Cadillac XTS Vsport 2014

Specifications

1. XTS Vsport models get an all-new twin-turbo V6 engine that makes 410 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. 2. Cadillac promises a 0-60 time of less than 5 seconds. 3. Fuel economy is rated at 16 MPG city, 24 MPG highway and 19 MPG combined. 4. The Vsport package is available only on the higher Premium and Platinum trims and starts from $63,020.

Preview

Still, sharing a platform with both the Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Impala, it’s understandable why Cadillac feels the need to further differentiate the XTS from its lesser cousins.

That’s where the Vsport package comes in. To dispel possible confusion, “Vsport” and boisterous V8 gas chuggers like the CTS-V are not a part of the same line. Instead, Vsport models serve as an in-between to give Cadillac customers a higher-performing, premium package without venturing into brutal eight-cylinder territory. 

Fittingly, exterior alterations with this model are minimal. A different grille in the front and special badge on the trunk lid are the sole cosmetic changes.

Interior And Exterior

But back in XTS world, where trunks with 18 cubic feet of space and boulevard cruising reign supreme, the Vsport package is pretty darn good. It’s only offered in the “Premium” and “Platinum” packages, which means any XTS Vsport is also well equipped.

Those features include 20-inch alloy wheels, Cadillac’s CUE infotainment system with navigation, a Bose stereo, beautiful leather and power front seats with position memory. Heating and cooling further enhance the already comfortable buckets.

The steering wheel is also heated and other niceties like push-button and remote start systems are included.

In addition, General Motors’ magnetic ride control suspension is also standard across the XTS line. All that comes together to offer what boils down to a very comfortable and capable cruising vehicle. Even with the more powerful engine, the XTS Vsport can’t compete with comparably powerful German luxury sedans, but it probably doesn’t need to. Car came in the premium trim and also included the “driver assist package,” which costs $2,395 and adds adaptive cruise control, automatic collision preparation and automatic front and rear braking.

You’ll also get enough space to carry four golf bags in the trunk and a generous 40-inches of rear-seat legroom.

Under The Hood

Meet the 2014 Cadillac XTS Vsport, the first of two Cadillac sedans that will the company’s twin turbocharged 3.6-liter V6. Expect a serious power boost, because the force-fed engine makes 410 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, the latter of which is available at just 1,900 rpm.

For the record, that’s an increase of 105 hp an 105 lb-ft of torque over the standard V6. Of course, the more powerful engine is only offered in all-wheel drive models; a necessary addition to a car that would otherwise be sending an overpowering amount of torque to its front wheels. The same six-speed automatic transmission is in use, and all of those items combine to offer an EPA-rated 16 MPG in the city, 24 on the highway or 19 overall.

Cadillac hasn’t released official 0-60 sprint times, but suffice it to say the car is fast. We’ve been assured it will do the test in less than five seconds. Step on the throttle and you’ll find a surge of power in most conditions because peak torque is available from the aforementioned 1,900 rpm mark, but remains strong until 5,600 rpm.