The new Cadillac XT3 compact crossover SUV has been spotted in prototype form testing on public roads both here and in Europe. GM’s luxury division has been woefully late to enter this burgeoning market segment, which already has a host of players from the Audi Q3 and BMW X1 to the Lexus NX and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. The introduction of the XT3 perhaps as early as mid-2018 should boost sales.
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Although wrapped in some of the least-revealing camouflage we’ve seen in some time, a closer look at this XT3 mule reveals a few notable details. It appears be slightly larger than some of its rivals and shares profile cues with the midsize Cadillac XT5. Parked behind the lower front grille is what appears to be an intercooler which would indicate a turbocharged engine –possibly a Cadillac version of GM’s new 2.0-liter force-fed 4-cylinder which could be backed by GM’s even newer 9-speed automatic found in the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox and 2018 GMC Terrain. Projector beam headlamps teamed with LED running lamps flank a signature Cadillac grille form up front while what’s visible out back indicates the XT3’s rear lighting runs vertically up the D-pillar, a design borrowed from the full-size Escalade.
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While Cadillac has confirmed nothing about the platform than underpins the new XT3, it may ride on a version of General Motors’ latest D2XX global architecture that also underpins the aforementioned Chevy and GMC compact SUV models. While front-drive may be part of the XT3 mix, this 5-passenger hauler is expected to offer — if not come standard with — an all-wheel drive system. Finally, the rear view clearly shows this example also features a fully independent rear suspension with fairly beefy looking arms, another factor pointing towards a possible D2XX design pedigree.
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