Cadillac XT6 Bows Out

Cadillac’s Pivot to EVs

The auto industry is no stranger to change, and Cadillac is gearing up for a significant shift, driving towards electric vehicles with gusto. While stepping back from its original plan to become fully electric by 2030, Cadillac is set to phase out some gasoline models to prioritize electric crossovers. The Cadillac XT6, a mid-sized three-row crossover introduced in 2019, is making its exit, making way for shiny new electric journeys.

XT6 and Its Fate

The XT6, positioned between the sportier XT5 and the luxurious Escalade, is set to bow out of the lineup by the end of this year. Built at GM’s Spring Hill plant in Tennessee, the discontinuation means Cadillac is clearing the tarmac for the Vistiq EV. The move isn’t linked to any economic tariffs but is part of a strategic shift to increase room for electrics.

Understanding the XT6

This beefy crossover, with a starting price around $49,195, holds a place in many garages thanks to its roomy interiors and capable three-row seating. Even as the curtains are drawn on the XT6, its internal combustion engine marked a positive sales note last year, nudging up by 5.8% with 20,225 units sold. It also had stable sales in the first quarter of 2025, showing a 3.7% gain with 4,778 units sold.

The XT5 Stays Consistent

While the XT6 makes its exit, the XT5 holds its ground, at least for a while longer. The XT5, comfortably straddling the crossover segment with a touch of luxury, will now roll on until 2026, thanks to solid customer demand. Even though it’s getting long in the tooth with its first-generation model originating back in 2016, it remains a crowd favorite, despite a slight dip in 2024 sales to 26,432 units.

Cadillac XT5 vs. XT6

On the road, the XT5 provides a plush, confident ride, a bit like sinking into a well-worn leather armchair. It’s smooth, with a touch of finesse, positioning it as more car-like compared to the street-savvy XT6, which has a sturdier, elevated feel, akin to driving a cozy yet robust boat in a sea of sedans.

Introducing the Vistiq

Replacing the XT6 is the all-electric Vistiq. This model marks Cadillac’s direction shift, bringing luxury with a sustainable edge. The Vistiq, larger in spirit and stature, comes with a higher base price of $77,395. It’s produced alongside the electric Lyriq, aiming to boost Cadillac’s reach in the EV market by blending the best of opulence and efficiency.

Driving Toward the Future

As Cadillac continues this transformation, factory operations will take a temporary pause come May, aligning production with ongoing market needs. It’s a strategic downshift, with operations halting briefly to catch a breath and revamp, making space for what’s shaping up to be a new era for Cadillac’s lineup.

Visiting a Cadillac dealership now might feel like walking through a transition—an end of an era for some models and the dawn of another. While the XT6 bids farewell, its spirit will live on in the newer, greener Vistiq, wrapping the future of driving in sheer sophistication.