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2019 Cadillac XT4 interior has actual buttons, no more touch-sensitive panel

Cadillac makes some highly stylish cars that are excellent to drive. In the realm of infotainment, there was room for improvement. The CUE infotainment system is infamous for being complex and annoying. One particular sore point was the touch-sensitive panels used for basic functions and their unrefined, "haptic feedback" clunk. Thankfully, spy photos show that Cadillac is changing tack both with buttons and infotainment controls in general. As seen above, there don't appear to be any capacitive buttons in sight. Instead, the XT4 has the "piano-key" buttons that are in vogue now. The most prominent are metal-finish buttons that control climate settings indicated by corresponding symbols above the buttons. Below that are additional buttons for seat controls and at least one safety feature, the parking warning. These should be vastly easier to manipulate than tapping and hoping you've engaged the correct function. This doesn't mean there won't be any touch-sensitive controls available, but they've at least been minimized. Other physical controls we spotted are down on the center console near the shifter. It looks as though the CT6's odd touchpad won't be making an appearance in the XT4 as there seems to be a more conventional knob instead. If it's indeed for the infotainment system, it would be a redundant controller as the upper screen's home button and fingerprints would indicate it's very much touch-operated. Like other Cadillacs and GM products in general, it's safe to say that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be available and possibly standard. There are a couple other interesting additions besides the physical controls. There's a Near Field Communications (NFC) logo embossed in the dashboard, indicating the car will support NFC pairing of phones. The XT4 also dispatches the more traditional mechanical shifter for a more modern monostable joystick like the found in some Buicks, but with a different shape. We're currently expecting the XT4 to be revealed late in 2018. It will be based on the Chevy Malibu platform, it'll probably stick with turbocharged four-cylinder power, and offer front- and all-wheel drive. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2019 Cadillac XT4 spy shots View 19 Photos Image Credit: Brian Williams Spy Photos Cadillac Technology Infotainment Crossover SUV Luxury cue cadillac xt4 cadillac cue

Next Cadillac CTS-V confirmed for Detroit

As a car enthusiast, you should be excited for the 2015 Detroit Auto Show. Hell, we can barely contain ourselves – it's shaping up to be a great show. And this bit of news only heightens our expectations – Cadillac will be bringing its third-generation CTS-V to January's North American International Auto Show. That bit of high-performance news has been confirmed to Autoblog by Cadillac officials. In fact, we've received an official invitation to the brand's press conference, and while the latter is light on information, it does say, "it's time for the V-Series to elevate to the next level." Considering our last experience with the CTS-V, we're not sure what there is left to elevate, although we're hopeful that Caddy will come up with something. What that could be, of course, is very open to speculation. When the last CTS-V debuted in 2009, it arguably outgunned Germanic challengers like the 500-hp BMW M5 and 518-hp Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG for a lot less money, boasting a detuned version of the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1's 6.2-liter supercharged V8. Could that trend carry on, with the next CTS-V borrowing the supercharged, 650-hp mill from the new Corvette Z06? If escalation is the name of the game, the Z06 engine would seem to once again allow Caddy battle it out on firm, big-booted footing with BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Of course, all will become clear on the morning of Tuesday, January 13. Like we said, we can hardly wait. Related Video:

Cadillac XT4 crossover reveals its lighting

The upcoming Cadillac XT4 compact crossover has once again been spotted, this time with less camouflage and an update to its lighting. Specifically, the little crossover is sporting production lighting front and rear, and it's sure to make the luxury SUV one of the boldest-looking Cadillacs. Part of the reason for this comes from the taillights. As we suspected from the last set of spy shots, the XT4 will have highly distinctive lights that run the full height of the C-pillar. Though it's a similar design to that of the Escalade, it's made more interesting by the significant forward rake of the rear pillar. Not only that, but that pillar is quite thick, too. The look is actually reminiscent of the old CTS wagon. Moving around the side, the reduced camouflage reveals that the doors and quarter panels are fairly conservative and lacking in many creases or bulges. We can make out the edges of what will likely be black plastic fender flares and rocker panel cladding. Finally reaching the front, we see that the headlights are similar to those of many current Cadillacs, including the recently refreshed XTS sedan. The main part of the lamp starts high up and is slightly horizontal like the Escala concept, but they extend over the fenders and a strip of LEDs descends down the front. A previous report noted the XT4 will be built in Kansas on the Chevy Malibu platform. That means it will be a front-drive-based vehicle likely offering both front- and all-wheel-drive. Under the hood will probably be at least one turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with a second, more powerful upgrade option a possibility. We expect to see the fully revealed model to show up by the end of 2018. Related Video: Featured Gallery Cadillac XT4 spy shots View 15 Photos Image Credit: Brian Williams Spy Photos Cadillac Crossover SUV Luxury cadillac xt4 cadillac xt3