by Cadillac XT5 gets a hybrid version for China
Cadillac is expanding the lineup of the updated XT5 crossover, which debuted in China almost two years ago. Now, an eco-friendly version is being added to the range, recently revealed by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. This car differs significantly from the aging model still offered on the US market.
Exterior changes and design
From a design standpoint, the new model is almost indistinguishable from the regular version. However, the crossover will feature a slightly modified grille with illuminated accents. This brings it closer to the brand’s electric models’ styling.
Below, a new central air intake with active shutters can be noticed. They are designed to improve the car’s efficiency when it is running exclusively on electric power.
At the rear, the crossover gets a new bumper without cutouts for the exhaust system. This gives the rear end a more streamlined look, which also resembles the company’s electric models.
Autonomous driving system
The most interesting feature is that some versions will be equipped with an advanced semi-autonomous driving system. They are easy to identify by the lidar on the roof and new cameras (or other sensors) on the front fenders.
The crossover is expected to receive the Xiao Yao Zhi Xing system, developed jointly with Momenta. This system has already been seen on Chinese Buicks and is an analog of Super Duper Cruise, as it allows “seamless navigation on city roads, handling scenarios such as lane changes, roundabouts, pedestrian crossings, and lane switching.”
Powertrain
Details of the powertrain have not yet been disclosed, but according to MIIT data, the XT5 will feature a 148 hp (110 kW) engine, a lithium-ion battery, and two electric motors. The peak power of the front electric motor is 215 hp (160 kW), and the rear one is 148 hp (110 kW). This configuration resembles an electric vehicle with a range extender, but reports indicate the model is a plug-in hybrid.
For comparison, the regular XT5 is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with mild hybrid technology. It produces 233 hp (174 kW) and 350 Nm of torque. The engine works in conjunction with a nine-speed automatic transmission, allowing the crossover to accelerate to 100 km/h in 8 seconds, with a top speed of 210 km/h.
Standard XT5
Thus, the new hybrid XT5 becomes technologically much more complex than the regular version. It offers not only a more economical powertrain but also advanced autonomous driving systems, making it competitive in the Chinese market, where demand for such technologies is growing. It is worth noting that this model is further evidence of how the Chinese market stimulates automakers to introduce innovations that often do not reach other regions, particularly the United States.
