scorecardThe XT5 is an incredibly important car for Cadillac's future
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The XT5 is an incredibly important car for Cadillac's future

Cadillac has released a slew of hot new models, such as the ATS ...

The XT5 is an incredibly important car for Cadillac's future

... CTS and ...

... CTS and ...

... CT6 sedans.

... CT6 sedans.

But the company's hot-selling SRX crossover is beginning to show its age after more than half a decade on the market.

But the company

The 2017 XT5 will replace the SRX and...

The 2017 XT5 will replace the SRX and...

... join the Escalade in the Cadillac's SUV arsenal.

... join the Escalade in the Cadillac

The XT5 — XT stands for "Crossover Touring" — will compete against industry stalwarts, such as ...

The XT5 — XT stands for "Crossover Touring" — will compete against industry stalwarts, such as ...

... the Lexus RX and ...

... the Lexus RX and ...

... the BMW X5.

... the BMW X5.

In addition to newcomers such as the Jaguar F-PACE.

In addition to newcomers such as the Jaguar F-PACE.

The Cadillac XT5 will enter production in Spring of 2016 in China and the US. Cars destined for sale in the US will be produced at GM's plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee.

The Cadillac XT5 will enter production in Spring of 2016 in China and the US. Cars destined for sale in the US will be produced at GM

With the XT5, Cadillac takes a step forward.

With the XT5, Cadillac takes a step forward.

The crossover's front grille design falls in line with the company's latest design theme, found on the CTS and CT6 sedans.

The crossover

The Caddy's rising shoulder line and sloping roof line give it a sporty and dynamic flair.

The Caddy

The rear-end design is punctuated by dual exhausts, as well as Cadillac's signature vertical tail lights.

The rear-end design is punctuated by dual exhausts, as well as Cadillac

Caddy designers even incorporated a subtle roof-mounted spoiler.

Caddy designers even incorporated a subtle roof-mounted spoiler.

Other exterior styling touches include lighted door handles and ...

Other exterior styling touches include lighted door handles and ...

... longitudinal roof racks.

... longitudinal roof racks.

For propulsion, the US market XT5 will feature a 3.6-liter, 310 horsepower V6 engine. Chinese spec cars will feature a smaller 2.0-liter, turbocharged inline-4-cylinder engine.

For propulsion, the US market XT5 will feature a 3.6-liter, 310 horsepower V6 engine. Chinese spec cars will feature a smaller 2.0-liter, turbocharged inline-4-cylinder engine.

Cadillac engineers lightened the crossover's chassis while making it larger to increase legroom. In total, it's 278 pounds lighter than the out-going SRX.

Cadillac engineers lightened the crossover

The XT5's engine power will be transferred to the road through an 8-speed automatic transmission, either via front-wheel or all-wheel-drive.

The XT5

Inside the cabin, the crossover is roomy, with all of the fine leather and rich wood accents one would expect from a Cadillac.

Inside the cabin, the crossover is roomy, with all of the fine leather and rich wood accents one would expect from a Cadillac.

Up front, the driver's seat is stylish, yet functional. Cadillac has loaded this car up with a host of new tech features, such as an updated CUE infotainment system with available Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto.

Up front, the driver

In addition, the XT5 will feature the company's new Rear Camera Mirror system. According to Cadillac, the system improves rear visibility 300% by removing obstacles, such rear-seat passengers and rear door pillars.

In addition, the XT5 will feature the company

As far as utility goes, the XT5 seems to fare pretty well.

As far as utility goes, the XT5 seems to fare pretty well.

There are plenty of storage nooks around the cabin.

There are plenty of storage nooks around the cabin.

And with the rear seats folded down, the available storage space looks positively massive.

And with the rear seats folded down, the available storage space looks positively massive.

At first glance, the 2017 Cadillac XT5 looks like to be exactly the crossover the brand needs to bolster SUV sales. We're looking forward to checking the vehicle out when production starts up next spring.

At first glance, the 2017 Cadillac XT5 looks like to be exactly the crossover the brand needs to bolster SUV sales. We

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