The Cadillac XT6 will officially exit the brand’s lineup in 2025, marking the end of a relatively short chapter for the three-row luxury SUV. Despite the continued strength of the SUV market, General Motors has decided to phase out the XT6 without a direct successor.
While automakers typically retire sedans or niche models when cutting back due to weak sales, Cadillac is taking a different approach by discontinuing one of its mainstream SUVs. The XT6’s departure is notable not only for its timing but also for the lack of a clear replacement.
Cadillac’s midsize XT6 SUV is heading toward the end of its production life. Originally introduced in 2019, the XT6 has served as a gasoline-powered, three-row luxury option in Cadillac’s portfolio. Production will officially cease later this year, with the smaller XT4 to follow shortly thereafter. In 2024, Cadillac sold 20,225 units of the XT6 in the U.S., representing a 5.8% increase over the previous year. Despite the growth, this figure still pales in comparison to the much larger Escalade, which continues to dominate the brand’s SUV sales.
Though its sales figures were comparable to Cadillac’s CT4 and CT5 sedans combined, the XT6 never reached the brand-defining status enjoyed by other models in the range. In a highly competitive segment, the XT6’s five-year run now seems relatively brief.
General Motors confirmed the decision, telling Reuters that the XT6 no longer fits into Cadillac’s long-term strategy. A spokesperson noted, “Cadillac has introduced six new products in under a year that reflect the future of our brand. We’ll continue refining our lineup to support growth across our core luxury segments.”
The XT6 isn’t the only SUV facing retirement. Cadillac’s XT5 is also expected to be discontinued by the end of 2026. Like the XT4 and XT6, the XT5 is produced in China through a joint venture between GM and SAIC. Although the XT5 has received updates tailored for the Chinese market, it’s unlikely to return to U.S. showrooms, with plans already in place to end production by late 2025.
Cadillac has been ramping up its activity over the past year, particularly in the EV space. The company has introduced several electric models recently, including the Optiq, Vestiq, Lyriq V, and the high-end Escalade IQL. However, despite these EV launches, Cadillac is not committing to an all-electric lineup just yet.
The 2025 Escalade, for example, received a comprehensive redesign but remains powered by a traditional gasoline engine. Cadillac has also walked back its earlier pledge to go fully electric after 2030, signaling a more gradual transition that includes continued internal combustion offerings well into the next decade.
