Feast your eyes on the all-new 2017 Cadillac XT5 crossover. Having just made its global debut in Dubai, the XT5 — abbreviated for Crossover Touring 5 — marks “the cornerstone of a new series of crossovers” in Cadillac’s ongoing expansion.

Sophisticated Exterior

The exterior of the Cadillac XT5 further progresses Cadillac’s evolving design language. The design of the midsize crossover features a “strong visual presence with proportions that convey the driving experience and the lightweight construction underneath the surface.”

Cadillac says that “there is a lean, taut, liquid quality to the surfaces with flowing, uninterrupted lines separated by crisp edges.”

Lightweight Yet Strong

Cadillac says that the XT5 is “completely new, residing on a unique chassis and structure” that we know as the C1XX platform. The vehicle utilizes Cadillac’s expertise for lightweight vehicles with agile driving dynamics. Some examples of the lightweighting prowess:

The XT5 is 278 pounds (126 kg) lighter than the current SRX it replaces

The XT5 is 100 pounds (45 kg) lighter than the Audi Q5, though the Cadillac is seven inches longer

The XT5 is more than 650 pounds (295 kg) lighter than the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, with which it has similar exterior dimensions

Moreover, the XT5 achieves this “with no compromise to body rigidity and crash performance”, according to Cadillac.

Powerful Yet Efficient Engines

In the U.S., the 2017 Cadillac XT5 will be powered by GM’s all-new 3.6L V6 LGX engine making a peak 310 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. The all-new V6 features Active Fuel Management (AFM, otherwise known as Cylinder Deactivation) and active Stop/Start technology, saving fuel and reducing emissions, while enhancing the quietness expected of a luxury vehicle. The motor made its debut on the 2016 Cadillac ATS and 2016 Cadillac CTS sport sedans; it is also available in the 2016 Cadillac CT6 full-size sport-luxury sedan.

In China, the XT5 will be powered by a standard 2.0L Turbo engine, most likely the 2.0L Turbo I4 LTG, with Stop/Start technology.

Both engines are mated to an all-new 8-speed automatic transmission. Power is sent to the front wheels as standard, while an optional “twin clutch” all-wheel drive system continuously and automatically delivers excellent traction across a variety of conditions. While engineered specifically for strong performance in wet, snowy or icy conditions, it also provides enhanced stability in dry weather.

High-Quality, Spacious Interior

Inside, the 2017 XT5 features high-quality materials and an all-new design. Interior surfaces are wider and more horizontal in orientation, a contrast to the highly vertical design of the outgoing SRX. And like all Cadillac models, the interior is assembled with cut-and-sewn wrapped panels rather than molded surfaces typical of mainstream vehicles.

Rear-seat legroom is increased by 3.2 inches (8.1 cm) in the XT5 compared to the SRX, while the rear seat reclines and slides fore and aft.

Connected, Tech-Laden, Safe

The 2017 XT5 includes Cadillac’s latest production systems for connectivity and safety, including Cadillac’s patented Rear Camera Mirror system that enhances the driver’s rear vision by 300 percent by using a video display applied over the conventional inside rearview mirror. The latest CUE infotainment system is included, as is OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot.

Premiere And Launch

The 2017 XT5 premieres in November at the Dubai and Los Angeles auto shows. It will then begin production in the U.S. and China in spring 2016.