I've been driving a 1990 Miata for the last few weeks. I'm stunned by how many people are surprised it's RWD. I think the XTS will do fine with FWD/AWD considering the target market.

 

To the non-enthusiast public, most will see it as 2WD vs. AWD, AWD being more prestigious.

 

I noticed the same thing back when I owned my '90.

 

The question is like I been saying. How many FWD BMW's and Mercs are there? None. I thought GM wanted Caddy to be on par or on level with them. Not in the same pool of runners that were mentioned.
Ignorant or not the issue I am trying to say is, BMW or Merc would not put a car on a FWD platform because they know even in a minute way it cheapens the brand. If not in perception but in what they represent.

All the "true" top of the line luxury cars and companies have RWD only cars. If caddy wants to be "the standard of the world" They need to keep FWD platforms in the lower levels. Like Buick. Buick should be what Audi and Acura is shooting for in a challenger not a Caddy.

Caddy should mean the same as BMW and Merc again on par with them not below it. It is getting there I think this is a setback to what they are doing..am I wrong? Maybe but if this big car is a flop..you might reconsider my questioning of it being a FWD optioned car. Reguardless if people know it or not.

If it is offered as an AWD car first. Then I think it will be a seller.

 

Outside of the CTS, Cadillac is a LONG way from competing with ze Germans. I am sure they know this. I have a feeling that they will appreciate the money that the XTS brings in that will help them toward that higher end luxury car.

 

I think it has become painfully obvious that Cadillac has dialed down the noise about going toe-to-toe with BMW and Mercedes.

I'm usually as rabid as anyone about Cadillac and their positioning, but I honestly don't have a big problem with the XTS, at least, not its drivetrain layout. The XTS is not going to be marketed as a sports sedan like ATS and CTS are/will be. It's the DTS replacement - the big, comfy car in Cadillac's lineup appealing to those customers who feel a Cadillac should be big and floaty.

This is just one battle I don't see much point in fighting. I'd rather focus on the ATS and make sure that car is world class, than get bent out of shape about the "FWDness" of the XTS.

 

That isn't entirely true though. The A-Class and B-Class are FWD. The B-Class is supposed to be available in the US for the next model year.

Perhaps BMW thinks that way since they claim to build the "ultimate driving machine." In terms of actual consumers, most of them get either marque because of the badge. Even those that don't are placing little importance in the driveline layout.

 

Selling FWD versions of their sedans and crossovers has not hurt Lexus' or Acura's image nor has it "cheapened the brand". Sure their perspective may be slightly different from BMW or Mercedes, however I can't believe its that different.

FWIW, I drove my mother-in-law's big floaty FWD Buick Park Ave around last summer. I can honestly see the appeal of a big FWD Cadillac.

 

I know I have a FWD Grand Prix GXP. Its not a problem. I am just saying I really thought they wanted to bump Caddy to a top tier US Luxury car maker..OVER Audi and the rest and perch it right there with BMW and Merc.
I though Buick was supposed to be the Acura/ Audi competitor.

 

BMW is throwing their hat in that ring, too...

BMW Confirms Plans for Front-wheel Drive Cars

After all, BWM found that 80% of 1 Series owners ALREADY think their cars are FWD.

 

awww helll..im just going to jump out the window now..

nevermind...