We saw the new engine coming for some of the future editions of the mid-size luxury XT6 SUV. And General Motors did add another option for this vehicle. Nevertheless, fans are somehow disappointed, since the big rig got the same turbo-four as its smaller brother, XT5. We expected the 2021 Cadillac XT6 with a more potent unit, possibly a V8. But, engineers decided to go with a smaller block and a cheaper price. Buyers will save about $6,000 if you opt for a four-cylinder powerplant. On the other hand, if you are looking for more power, then there are way better choices in the market.
Another disappointment is the lack of the XT6-V model with extra power. Well, the first reports are telling nothing about this version. So, it will be really hard for the mid-size SUV to lure more buyers with the same offer. The new base engine will add the new trim level. However, we don’t think the Luxury package will bring something better than Premium Luxury or Sport. The good thing about this SUV is that base price drops under $50,000, which could be an advantage for the 2021 Cadillac XT6.
2021 Cadillac XT6 Specs, Including New Engine
The new base solution is going to bring the four-cylinder unit. Well, we saw the same update for the XT5 crossover. Now, both Cadillac SUVs are using a 2.0-liter turbo-four as the base solution for the next season. The engine is good for 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque on the smaller vehicle. The mid-size SUV should get similar outputs. Nevertheless, the fuel economy numbers and handling will depend on the total weight of the SUV.
A 3.6-liter V6 is a good engine. It delivers 310 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. However, it is not so good to be the only option. On the other hand, mid-size luxury SUVs also offer more power than their non-premium siblings. German carmakers are leaders in this class. All of their representatives come with 350+ hp with the base units and upper variants can do 500+ with V8s.
That is not all. General Motors is also behind the competition in the development of hybrid engines. Lexus is storming the market with its RX and its variations. Also, Acura MDX is one of the most efficient SUVs out there, while the new Lincoln Aviator Hybrid cracks 495 ponies. So, with the single option, the XT6 had nothing to do in the very competitive market. Well, a turbo-four is a slight improvement, but still not enough to make the SUV impressive.
The XT6 could get an all-electric version based on the Lyriq concept.
Trim Levels
The new entry-level version will be the 2021 Cadillac XT6 Luxury. A four-cylinder engine is standard on this model. Not only that, but also the features are slotting it under the Premium Luxury. The base version is using an 8-inch screen as the center of multimedia system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are still there right from the start. Heated front seats, power tailgate, and tri-zone climate control are also standard. All the XT6 models come with a three-row layout. In some packages, you can select captain’s chairs in the middle-row to decrease seating capacity from seven to six.
The Premium Luxury trim makes improvements in the safety segment. Also, the upscale materials cover seats and dashboard. Bose audio system is one of the best in the class, while the package also offers 10-way power buckets in the first row. The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport is available only with an AWD. The special system uses Sport Control option and unique suspension. Adaptive dampers are also added. Blacked-out theme is making the Sport model more attractive, outside and inside, including large 20-inch wheels.
Price is Dropping
The new engine and the package will decrease the MSRP of the 2021 Cadillac XT6. Now, the mid-size SUV is available under $49,000. However, if you select a V6 unit, the cost jumps to the starting $55,000 before any upgrade. With the Sport trim, which comes with an AWD, it is $60,000.
Other mid-size three-row SUVs are usually starting between $50,000-$55,000. High-end options include high-performance versions of Mercedes GLE and BMW X5. Genesis GV80 is a new player in the market and it could be interesting to fans of this class.
Source: Car and Driver