In addition to a revamped Cadillac Escalade for 2021, the automaker also released several new cars for the 2020 model year. One of these was the Cadillac XT6, a luxury midsize sedan. While it’s not as big or strong as its Escalade sibling, GM Authority says that’s not stopping people from buying one.

Initial sales numbers for the Cadillac XT6 weren’t very impressive after its debut in June 2019. It had to compete with many other new Cadillac cars, and the automaker was one of the many affected by COVID-19. Despite something so unprecedented, the XT6 has managed to bounce back better than several of its rivals.

Sales increase for the Cadillac XT6

The Cadillac XT6 only sold 4,390 units in 2019, with the majority of these from its third quarter. Nearly 45 percent more units were sold in the third quarter of this year compared to 2019. That amounts to 6,249 XT6 SUVs, bringing its yearly total to 15,454 so far, an increase of over 250 percent.

Only a few other luxury models saw larger sales increases in the third quarter of 2020. The BMW X6 sold nearly 2,000 units, a huge increase from the 230 units sold this time last year. The Lincoln Aviator was also more successful during 2020’s third quarter, selling over 220 percent more units. Only the Cadillac XT6 and the Lincoln Aviator have had more successful yearly sales in this segment than the X6.

The XT6 in international markets

The Cadillac XT6 is also more popular in other countries this year. In Canada, 553 units were sold during the third quarter of 2020, making a yearly total of 1,094 units. In 2019, only 140 units were sold in Canada.

No units of the XT6 were delivered in South Korea for 2019, but that changed for 2020. 44 units were sold during the third quarter and 100 have been sold in total. Even Russian citizens are warming up to the Cadillac XT6, with 14 units sold in the second quarter.

Is the Cadillac XT6 a good car?

The Cadillac XT6 has plenty of room to sit up to seven passengers, even in the typically small third row. Leather upholstery for each seat and heating for the front-seat riders is standard. The cabin is also very quiet on the highway and is filled with several soft-touch materials. Still, some critics say that the interior fails to meet the Cadillac standard.

The Cadillac XT6 also has a large cargo hold, almost 79 cubic feet of space with both second rows folded. That being said, it doesn’t provide that much room for luggage with each seat in use.

The XT6 has many infotainment features included in the base model. Smartphone integration, several USB ports, a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless charging, and satellite radio are all standard. It also has a sunroof and the Teen Driver system.

Safety features include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, forward-collision warning, parking sensors, and lane-keeping assistance. All Cadillac XT6 SUVs also include a vibrating seat setting that alerts drivers of potential dangers on the road. Higher trims have functions like night vision pedestrian detectors and a 360-degree camera system. 

The Cadillac XT6 only has one engine option, a 3.6-liter V6 that makes 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. It also comes with a nine-speed transmission and front-wheel drive, though all-wheel drive is optional. It provides a decent amount of power and a smooth ride, but the XT6 still can’t compete with some rivals.

However, the Cadillac XT6 is several thousands of dollars less than the Cadillac Escalade. While $48,000 might seem far from entry-level, it’s a competitive price for a new luxury SUV.