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Cadillac debuts the first of its new SUVs with the XT5 (pictures)

The 2017 XT5 heralds a reinvigorated Cadillac, kicking off a new generation of SUVs that offer luxury, tech and sport handling.

Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham
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Cadillac launched its all-new XT5 at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show.

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The XT5 takes over from the SRX in the Cadillac lineup, but comes out as a completely new vehicle.

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Cadillac's latest styling language softens its formerly sharp edges.

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LED headlights are available on the XT5.

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This five-passenger SUV doesn't have an option for a third row.

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A new chassis means the XT5 is lighter and offers more interior space than the outgoing SRX, while retaining similar exterior dimensions.

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All-wheel drive is an option on the XT5.

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There is no air suspension, but the adaptive dampers react to the road, improving handling.

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With the XT5, Cadillac clearly has the BMW X5 in its sights.

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The all-wheel-drive system includes torque vectoring, which sends more power to the outside rear wheel in a turn.

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The rear of the XT5 holds 30 cubic feet of cargo, and over twice that with the rear seat down.

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The only engine available for the XT5 in the US is a 3.6-liter V-6 making 310 horsepower.

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The XT5 tends toward a firm ride that emphasizes handling in the turns, rather than a soft ride.

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Comfortable leather seats include light bolstering.

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The rear seat, a simple bench, isn't terribly comfortable.

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A panoramic sunroof gives everyone a nice view.

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Cadillac keeps its dashboard design very clean, with minimal buttons.

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A suedelike material covers the front of the dashboard.

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Electric power steering is well weighted for a natural feel.

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While retaining analog gauges, the center of the instrument panel is a large LCD.

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This shifter looks very similar to those used by BMW.

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This Rear Camera Mirror system uses a rear video camera, so that nothing in the car can block your rear view.

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The surround-view camera makes parking safe and easy.

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This touchscreen infotainment system, the Cadillac User Experience, works very well, with quick response times.

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The maps in the navigation system show good detail and textures.

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When you put your hand near the screen, a sensor causes onscreen controls to materialize.

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The XT5 includes typical audio sources, such as USB ports, satellite radio and Bluetooth streaming.

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The audio interface is easy to read and clean.

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Cadillac's infotainment system also shows the weather.

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The XT5 also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This CarPlay screen becomes available when you plug an iPhone into the car.

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Apple Maps doesn't look as good as the maps built into the XT5, but the app includes online destination search.

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Apple CarPlay presents a slightly different interface for the music library than the car's own system.

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The CarPlay audio screen includes large control buttons.

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