First Look: 2024 Cadillac XT4

Cadillac has committed to an all-electric lineup by 2030, but in the meantime remains in the business of releasing fun internal combustion-powered automobiles — like the facelifted XT4 — which borrow features from current EVs to help ease the transition towards the future.

“This is a super important vehicle for us here in the US and Canada. And it’s the right size for a lot of our urban markets,” said Marketing Manager Donnelly Baxter during the model reveal at the Cadillac Live Studio not too far outside Detroit. “We’ve got beautiful interior and exterior redesigned to bring in lots of tech, so that’s just going to reinforce our segment leadership.”

The crossover brings back the signature vertical LED lighting, but follows the contemporary trend of relocating the headlamps down to the middle of the front bumper. The grille takes on a wider appearance filled with either floating 3-D chevron symbols (Luxury/Premium Luxury grade) or gloss black mesh where each cell is individual in shape, size and curvature (Sport).

The variants also have exclusive polished or dark 18 or 20-inch alloy wheels, roof rails and side body accents. Three new metallic paint options are offered: Midnight Sky (navy), Deep Sea (teal blue) and the stunning Emerald Lake (green).

At the rear, the main changes include a consolidated lower centre reverse lamp, dual elongated rectangular exhaust tips, and a chunkier rear diffuser.

However, as they say, the magic really happens on the inside. Alluded to above, the XT4 lifts the curved 33-inch LED colour touchscreen display straight out of the zero emissions LYRIQ. Combining instrument cluster and infotainment duties on a single panel of glass, the 9K ultra-high-definition resolution makes text and graphics ultra-sharp. Behind the screen is a section of suede with a funky “Precision” pattern embroidered overtop unique to the vehicle.

Running Google built-in software, familiar apps such as Google Maps and the Play store are baked right in for easy, quick access. Users still have the ability to pair their phones wirelessly to load up Android Auto or Apple CarPlay as well if they prefer to go another route. The onboard Wi-Fi hotspot now supports 5G connectivity for a lightning-quick connection. Those invested in the Jeff Bezos-verse can utilize smart functions via the integrated Amazon Alexa.

Luxury customers will find throughout the cabin laser-etched Piano Black trim; Premium Luxury genuine wood or aluminum trim (depending on the interior colour); and Sport genuine carbon fiber or genuine wood. Both the “Inteluxe” leatherette and regular leather seating boast new upholstery patterns. In addition, thanks to the upscale brand’s ongoing relationship with acoustics engineering specialists AKG, consumers can bundle in a booming 14-speaker audio system.

There are no changes under the hood, the compact SUV continuing to run a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.

All models receive Blind Zone Steering Assist, Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking, Following Distance Indicator and a bunch of other driver assistance technologies. Higher grades add adaptive cruise, HD Surround Vision 360-degree camera, Side Bicyclist Alert and more.

The 2024 Cadillac XT4 is going on sale this summer.