Cadillac has introduced a faster, twin-turbo engine version of the XTS, known as the XTS V-Sport. This model boasts 100 bhp more power, along with styling upgrades and additional interior features. Other than these enhancements, it retains the core characteristics of the standard XTS.

The XTS V-Sport is primarily designed for C-level executives seeking a fast, comfortable, and tech-savvy saloon to transport them swiftly from one location to another. These individuals are typically less focused on the intricacies of the driving experience and more concerned with a quiet, peaceful, and quick ride between meetings. The XTS meets these needs effectively, while the V-Sport does so with even greater speed.

Style

2014 Cadillac XTS V-Sport Front Lights

The Cadillac XTS V-Sport is arguably the most elegantly styled executive cruiser in its segment, surpassing the 2014 Mercedes E-Class, 2014 BMW 5 Series, and 2014 Audi A6, which rely heavily on their past styling legacy. The XTS is also longer than its aforementioned rivals, giving it a limousine-like aura that many find very classy.

Unlike the sporty aesthetics of the 2014 Infiniti M56 or 2014 Lexus GS350, the XTS embodies a different design philosophy. Every aspect of its style, from the grille to the rear lights, carries a distinct Cadillac signature. While style is subjective and opinions may vary, I firmly believe that Cadillac has styled the XTS perfectly to meet the needs of its target audience.

The illuminated door handles are a small yet impactful feature that enhances the XTS's appeal, particularly in low-light conditions, where the HID lights and LED high mount stop lamp create a commanding yet elegant presence.

Interior

2014 Cadillac XTS V-Sport Interior

Interior Finishing

In my experience, the XTS's interior material finishing is world-class, comparable to, if not better than, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. It features a fully leather-wrapped interior with premium wood trim adorning the door panels, center console, steering wheel, instrument panel, and center stack.

Interior Features and Options

The Cadillac XTS is equipped with rear entertainment fold-up screens behind the front seats, akin to the BMW 5 Series. Additional features include:

Parallel park assist
Adaptive brakes
Adaptive cruise control
The CUE system with 'haptic touch' screen

The CUE touch screen may require some adjustment; for instance, opening the dash box (also haptic touch-based) can necessitate multiple attempts. Conversely, certain areas, such as radio settings, can be overly responsive, leading to unintended disruptions. While adjustments are possible, the overall system could benefit from improved intuitiveness. In this regard, I prefer the infotainment system of Mercedes-Benz, which is notably simpler and more user-friendly.

The audio system is a Bose Surround Sound System featuring 14 speakers, complemented by a large 12.3-inch multi-information display screen. The navigation system is 3D and user-friendly, while the head-up display comes with color readouts, enhancing the overall feature-rich luxury experience compared to the Mercedes E-Class and Infiniti M56.

Interior Space

2014 Cadillac XTS V-Sport Rear Seat Cupholders

The XTS V-Sport can comfortably accommodate five adults and offers a cargo capacity of 509 liters, which only falls short of the upcoming 2014 BMW 5 Series 550i. It excels in cargo space compared to rivals such as the Infiniti M56, Lexus LS, Mercedes E-Class, and Audi A6.

Safety Features

One of my favorite safety features is the vibrating seat alert for lane changes and blind spot warnings, providing an effective means of driver notification. Conventional blind spot indicators or flashing lights can be overlooked, but the physical buzz in the seat is hard to miss! The XTS also incorporates visual and audio alerts for lane changes and blind spots, along with features such as parallel parking assist and forward collision alert. However, it doesn't lead the pack in safety features; BMW and Mercedes-Benz offer a more comprehensive suite of safety gadgets, including Attention Assist and knee airbags.

Drive Experience

2014 Cadillac XTS V-Sport Drive Experience

Power and Acceleration

The introduction of the XTS V-Sport aims to deliver a more powerful option compared to the standard XTS. The twin-turbo variant produces 440 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque, providing ample power for a luxury cruiser. It makes long trips, such as Dubai to Abu Dhabi, feel effortless. With a price tag of 290,000 AED, few luxury cruisers offer this level of power, the primary competitor being the upcoming 2014 BMW 5 Series 550i V8 Sedan, which generates 450 HP and over 600 Nm of torque but comes at a significantly higher price.

Suspension and Handling

Cadillac claims to possess the fastest-reacting suspension globally, known as Magnetic Ride Control. This system ensures exceptional comfort, making it ideal for executives who prefer to relax in the backseat while catching up on the latest Fortune issue without feeling any bumps along the way. The suspension can be adjusted for a sportier experience via Sport Mode, but even then, it falls short of delivering a truly sporty ride. The XTS is not designed for precise cornering or spirited driving; rather, it excels in fast, straight-line highway performance, ensuring maximum comfort and minimal hassle.

Verdict

The XTS V-Sport is priced 40-45K AED higher than the regular XTS. As a dedicated highway cruiser, it represents a valuable upgrade for those who frequently embark on long-distance journeys. Otherwise, it may be more prudent to opt for the standard XTS, which offers nearly all the interior features of the V-Sport. With its world-class interior and executive styling, the XTS V-Sport stands as a formidable contender against the Mercedes E-Class and BMW 5 Series.

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