Acceleration

Base	Class Average
8	7.7

Impressive thrust supports Cadillac's claim of 5.9 sec 0-60 mph. No-delay merging and highway passing, too. Crisp, almost seamless shifts.

Fuel Economy

Base	Class Average
4	4.7

Test XLR averaged 17.7 mpg in mix of city/highway driving. Cadillac recommends premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

Base	Class Average
6	4

Refined and stable. Tar strips, surface blemishes noticed, but translate mostly as road feel, not intrusions. Magnetic Ride Control helps provide reassuring high-speed discipline. Structural rigidity compares well with best in class, even top down, though one test XLR suffered creaking cowl over bumps.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base	Class Average
8	8.4

Balance, grip, dearth of body lean remind of Corvette. Rear-mounted transmission helps give near 50/50 weight distribution, teams with well-calibrated steering for precision feel. Traction/antiskid control lends welcome margin of security.

Quietness

Base	Class Average
5	4

Tightly sealed hardtop, plenty of insulation keep wind, tire noise within reason, but more top-down buffetting than in most other 2-seat convertibles. Rapid acceleration brings spirited V8 exhaust growl.

Controls

Base	Class Average
7	5.8

Clear array of analog gauges supplemented by head-up windshield display. Climate controls mounted too low for easy reach or view. Navigation-screen manipulation required for some audio settings, adjustments. Gear selection shows in head-up display only in manual-shift mode; otherwise, driver must look to floor console for transmission position. Ignition is dashboard "start" button rather than key, and getting out means reorienting from traditional handle to small button release on door armrest. One test XLR did not consistently respond until driver adjusted position of keyfob in pocket. Old-fashioned foot parking brake clutters driver footwell. Cabin's mix of top-quality leather, wood, aluminum competes with too much run-of-the-mill GM plastic for this to qualify as world-class interior ambience.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base	Class Average
7	5.4

Not expansive, but roomy as any rival. Low-slung design means entry/exit requires minor effort. But seats top-notch for comfort, support, with power tilt/telescope steering column helping dial in friendly driving position. Large, obtrusive sunvisors cut into open-air feel with top down. Top-up outward visibility better than in soft-top convertibles,

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base	Class Average
0	.6

(No rear seating.)

Cargo Room

Base	Class Average
2	2.2

Power-operated trunklid opens to 11.6-cu-ft cargo hold, large enough for two golf bags. But roof and rear glass lower into trunk, shrinking volume to just 4.4 cu ft. Interior storage sparse. Difficult for occupants to access small bins behind console while seated.

Value within Class

Base	Class Average
5	4.6

Priced between the less-expensive Lexus SC430 and costlier rivals from Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar, XLR need make no apology in terms of features, performance, or presence. Cadillac's challenge is to convince well-heeled shoppers it's in the same league as those prestige brands.

Total Score

Base	Class Average
52	47.4

Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score		38
Average Score		47
High Score		57