What’s In Store for Cadillac in 2018?

Cadillac has always been at the forefront of luxury and innovation in the automotive industry, so it’s no surprise that its 115th anniversary would mark some major changes and undertakings for the Detroit automaker. Updated interiors and exteriors, new mechanical underpinnings, and the addition of semi-autonomous driving options highlight just a few of the things that Cadillac has in store for 2018, and the future’s never looked brighter.

A Revamped XTS

In its fifth year on the market, the Cadillac XTS gets a major facelift and interior updates. It models many of the updates after the CT6, which christened showrooms just last year. The exterior boasts a revised front fascia, new fenders, and an imposing new grille, while the headlights are a perfect blend of form and function. Inside, the 2018 Cadillac XTS gets sound-deadening materials for a quieter ride, the all-new Cadillac infotainment system, and comfier seats thanks to innovations to what Cadillac calls “seat foam geometry.”

Upgraded Escalade Transmission

If you’re a fan of Cadillac’s behemoth SUV, the Escalade, you have even more to get excited about in 2018. This year the Escalade sheds an eight-speed automatic transmission in favor of a 10-speed automatic transmission with manual mode. Paired with its 420-horsepower V-8 engine and either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive, the Escalade offers smoother shifting for wonderful acceleration, as well as more control when towing uphill or on curvy roads.

Super Cruise Semi-Autonomous Feature

The auto industry is ramping up its game on semi-autonomous cars, which allow drivers to take their hands off the wheel and let the vehicle take the reins. However, Cadillac’s Super Cruise feature is the most technologically advanced feature on the market. Unlike the semi-autonomous versions found on other high-end vehicles, you don’t have to retake the wheel after a few seconds or continuously hold the wheel. Instead, you can enjoy a hands-free drive on highways or other long straightaways while the Super Cruise does the work.

Available only on the CT6, Super Cruise controls handling, steering, and acceleration, but before you decide to take a nap behind the wheel, remember that it still requires a certain element of human monitoring. Still, the system is a unique feature in the marketplace, and one that should become the precursor to the fully autonomous systems of the not-so-distant future.

Minor Trim Changes

While Super Cruise, the XTS, and the Escalade all get some love in 2018, Cadillac doesn’t ignore the rest of its lineup. The ATS, CTS, and XT5 all get some minor trim changes to add a touch of interior and exterior flair to each model, but they won’t get a total rehash for at least another year. Still, you won’t see anyone complaining.

Lagging behind is never a sound strategy in the automotive world, but then again, neither is a reactive approach. With a completely proactive outlook, Cadillac gets a leg up on its competitors and entices consumers to its products. The only thing it’s missing is you behind the wheel. Schedule a test drive today to see what makes Cadillac the premier luxury car brand on the planet.

Image via Cadillac.com

Posted in Cadillac | No Comments »