GM announced its newest Cadillac XT5 SUV coming for the 2021 model year. While the 2020 XT5 proved to a solid ride, it will be interesting to see how the 2021 model stacks up. 

GM Authority lists out the recent changes the automaker decided to make for the new year, and one of those is a key luxury feature that will change the game for many potential buyers. Let’s look at what’s new for the 2021 model and see what makes it even more special. 

What’s new for the 2021 Cadillac XT5?

For the 2021 model, GM decided to shuffle around some of its exterior colors on the XT5. Some of the metallic colors, like the Radiant Silver and Dark Mocha, are no longer offered on this SUV. 

However, there are two new colors to replace the ones eliminated from the XT5. One of the new colors is the Dark Moon Blue Metallic, and the other is the Infrared Tintcoat. 

Also receiving the shuffle action are the wheels on the Cadillac SUV. GM took out several of the 20-inch wheel options that the 2020 model has and added a new one. The new 20-inch style wheel will be for the Sport model only and will come with a 12 diamond-cut spike hub base. 

Another new feature pertains to the tilt and telescoping steering wheel column. The luxury base model will no longer have the powered tilt/telescoping feature, it will come standard with a manual one. The higher trims will continue to offer the powered versions. 

What feature is the most impressive?

Out of all the new things coming for 2021, the most impressive tech feature, hands-down, will be the wireless integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

This isn’t a new feature because other automakers have implemented it in their lineup of vehicles, but it’s usually for the top-of-the-line luxury models. GM, however, has made it standard across all the trim levels, including the base. 

Previously, GM offered the wired version, which was great, but the cable you used to connect to the infotainment system would get in the way, or get lost. Even though the wireless version is now standard, you can still opt for a USB connection if you’d rather have that. 

With the wireless version, you can instantly connect to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto once you’ve started up the car. After you set up the initial connection, accessing what you need from the screen will be a breeze. No more fussing around with a cable. 

How does Apple CarPlay and Android Auto help drivers?

Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow you to use some of your phone’s features, without having to fumble around with your phone while you’re driving.

You can access a music playlist that you already set up on your phone, or use your favorite navigational app. It also enables you to access any other feature you have on your device, like hands-free messaging. 

Basically, the infotainment screen on your dash becomes your device’s phone screen. What you have set up on your phone will now be accessed through the display screen instead. What you see on the screen will depend on what type of device you own and what apps you’ve installed on your particular device. 

Despite the changes the Cadillac XT5 will go through, this SUV will still have the same powertrain. GM continues to offer a 2.0-liter inline-four and a naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V6 engine. It also has the same nine-speed automatic transmission. So, performance will remain as solid as it was before.