, but otherwise weren’t blown away.For the 2014 model year, though, the XTS has gotten a fresh injection of power in the form of the Vsport model, which sports a reworked and twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V-6. Other new bits for 2014 include a rear seat entertainment system, automatic parking assist and Intellibeam headlights, but the main attraction is still the motor. Extra power adds extra numbers to the price tag, though, so is the XTS now good enough to stand out in a field that includes the Jaguar XJ, BMW 7-Series, Audi A8 and Lexus LS?
Our test car was a Vsport equipped with all-wheel-drive and the Platinum Collection package, which brought the total cost to $71,015. Unique to the Vsport are “Twin Turbo” grille and deck lid identification, while the Platinum Collection adds chrome finish on the grille and 20-inch aluminum wheels with polished finish and chrome inserts. Other than that, there is nothing of note to distinguish the Vsport from any other XTS, and while we still think it’s light years ahead of the old DTS and STS, it does not look like it should cost as much as it does. At least on the outside.
