Cadillac is discontinuing the gas-powered, three-row SUV XT6 earlier than scheduled and will prolong production of the smaller XT5 model until 2026 because of high consumer interest. This information was shared with Spring Hill Assembly plant workers at General Motors in Tennessee via an internal memorandum.
GM has confirmed that production of the XT6 at the Spring Hill facility will be supplanted by the Cadillac Vistaq, the upcoming fully electric three-row SUV.
The document acquired by the Detroit Free Press also indicated that Spring Hill will experience scheduled maintenance the week starting May 12th, and employees needed for work during this period would receive notification from their manager.
Begin your day with more knowledge. Receive all essential news directly in your inbox every morning.
"This demonstrates our team's dedication to producing cars that satisfy our customers and highlights our broad manufacturing adaptability," the memo stated.
A General Motors representative told the Free Press via email that within less than 12 months, they unveiled six innovative models symbolizing the next chapter for their brand: Escalade IQ, Escalade MCM, Optiq, Vistiq, Lyriq-V, and Cadillac CT5.
“We will continue to make the necessary adjustments to the portfolio to maintain growth in critical luxury segments,” the statement said.
The XT6, introduced in 2020 This is a three-row SUV aimed at demographics comparable to those targeted by the Escalade, which means households earning at least $200,000 annually.
The XT5 is a compact, five-seater SUV originally set to cease production in August 2025; however, it has been extended until 2026, as reported by a representative from General Motors.
The Spring Hill facility, which opened in 1990, spans across 11 million square feet and covers 2,100 acres of land. This extensive area allows for the production of both electric vehicles and those powered by traditional engines. Additionally, the fully electric Cadillac Lyriq model is manufactured at this location as well.
While both SUVs offer three rows of seating, they differ significantly in cost. The XT6 starts at around $52,590 , while the Vistiq starts at $78,790 including a $1,395 delivery fee.
Cadillac is moving forward with its strategy to transition XT6 customers to the Vistiq, though this change has not been met with unanimous approval among dealership owners.
A car dealership selling Cadillacs informed the Free Press of his worries regarding this shift, especially since the desire for electric cars in his area isn’t keeping pace with those powered by traditional engines.
The typical monthly lease for the XT6 comes out to around $600, according to the dealer, whereas the Vistiq’s leasing cost ranges from approximately $1,100 to $1,200. Despite targeting a high-end market, the fierce competition within this sector could make an additional charge of almost $500 each month more difficult to accept. Speaking on condition of anonymity due to maintaining ties with General Motors, an unauthorized dealership representative expressed worry that some XT6 buyers might switch brands because of these factors.
People are still more at ease with gasoline-driven vehicles," he stated. "I think this will be detrimental to us.
Jackie Charniga reports on General Motors for the Freepress. You can contact her at jcharniga@freepress.com. The narrative has been revised to accurately reflect the number of seating rows in the XT6.
The article initially appeared on the Detroit Free Press. Cadillac rearranges SUV production to prioritize smaller models and introduces a new electric vehicle at its Tennessee facility.