Facelifted Cadillac XTS Revealed, Livery Companies Salivate

The crossover is king and Cadillac doesn’t have nearly enough of them. As it works to correct that problem, the automaker hasn’t completely forgotten about the segment that once made it the first name in American automotive opulence.

As many of its models are now global, it’s not surprising our first view of the refreshed Cadillac XTS front-wheel-drive sedan hails from China — General Motors’ main growth engine.

Don’t expect massive appearance changes on the updated model, at least when viewed from the side. As we saw with a camouflaged example spotted by a reader while tootling around Chicago, the XTS’ flanks remain essentially unchanged, minus the addition of a fender crest.

The images, posted by China’s Autohome, do reveal the model’s adoption of certain CT6 and XT5 styling elements, bringing the aging XTS in line with the brand’s contemporary design language. A broader, more upright grille is flanked by Y-shaped headlamps, with a more aggressive lower bumper lending an impression of width. Out back, a sculpted trunklid and L-shaped taillights join a revamped lower bumper.

The XTS was thought to be doomed until GM eased back on cancellation plans. Thanks to its continued profitability, especially in China, the model now sits below the flagship CT6 and should soldier on with a new face for at least a couple of model years.

It isn’t known if the model will see new powertrain options when it appears later this year as a 2018 model. In China, buyers have a choice of a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and nothing else. American buyers can choose from a standard 3.6-liter V6 or a twin-turbocharged V-Sport variant with 410 horsepower.

[Images: Autohome.com.cn]