2006 Cadillac XLR Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Cadillac's two-seat V8 convertible gains steering-linked xenon headlights and a high-power V model for 2006. XLR shares a basic structure and plastic composite body panels with the Chevrolet Corvette, but has unique styling, a power-retractable hardtop, and different suspension tuning. The base XLR has 320 hp and a 5-speed automatic transmission. Added for '06, the supercharged XLR-V has 443 hp and a 6-speed automatic. Both come with traction/antiskid control, run-flat tires, and GM's automatic-adjusting Magnetic Ride Control. XLRs have heated/cooled leather seats, wood interior trim, and side airbags covering head and torso. A dashboard screen displays navigation and audio functions. Also standard are adaptive cruise control and keyless locking and engine start.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Offering more power and style than typical Sporty/Performance vehicles, Premium Sporty/Performance Cars usually cost much more and have more comfort and convenience equipment. Two-passenger convertibles and 4-seat coupes rule the roost in this class.

Our Best Buy is Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks include BMW Z4 and Mercedes-Benz CLK.

News

We've heard no news lately about XLR. That may mean little or no change is in the offing, but keep checking back with us for updates.

2006 Cadillac XLR Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Cargo room

Steering/handling	Rear visibility

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

Base	XLR-V	Class Average
8	9	8.2

Impressive takeoff thrust supports Cadillac's 0-60 mph claims of 5.9 sec for base model, just 4.6 sec for XLR-V. Transmissions furnish crisp, almost seamless shifts to enhance muscular merging and passing power.

Fuel Economy

Base	XLR-V	Class Average
4	3	4.2

Test base models averaged 15.9-18.4 mpg. No opportunity yet to measure with XLR-V. Both require premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

Base	XLR-V	Class Average
6	6	4.3

Refined and stable, even with XLR-V's firmer suspension and 19-inch tires. Tar strips, surface blemishes noticed, but generally aren't jarring. Magnetic Ride Control helps provide reassuring high-speed discipline. Impressive structural rigidity, even top down, though one test car suffered a creaking cowl over bumps.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base	XLR-V	Class Average
8	8	8.5

XLR-V corners with Corvette-style balance and grip; base model shows a touch more body lean. Precise steering imparts agile feel. Traction/antiskid control lends welcome margin of security.

Quietness

Base	XLR-V	Class Average
6	6	4.1

Tightly sealed hardtop, plenty of insulation keep wind, tire noise well within reason. Normal conversation possible with top down, even at highway speeds. Rapid acceleration brings spirited V8 growl in base XLR, supercharger whine in XLR-V.

Controls

Base	XLR-V	Class Average
7	7	6.3

Clear array of analog gauges supplemented by head-up windshield display. Numerous switches control myriad functions, but are logically placed and not cluttered. Navigation screen required for some audio functions. Ignition is dashboard "start" button rather than key. Old-fashioned pedal parking brake clutters driver footwell. Mix of top-quality leather, wood, aluminum gives cabin fresh, upscale ambience.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base	XLR-V	Class Average
7	7	5.7

Not expansive, but as roomy as any rival. Comfortable, supportive seats set low, so entry/exit requires minor effort and visibility slightly compromised, especially with top up.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base	XLR-V	Class Average
0	0	.7

(No rear seating.)

Cargo Room

Base	XLR-V	Class Average
2	2	2

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

Value within Class

Base	XLR-V	Class Average
5	3	4.5

Priced between the less-expensive Lexus SC430 and costlier Mercedes-Benz SL rivals, XLR need make no apology for features and performance. The XLR-V is a genuine high-performance machine, even if it doesn't quite feel like a $100,000 car. Cadillac's challenge is to convince well-heeled shoppers that any XLR is in the same league as its prestigious competition.

Total Score

Base	XLR-V	Class Average
53	51	48.5

Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score		37
Average Score		48
High Score		58

2006 Cadillac XLR Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 05/26/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Base 2-door convertible	$76,480	$71,509	$815

XLR-V 2-door convertible	$97,485	$86,274	$815

Price note: XLR-V base price includes Gas-Guzzler Tax.

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Base

Powertrain

4.6-liter V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, rear-obstacle-detection system, daytime running lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, OnStar assistance system w/one year service, navigation system w/voice recognition, power steering, power tilt/telescope wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, adaptive cruise control, leather upholstery, heated/cooled bucket seats, 8-way power front seats w/lumbar adjustment, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel, radio, climate controls), center console, cupholders, wood and aluminum interior trim, heated power mirrors w/tilt-down back-up aid and driver-side automatic day/night, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, keyless access and starting, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/DVD changer, satellite radio (requires monthly fee after 3rd month), digital clock, tachometer, head-up instrument display, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers, map lights, rear defogger, power-retractable hardtop, automatic parking brake release, automatic headlights, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, steering-linked adaptive bi-xenon headlights, fog lights, automatic suspension control, 235/50WR18 run-flat tires, polished alloy wheels.

XLR-V adds to Base:

Powertrain

4.4-liter supercharged V8, 6-speed automatic transmission.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather/suede upholstery.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Sport suspension, 235/45VR19 front and 255/40VR19 rear run-flat tires, painted alloy wheels.

Optional Equipment

No factory options.

2006 Cadillac XLR Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Cadillac XLR 2-door convertible

Wheelbase, in.	105.7

Overall Length, in.	177.7

Overall Width, in.	72.3

Overall Height, in.	50.4

Curb Weight, lbs.	3647

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	11.6

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	18.0

Seating Capacity	2

Front Head Room, in.	37.6

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.6

Rear Head Room, in.	--

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	--

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc V8	Supercharged dohc V8

Size, liters/cu. in.	4.6 /279	4.4 /267

Horsepower @ rpm.	320 @ 6400	443 @ 6400

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	310 @ 4400	414 @ 3600

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed automatic	17/25	--/--

6-speed automatic	--/--	15/22

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test

Cadillac XLR 2-door convertible

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	4/50,000	--

Corrosion	6/100,000	--

Free roadside assistance	4/50,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	Premium Care standard on XLR. Includes oil and oil filter replacement, engine air filter replacement, and passenger compartment air filter replacement at regularly scheduled maintenance intervals for the first four years or 50,000 miles.

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: rear-wheel drive

Tester's Comments

(what's this?)

Vehicle Evaluated: 2006 Cadillac XLR-V
Trim Level: XLR-V
Arrival Date: 11/30/2006
Engine: Supercharged dohc V8
Bodystyle: 2-door convertible
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
4WD/AWD: No
Base Price: $97,485
Price as Tested: $100,000
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 6616
Mileage at End of Test: 6968
Total Measured Miles:
Total Fuel Used: 23.609 gals.

Major Options: Gas Guzzler Tax

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 14.91 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Kirk Bell How Cadillac can justify $100K for this car is beyond me. Give me a $76K regular XLR and let me put $24K into the brakes and engine and I'll have a faster car that stops better. Better yet, I could do the same with an extra $30K in a $45K Vette. That said, the supercharged V8 is always ready and willing, but there just isn't enough special about this car to justify the price.

Tom Appel Value is a moot point in discussions relating to the XLR-V. At $100,000 (exactly!), this car's uneven power delivery, modest interior trim, and relatively undefined ride coalesce into a singular cry for help: "Just buy a damn Corvette, already." Really, the base XLR is genuinely sporty and plenty flashy and should show well-enough at the country club. But this Ã¼ber-dollar Caddy isn't quite ready for prime time.

< 2006 Cadillac XLR Photos

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Cadillac XLR Road Test

Cadillac XLR Prices & Equipment

Cadillac XLR Specs & Safety

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