2013 Cadillac XTS Platinum FWD Automatic

Model Highlights

Cadillac is obviously banking on the myriad of technological features available on the XTS to sell the cars. The interior is the largest benefactor of this technology with Cadillac choosing to introduce its CUE information and media control module on the brand new car. CUE, which stands for "Cadillac User Experience" features an 8 inch touch screen set in the center stack that functions similarly to an iPad. It is able to respond to touch gestures as well as voice commands and utilizes much of the same technology as the before mentioned iPad. In fact so close is the association, that Cadillac is giving every customer who purchases a 2013 XTS a complementary iPad as part of the deal. Cadillac has even gone so far as to design a CUE app for the iPad, further integrating it into the car. Also unique among luxury sedans is Cadillac's magnetic dampening system. Normally seen on much more exotic sports cars, magnetic dampening uses magnets in conjunction with tiny pieces of metal in the shock absorbers to adjust shock stiffness and ride on the fly, producing both a quiet ride and surprisingly good handling for a luxury car. The Cadillac XTS is available in four different trims: Standard, Luxury, Premium and top of the line Platinum. All-wheel drive is available on any of the top three models and adds a couple of thousand dollars to the price of the vehicle. Though the base model XTS has to make do with being labeled the "standard" edition, it is still very well equipped, with a long list of standard items. This list includes exterior details such as 19-inch wheels, HID xenon headlights and a roof mounted antenna, as well as interior accoutrements like an 8 speaker Bose sound system, parking assist, leather seating and a 10-way power adjustable driver's seat. Stepping up to the luxury edition will net several improvements and open up the option of having all-wheel drive. Lighting is improved with daytime running lights and improved interior lighting, while the front seats now feature thigh adjustments. A rear view back up camera and nicer 19-inch wheels round out the important differences between the Standard and Luxury trim. The Premium edition adds a navigation system, an uprated 14-speaker Bose sound system and a trick LCD instrument cluster that can be reconfigured and customized to the buyers' tastes. The top of the line Platinum edition adds 20-inch wheels, a power sunroof and sunshades for back seat occupants. The front fascia of the Platinum edition car has also been subtly modified to set it apart from lesser versions of the XTS. The XTS is a thoroughly modern car, and the safety features speak for themselves. The standard host of anti-lock brakes, traction control and stability control are all present, as are dual stage front airbags, side impact airbags, curtain airbags and knee airbags. A driver awareness package is also available, which includes features like Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Side Blind Zone alert. The Driver Assist Package takes things one step further adding adaptive cruise control and Automatic Collision Preparation, to the list of safety features.