Car Quick Drive: 2014 Cadillac XTS VSport Premium

One of my favorite vehicles I drove last year was the 2013 Cadillac XTS. I loved the looks, luxury appointments, and the ride characteristics of the big sedan. What I wasn’t too keen on was the 3.6L DI V6. As I said in my review, the 3.6 had to be worked to get it moving. Not something that is very characteristic of a big Cadillac sedan. Well the brand has introduced a new variant of the XTS called the XTS VSport with a new turbocharged V6 engine. Is the fix that the XTS needed?

The turbocharged V6 in question is the 3.6L Twin-Turbo V6 from the CTS VSport. For the XTS VSport, it has been slightly detuned from 420 horsepower and 430 pound-feet to 410 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This is paired to an six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive system. The engine makes a massive difference in how the XTS drives. Instead of working the throttle to get the XTS moving at a somewhat decent clip, the TT 3.6 is able to get this 4,200 pound vehicle moving at a fast clip with no problem at all. Power is seemingly available throughout the rev range. So no matter whether you are leaving a stop or making a pass, power is right there.

That isn’t the only change made the XTS VSport. Cadillac also retuned the XTS’ suspension to give it a more sporting character. Down on one of the roads I use for evaluation, I noticed that the VSport does minimize the amount of body roll that was on the standard XTS. But don’t expect much more than that. Steering has a little more heft, but no more feel than the standard model. For most buyers of the XTS VSport, this won’t be a big deal.

Besides the new engine, the VSport is mostly the same as the standard XTS. The key items on the exterior that show its true nature aside from the V badge on the trunk is a new front clip and a set of nineteen-inch wheels.

Our XTS VSport tester rings at $65,415 and for the improvement of the TT 3.6 V6, it's worth it.

Disclaimer: Cadillac Provided the XTS VSport, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas


Album: 2014 Cadillac XTS VSport Premium

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Year: 2014
Make: Cadillac
Model: XTS
Trim: VSport Premium
Engine: 3.6L V6 Twin-Turbo VVT DI
Driveline: Six-Speed Automatic, All-Wheel Drive
Horsepower @ RPM: 410 @ 6000
Torque @ RPM: 369 @ 1900-5600
Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 16/24/19
Curb Weight: 4,215 lbs
Location of Manufacture: Oshawa, Ontario
Base Price: $62,095
As Tested Price: $65,415 (Includes $925.00 Destination Charge)

Options:
Driver Assist Package - $2,395.00

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

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