Whoosh. As you cruise along the interstate listening to your favorite podcast, an older Cadillac flies by you doing Mach Jesus. What sort of Cadillac is it? Most likely, it’s a CTS-V, ATS-V, or even an STS-V or XLR-V. However, those aren’t the only surprisingly potent older Cadillacs out there. The Cadillac XTS V-Sport is the twin-turbocharged highway machine everyone forgot about, and because it flies under the radar, used examples are less expensive than you might think.
Back around the turn of the 2010s, Cadillac was working to replace the STS and DTS sedans with one singular new model. Why one car? Well, aside from costs, traditional large Cadillac sedan buyers were, um, dwindling in numbers. Also, since GM had just been bailed out, something that could be made alongside a higher-volume model and share parts with that higher-volume model probably wasn’t a bad idea. So, Cadillac took the bones of the Chevrolet Impala, set up some tooling inside Canada’s Oshawa Assembly plant, and started cranking out examples of a new sedan — the XTS.
For most long-time Cadillac sedan customers, this was enough. But what about the handful of customers who just have the urge to go fast but want something more comfortable than a CTS-V? The distinguished Mr. and Mrs. Leadfoot, proud grandparents of nine. What would they buy? Well, starting for the 2014 model year, Cadillac thought of them with the XTS V-Sport. At the heart of this trim, Cadillac took the concept behind its standard 3.6-liter quad-cam V6 and went to town, with a new block, new heads, new connecting rods, a forged steel crankshaft, sodium-filled exhaust valves, special pistons, and last but not least, two turbochargers. The result? In the XTS V-Sport, 410 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft. of torque — exactly the torque rating of the then-new 6T80 six-speed automatic transaxle.
Obviously, routing 404 horsepower through the front tires of a car is a bit like stuffing a Carolina Reaper full of cheese and serving it as an appetizer. Some people can handle it, but it’s a bad idea to release that concoction to the general public. Therefore, Cadillac pulled the Saab 9-5’s all-wheel-drive system out of the parts bin, complete with a torque-vectoring rear differential, in the hopes of getting two tons of transverse-engined sedan around corners. The result? A big, comfy couch that could glide down the quarter-mile in 13.6 seconds at 105 mph according to Car And Driver’s instrumented testing. However, while the magazine loved the engine, it found that the rest of the car wasn’t as performance-focused.
The new engine generates smooth, effortless power befitting a large Cadillac. It doesn’t pack the soul-stirring rumble of an eight-cylinder, but the V-6 surpasses the old DTS’s Northstar V-8 in nearly every other regard. With 369 lb-ft of torque from 1900 rpm, the turbocharged XTS makes overtaking other cars a breeze and possesses the sometimes-scary ability to hit triple-digit speeds unintentionally. The six-speed automatic uses the same gear ratios as in the naturally aspirated XTS but with a shorter final-drive ratio. Shifts are quick and logically sound, although the manual shift mode is slow to respond. Most of all, we wish the transmission and the engine could collaborate to speed up throttle response off the line.
See, the XTS V-Sport wasn’t a sports sedan, and that was its biggest problem. Sure, it was incredibly comfortable and spacious, but a lot of people didn’t quite get that it was a highway cruiser first and foremost. Not only were reports of torque steer universal, the CTS V-Sport sat right across the showroom from this turbocharged barge, and thanks to a longitudinal platform, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the same twin-turbocharged V6 in a higher state of tune, it was quicker, handled better, and had a substantially lower starting price. Sure, it didn’t have the XTS’ enormous rear seat, but for driving enthusiasts, the CTS V-Sport was the one to have.
This all means that the XTS V-Sport is relatively cheap on the second-hand market. Here’s a 2014 model with 64,000 miles on the clock up for sale in Pennsylvania for $21,900. Not only is it finished in a fetching shade of red, it’s got a clean Carfax and an airy light interior. If you want to crush some serious interstate miles, this is a great way of doing just that.
That lightly optioned red car is great, but what if you want to ball out with all the luxuries you could imagine? Well, here’s a 2016 V-Sport Platinum up for sale in Massachusetts for $25,995 with 72,051 miles on the clock. When new, this thing stickered for $73,565, but you won’t even have to pay half of that for this ode to Franklin D. Roosevelt’s highway system.
Oh, and did I mention the sheer number of toys aboard? Even the basic V-Sport Premium trim got magnetorheological dampers, automatic HID headlights, a 14-speaker Bose sound system, tri-zone climate control, a household power socket, a power-adjustable steering column, heated and ventilated leather front seats with adjustable thigh support, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. Jump up to the V-Sport Platinum, and you get semi-aniline leather seats, a buttload of extra leather on the dashboard, console, and door cards, a sueded headliner, powered blinds for the rear side windows and the rear window, rear armrest-mounted audio controls, thicker floor mats, and specially painted brake calipers. We’re talking about genuine luxury car amenities here
Plus, if you ever want to turn up the wick, options exist. Michigan tuners Livernois Motorsports has a simple remap that promises to add a dyno-proven 96 horsepower and 104 lb.-ft. of torque at the wheels. Does this put the transmission in danger? Absolutely, but if you’re really looking to party, you probably don’t care that much.
So, if you’re a supercommuter looking for a plush, powerful bargain, why not give the Cadillac XTS V-Sport a shake? Sure, it’s no sports sedan in the corners, but it’s a reasonably priced high-speed cruiser that offers proper comfort and pace. It’s the sort of vehicle that’ll make I-95 from New York to Atlanta feel like an easy one-day trip, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
(Photo credits: Cadillac, Autotrader Sellers)
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When my Bimmer was in the shop after a fender-bender I had an AWD XTS as a rental and I was quite impressed. Suitably luxurious, roomy inside, huge trunk, and even without the V-Sport it had ample oomph to get me back from the jobsite in Pennsylvania to the bodyshop in Virginia to pick up my car before closing time.
This thing is begging to be turned into a wagon.
I currently drive a CTS V-sport but have driven the XTS V-sport as well, would recommend the CTS unless you absolutely need the extra space or awd, the CTS is still a very comfortable capable highway car and is much more engaging to drive. They aren’t even that much different in price currently.
V-sport has my interest. I never considered them as I thought it was just an appearance package like earlier generations. How do you like yours? Would you recommend? (other than the infotainment of course!)
I’ve enjoyed it, the chassis and steering are definitely the highlights. The engine provides good power but is otherwise not noteworthy. Its a sporty car without everyone trying to race you since it looks like a normal CTS. It is just about perfect for a daily. I am thinking of selling mine though mostly because I want to get back into a car with a manual.
I currently daily a focus ST with deep tinted windows to remain anonymous. Great daily, but it’s like a Highlander scene anytime I am around another ST or WRX. I think I would keep the ST and daily the CTS.
Y’know, the Art & Science styling theme – which had so much promise – actually worked on less than half the cars Cadilllac ever tried to use it on, and this XTS is the poster child for cars where it didn’t work at all. It’s like some kind of FWD Buick in square drag. I would gladly pony up the extra coin for a CT6 where the styling works much better.
But if what you really want is a big comfy sedan for racking up miles with mediocre fuel mileage, why would you choose this twin turbo techno-overkill from GM over a nice bulletproof V8 in a Lexus LS for basically the same price?
Also, this XTS has that cue infotainment with the awful haptic touch buttons that have all the disadvantages of a touchscreen without any of the benefits. Blech.
Wow, that really turned into a rant lol.
Exactly. If you wanted a large, powerful, comfortable cruiser, there were so many other options that were better.
I respectfully disagree. I know this cars has been relegated to car service and retirement communities in Florida for the most part, but I’ve always found it quite handsome and distinctive.
Eisenhower’s highway system!
Saw that too Jay-Also I-95 doesn’t go anywhere near Atlanta.
I think he missed his exit to I-85 at Richmond, LOL!
I always liked the look of the XTS, and when I looked at cars for the last time, I checked one out. Not the twin turbo, but just a regular one.
It was very meh. Very. I did not buy one.
The looks have always been the biggest let down about the XTS to me. The car looks very narrow for some reason; it’s just oddly proportion. Combine that with the somewhat smooth line created by the lack of any real change in angle from the roof to the trunk, and the hood and windshield somewhat blending together, and it has never looked good to me. Basically every other sedan from Cadillac over the past 30 years has looked better than it to me.
I have a soft spot for big caddies and this one always scratched that itch. I LOVED getting an XTS uber in the city because they’re so comfortable. I have no need for it but man it’d be sweet
The proportions are just off, the side profile really makes it obvious.
That is still a ton of car for the money though, and can’t argue with the fact.
Yeah. Short front overhang and long rear overhang makes the whole car look off-balanced.
For once, you are right. I did completely forget about this car.
Ok, this vs the Lincoln MKX you posted awhile back? Grandpa Sleeper Showdown instead of shitbox showdown?
(can you still buy an aftermarket landau roof?)
I like the cut of your jib, Sir, and would subscribe to your newsletter.
Now hitch up those sansabelt slacks and get ready for the showdown!!!
Lol, probably a good Lexus competitor somewhere in there to make it a 3 way.
Sadly, all these Cadillacs are a blur to me.
But I would still get a CTS-V wagon if I could justify one.
The fact GM built this was yet more reason I worry about their product planners. Are they ok?
I might have to keep an eye out for one of these at some future purchase-point. I love bombing down the interstate in a big sedan and after owning a ’98 Eldorado, I’ve been trained on the torque-steer. That car was my first experience with such a thing, and the first time I kicked it down happened to be out on a narrow two-lane road without shoulders. I wasn’t quite gripping the wheel as much as I should’ve been and the car’s decent-for-the-time 300hp/295lb-ft just about tossed me in the ditch.
Honestly, I love the idea of these types of vehicles, but when the proposition is interstate commuting, I immediately gravitate to MPGs over power. Depending on your vehicle’s weight, 300hp is really all you need to perform even the riskiest passing maneuvers.
I had a CTS V Sport and it was easy to get good mpg on the highway IF you could stay out of the boost. It was hard for me to do, but possible. The spoolybois were made to spool and I wanna spool ’em, I live in the boost.
While the mpg isn’t going to impress people who focus on that stat, it does get reasonable mileage. On a trip from Cincinnati to Dallas and back in late February I averaged 24.7mpg. I spent a lot of the drive with the cruise control set anywhere between 75-90 mph depending on the traffic levels. When I did get into slightly heavier traffic and disengaged the cruise control there was more than enough oomph to make lane changes effortless.
Nothing better than a long drive in a comfortable sedan with heated seats and a buttery smooth suspension.
Agreed.
Lets see a PHEV Gen3 Volt with magnetorheological dampers, automatic LED headlights, a 14-speaker Bose sound system, tri-zone climate control, a household power socket, a power-adjustable steering column, heated and ventilated leather front seats with adjustable thigh support, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, semi-aniline leather seats, a buttload of extra leather on the dashboard, console, and door cards, a sueded headliner, powered blinds for the rear side windows and the rear window, rear armrest-mounted audio controls, thicker floor mats, and specially painted brake calipers that also gets 50 MPG on regular when its not getting 120 MPGe on Watts.
Oh and make it a wagon. And $25k.
The Buick owner salivates at the thought of fast comfort.
Sorry far too common. How about a CTS Sportswagon for $5,000?
In Pittsburgh on FB. SORRY can’t post a link. Shouldn’t we have that feature by now?
https://www.theautopian.com/the-cadillac-xts-v-sport-is-the-410-horsepower-twin-turbocharged-grandpa-sedan-you-forgot-about/ Link
The link just takes me to the article.
I’d love one of these, but what I would really like is a 2 seater sports car that fits my fat ass like a glove is comfortable but still provides the sports car of old feeling. And yes a convertible. I don’t need to go 200 I prefer slower and digging the curves. Save expenses, weight, parts by making a 2 seater sports car with air ride seats but not sharing parts with a 4 seater so way to long. Think of a Z4 but at 1 to 1.5 scale and a cruiser motor but a good suspension.
So what you want is something that’s the opposite of the car featured here in every conceivable way?
Just checking.
No in addition to this I want …. But it isn’t made so where else should I post my Marvelous idea?
Mercedes SL?
I don’t understand your post.
A 150% scale Z4, good for cruising but is still pretty good in the corners is essentially a Mercedes SL. I guess a Mustang convertible works too but it’s not really all that refined like you wanted
A Corvette would be pretty close too
Thanks it explains the comment. A mustang is no good in the corners just straight power. But what SL are you promoting? And does it last past the warranty?
I think if you stick with just a base SL500 that has had its maintenance kept up you would be good for a weekend cruiser.
Whatever year Z4 you were thinking of just pull up a similar model year SL500. If you’re really worried about maintenance, Corvette probably fits the bill better
Thanks but Corvette isn’t built for my body style nor is it that good in turns. I loved the sl450 in Hart to hart but it seemed a bit square. And of course Mercedes doesn’t build past warranty period. To break it down give me an old E series Jaguar with a Corvette engine.
So why not a Jag XK8? Its as close to a modernish XKE as you’re going to get including the repair bills.
A Lexus SC sounds closer to your needs though.
You are probably right. I loved the design when it came out. But my mind can’t exca square care being sporty. If I had the money I’d go a LS Mitor in a Jensen Healey with upgrades all around. Probably cost more than it’s worth. An Interceptor is more capable but no convertible top. Just need to win powerball or megamillions
As someone who sold Cadillacs back when this came out, please please please do NOT buy this car.
The AWD system is unreliable, the CUE (infotainment) system of that era is miserable, and as noted already, the CTS V-Sport is miles better from a sports sedan perspective. If you need size, go for the naturally aspirated 3.6 CT6. Or even better, the 3.0TT.
Yes, these are fast in a straight line, but so is putting a rocket on a wheelchair. Just cause you can doesn’t mean you should..
I had a CT6 platinum 3.0TT as a loaner while my jeep was getting its DPF replaced back in 2019. My god I loved that thing. It was amazing on mountain roads and on the highway. The 4 wheel steer and panaray was phenomenal. I wish it had more headroom for my 6’7” frame cause it was perfect except for that.
I mean, as a Volvo XC70 T6 owner that’s basically already what I drive so this Cadillac sounds pretty good. That is, aside from all the Cadillac things like CUE, the 3.6L V6, the AWD system…
I think I’m in the minority, but for cadillacs of that era, I like how this one looks when it isn’t painted in a grandma color… but most of them probably were beige/gold (gross)
More so before the “refresh” and those weird headlights.
Worst/best thing is that boring grandma color is by far more exciting than anything you can get now.
Excuse me sir, what color of silver will you be ordering it in? Or black or white?
Seriously. Champagne may have been everywhere in the 90s, but it is so much better than primer gray.
Even though silver and primer gray is overdone now, I still like it more than 90% of the Gold/Champagne colors.
Maybe it’s because I worked on too many gold Fords/Mercurys/Lincolns/Infinitis in the early 2000s that were owned by snobs.
That’s probably the source of my hatred.
Totally understand if I’m in the minority here.
Fair enough. As a trucker, I have my fair share of car stereotypes.
I’m genuinely curious to hear them
Here is one. Volvo semis are usually driven by Ricky Bobby wannabes who will be first or wreck trying. Volvo trucks are cheap, decently comfortable, and purposely designed to be idiot proof to drive. The Dodge Charger of the truck world. Thus guys who get into trucking to make a “quick, easy buck(lol doesn’t exist)” tend to buy them, then overbooked cheap loads and haul ass.
Now Volvo car drivers? Not bad. I rarely have problems with them.
^ This is super interesting! I never knew about opinions/bias regarding one class 8 truck OEM vs another.
About 10 years ago I had to go to the Peterbilt plant in Denton, TX and the Kenworth plant in Ohio a bunch for work, and I was fascinated by how they built them and the CRAZY amount of customization coming down their assembly lines.
Do Volvo trucks hold up well?
Kinda. Body starts to fall apart at a million, but all plastic trucks have that problem. Not alot of customization on them either. KW and Pete are the best for customization.
huh, cool! And what is your truck brand/model of preference?
Peterbilt 389. Old school cool. Kinda like a Harley it isn’t the most comfortable or great to live with, but good looking and huge aftermarket
I always had a hard time with the front half of this car. It seemed to want to leap forward, but at the same time it seems like a very short front clip. So now I just choose to think of it as “the leaping pug”
The issue with this XTS V-sport is the problem it originally had which is the CTS V-sport. Here’s a CTS V-sport with 78k miles for $23,000. I’ll pay an extra $1k for the a car that can actually handle that engine
The CTS V-Sport is fantastic. I cannot comprehend why Cadillac killed that nameplate with the CT4 and CT5 and shifted to “V” and “Blackwing.”
They were supposedly going to do a bigger line up of sedans, CT1-10 were trade marked and a CT8 was supposedly in development. However, sedans don’t sell like they used to so the name change was for nothing.
The smart thing would have been to give them real names preferably with a common theme (large cats, predatory birds, different sizes of swords, etc) but marketing and naming things has always been GM’s weakest area
I dunno, Blackwing is a pretty kickass name but i totally agree!
Dwight D. Eisenhower may take issue with FDR usurping his highway system.
FDR apparently had the idea first, but his was a tollway (ugh). Thankfully, we got Eisenhower’s.
https://unwritten-record.blogs.archives.gov/2018/06/26/hiding-in-plain-sight-the-fdr-interstate-highway-map/
I can smell, feel, hear, and taste that interior just from the photo.