Test drive Cadillac XT5 vs. Jaguar F-Pace

Americans have learned restraint, and the British have ceased to be conservative - all in order to please the wealthy public of the Old World. But, playing on the same field, in Russia they found themselves on opposite sides of the borders of luxury

Back then, in the winter, Cadillac was just out of luck. In a deep snow-covered track, where, it seemed, only a tractor could pass, the car sat firmly on its belly. It's all my fault: I forgot that the crossover's four-wheel drive is disabled by default, and rushed to storm the off-road. The front wheels, supported by a 300-horsepower engine, instantly dug deep holes and landed the car.

A week later, the Jaguar F-Pace drove through the same spot without difficulty. But the conditions were initially unequal: firstly, the coating had time to thaw first, and then freeze, and, secondly, the F-Pace cannot be made mono-drive even by malicious intent. But, honestly, if I had a choice at that moment on what exactly to delve into the snowdrifts, I would still choose Cadillac.

The F-Pace looks too pretentious and expensive, so it's psychologically difficult to direct it straight into the unknown. But the faceted XT5 seems unshakable - it is a lump, albeit well-hewn, but outwardly very strong. As if to prove it, the all-wheel drive connected in time rehabilitates the car for snowy adventures, very effectively spreading traction without a hint of overheating of the center clutch. But Jaguar in similar conditions would have nothing to blame - there is no girlishness in the habits of the crossover.

Test drive Cadillac XT5 against Jaguar F-Pace

In early summer, when the sparkling cars finally parked nearby, it suddenly became unclear how Cadillac could be considered rude - under the sunlight, scattering of LEDs and stripes of chrome trim played in a completely different way. The faceted style is very good, and even a little puffy shine of chrome suits it.

Jaguar looks down on all this a little - in this pair he plays the role of a snob. As well as a slightly haughty expression on his face with a readable sense of his own superiority even over the owner. A squat sporty silhouette with narrow optics and exposed nostrils of air intakes make a powerful claim for speed, and high ground clearance and ostentatious front end indicate that this car is solid and large.

And the truth is big, the driver is surprised, jumping into the high-located salon with a running start. The owner, who has shown dexterity, is still greeted by the car coldly in the literal and figurative sense. The interior is restrained, almost modest, slightly gleaming with chrome edging of the handles and brushed aluminum of the automatic transmission selector washer, pleasantly cooling the hand. More precisely, not modest, but rather prim, not trying to immediately please with cheap jewelry. Fortunately, he remained quite light, even in such an informal car for Jaguar.

High-quality seats do not require getting used to, but on-board electronics are complex. Not only is the seat heating control hidden in the touchscreen media system menu, but the interface itself is not clear at all. Cadillac's media system is also challenging, and the all-touch controls are questionable. But the animation is genuinely good, and the system is not inferior to competitors in terms of the stock of functions. Here's the sound for an amateur, even with the respected Bose brand on the speakers. It is rich, but poorly detailed, and is suitable only for unassuming music lovers. The optional Meridian in the British car sounds more spacious, juicy and high quality.

Getting into the backseat of the Jaguar is even more difficult - you have to not only climb high, but also bend your head, bowing to the narrow doorway. It seems spacious inside, but in the middle there is a powerful central tunnel, and the middle part of the sofa is hard. The XT5 is much more hospitable - the floor in the back is almost flat, and the distance to the front seats is really great. Moreover, the chairs are shifting - it seems that the "American" is seriously familiar with the term "practicality".

In the small trunk of the XT5, as in the compartment of some advanced Skoda, there is a sliding partition on the rails and a net for securing luggage. Finally, there is a towbar under the raised floor, which is put into place under the removable rear bumper cover. But the F-Pace's compartment is larger by default: 530 liters versus the American 450. This is where the "missing" centimeters of the second row went. In terms of finishing, there is parity: soft nap upholstery and electric drives with foot sensors are available in both cars.

In Cadillac, you do not need to jump, but go. The car obligingly pushes the steering wheel back - this function is available to an Englishman only for an extra charge. The front seats are tightly packed in European style and with strong embraces of the side rests. I would like to call the rich interior with an abundance of leather and wood digital: all the keys are touch-sensitive or look like that, and instead of devices there is a colorful display. There is also a socket for a phone with wireless charging.

Finally, instead of a rear-view mirror, Cadillac has a wide-angle camera display, which constantly broadcasts what is happening from behind, and in a mirrored version. True, the viewing angles are unusual, but once you look at the bright and juicy picture, you don't want to switch back to the mirror (it is still there). The most amazing thing is that each of the cameras (rear view and parking) has its own washer - an invaluable help during the metropolitan road slush.

And yet there is a feeling that the American engineers were a little skidded, and the permanently disabled all-wheel drive is a direct proof of this. As well as the non-disconnectable start-stop system: the engine does not shut off at stops only in the manual mode of the box. In general, they were too clever.

There are no complaints about the function of turning off two cylinders - it does not affect the ride quality in any way, offering an exciting game of economy with attempts to bring up the green "V4" symbol on the screen again and again. But as soon as the gas pedal hints at the desire to accelerate, the icon changes to the no less pleasant "V6", and the naturally aspirated engine begins to perform its worthy part.

Still, there is something in the outgoing atmospheric “sixes”. At the very least, smooth, flat traction and solid low-frequency roar. Cadillac does not rush into a whirlpool headlong, does not twitch from the slightest movement of the gas pedal and does not hysterical exhaust in vain. Traction needs to be demanded, and then the XT5 will show character - strong, but not rough. He feels good on the track, and this flight is not accompanied by the ritual burning of gasoline. For an atmospheric engine, the American V6 is quite economical. There is also a sports mode, and all-wheel drive at once, but it does not fundamentally change its character, except that it makes the car a little more mobile. The box works exactly in any of the modes, and the rapid-fire start-stop quickly ceases to strain.

According to the specs, the turbo F-Pace is more fuel efficient, but has to be refueled more often. And the point, it seems, is that it simply does not work out to ride calmly. The three-liter compressor "six" is evil, requires a scrupulous attitude with the pedal in urban conditions and easily ignites the active driver with an instant and sharp response. With a compressor whistle and a greyhound exhaust screech, the Jaguar kicks off and accelerates instantly - rude but very efficient. And it does not even require to transfer the units to sport mode. So the "automatic" works to match - quickly, but not very delicately.

Cornering Jaguar devours passionately, giving real pleasure. Of the four possible suspension options, we got the spring R-Sport, and with it the F-Pace is truly sporty. There are rolls, but they are quite indicative, and the way the chassis holds on to the road is only commendable. However, the steering wheel, like all other models of the brand, is too sensitive and informative. With this you will not relax. And in civilian modes, the suspension still shakes the riders, as if complaining about the quality of the canvas.

Cadillac, when driving fast, seems simpler and therefore more understandable to handle than the frantic Jaguar. And in sport mode, when the all-wheel drive transmission forcibly gives a little more traction back, it also becomes gambling. The steering wheel is not American-style accurate and transparent, but does not disturb the driver with excessive severity. And the car treats passengers with care even on large 20-inch wheels. Good chassis, molded according to high-quality European patterns. But the situation with the brakes is worse - after the Jaguar, the Сadillac pedal requires much stronger efforts.

In general, Cadillac is no longer a fat man: the "American" put on a tracksuit and actively tidies up his body according to the most fashionable methods. The Briton, as usual, is not averse to using his fists, because he studied boxing since childhood. He preserves manners for his own - those who are in the club, and those who understand what the Jaguar brand is all about.

The price gap between the well-equipped versions of the XT5 and the F-Pace is not that great, but Russian law puts them on opposite sides of the concept of luxury. The base Cadillac is less than $ 39 and the gasoline F-Pace is more than that. But this does not mean at all that some of them cannot be considered a luxury crossover.

Body type	Universal	Universal
Dimensions (length / width / height), mm	4815/1903/1698	4731/1936/1651
Wheelbase, mm	2857	2874
Curb weight, kg	1940	1820
engine's type	Gasoline, V6	Gasoline, V6 turbo
Working volume, cubic meters cm	3649	2995
Power, hp with. at rpm	314 at 6700	340 at 6500
Max. cool. moment, Nm at rpm	367 at 5000	450 at 4500
Transmission, drive	8-st. Automatic gearbox, full	8-st. Automatic gearbox, full
Max. speed km / h	210	250
Acceleration to 100 km / h, from	7,0	5,8
Fuel consumption, l (city / highway / mixed)	14,1/7,6/10,0	12,2/7,1/8,9
Cargo space, l	450	530
Price from, $.	39 435	48 693