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2009 Cadillac XLR-V Bottom Line

February 21, 2009

By Rex Roy's avatar Rex Roy, Detroit EditorRex Roy

This review compares the 2009 Cadillac XLR-V with other vehicles in its high-performance class to give you the best advice even when other reviews present conflicting opinions. Editors from TheCarConnection.com also drove the supercharged Cadillac XLR-V, and they offer opinions and details on this unique American sportscar to help better inform you of the XLR-V's performance, styling, comfort, and safety.

Likes:

  • Subtle exterior cues
  • Intuitive technology
  • Very strong acceleration
  • More buttoned-down than standard XLR

Dislikes:

  • Small trunk
  • Not much of a styling difference from the XLR
  • Could use more refinement

Buying Tips:


Even though the 2009 Cadillac XLR-V doesn’t accumulate waiting lists, it is a limited-volume model and could be in short supply. If you want one, it will pay to look nationally and negotiate your best deal.

Based on the Chevrolet Corvette, the 2009 Cadillac XLR-V is defined by sharp-edged styling, an exclusive interior, and unique suspension tuning. The Chevy platform upon which the retractable hardtop roadster is built provides the XLR-V with a strong sportscar foundation. Since its introduction in 2004, the Cadillac XLR has aged well, but despite its striking exterior profile, the vehicle’s interior isn’t quite up to the standards of many rival luxury coupes and roadsters, and it needs further refinement.

A supercharged 4.4-liter Northstar dual-overhead-camshaft engine with 443 horsepower in the V-Series replaces the base 320-horsepower V-8 of the standard XLR, bringing way more than adequate acceleration for just about any situation. The powerplant is hand-built by experienced craftsmen, one piston at a time. And in the XLR-V, the gearbox is upgraded from the standard XLR's five-speed to a six-speed automatic. Brakes are enlarged to handle the engine's added power.

The car is distinguishable by the V-Series badges, but a sharp eye will easily spot some of the V-Series's unique design cues. The hood features a more sculpted look, a power dome that wraps around the supercharger, and the wire mesh grille that has become an industry-wide signature for performance editions. For 2009, there are a few subtle styling changes to the XLR-V, including new front fender vents and new front and rear fascias, plus new upper and lower grilles.

Inside, the visual tweaks are modest, with a bit more Zingana wood detail carved into the car's center stack and new Ultrasuede inserts added to doors and seats, where they have the functional benefit of providing more grip in hard turns. This year, the instrument panel is leather-wrapped for a more luxurious look.

On the road, the V-Series payoff—or, shall we say, pay-in—is noticeable. The standard XLR provides a good ride and feels modestly sporty, but the XLR-V shows off the best of GM’s Corvette development and is tuned to handle with sportscar precision. A retuned version of the automaker’s Magnetic Ride Control is now featured on the XLR-V. TheCarConnection.com’s editors appreciate how the system allows both a supple ride and a crisp handling response.

The XLR-V comes equipped as expected of vehicles in this class: with the works. Last year, a heated steering wheel was new, while this year Bluetooth connectivity is finally added, along with the next-generation OnStar 8.0 system featuring Destination Download.

Other Choices:

If you're interested in the 2009 Cadillac XLR-V, also consider:

Reason Why:

This might sound strange, but 443 horsepower isn’t very impressive in this class, especially when you’re talking about cars that cost six figures. Case in point, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class offers three models that kick out more than 500 horsepower. The BMW M edition of its 6-Series packs a V-10 wallop of 500-plus horsepower. These cars are all put together by special high-performance vehicle teams within their companies, and the results are impressive and hugely expensive. When comparing only price, the 2009 Cadillac XLR-V could be considered a contender, but those who play in this sandbox aren't looking for value. They're shopping for status and bragging rights. On these two counts, the XLR-V can't compete—except with the beautiful Jaguar XKR, a stunning kitten that runs with 420 horsepower. However, take a look at the XKR’s beautiful interior and you likely won’t be going back to the Cadillac dealership.

The Bottom Line:

Combine the performance of a Chevrolet Corvette with the luxury of a folding convertible top and you have the 2009 Cadillac XLR-V.

This review compares the 2009 Cadillac XLR-V with other vehicles in its high-performance class to give you the best advice even when other reviews present conflicting opinions. Editors from TheCarConnection.com also drove the supercharged Cadillac XLR-V, and they offer opinions and details on this unique American sportscar to help better inform you of the XLR-V's performance, styling, comfort, and safety. Likes:Subtle exterior cuesIntuitive technologyVery strong accelerationMore buttoned-down than standard XLRDislikes:Small trunkNot much of a styling difference from the XLRCould use more refinementBuying Tips: Even though the 2009 Cadillac XLR-V doesn’t accumulate waiting lists, it is a limited-volume model and could be in short supply. If you want one, it will pay to look nationally and negotiate your best deal. Based on the Chevrolet Corvette, the 2009 Cadillac XLR-V is defined by sharp-edged styling, an exclusive interior, and unique suspension tuning. The Chevy platform upon which the retractable hardtop roadster is built provides the XLR-V with a strong sportscar foundation. Since its introduction in 2004, the Cadillac XLR has aged well, but despite its striking exterior profile, the vehicle’s interior isn’t quite up to the standards of many rival luxury coupes and roadsters, and it needs further refinement. A supercharged 4.4-liter Northstar dual-overhead-camshaft engine with 443 horsepower in the V-Series replaces the base 320-horsepower V-8 of the standard XLR, bringing way more than adequate acceleration for just about any situation. The powerplant is hand-built by experienced craftsmen, one piston at a time. And in the XLR-V, the gearbox is upgraded from the standard XLR's five-speed to a six-speed automatic. Brakes are enlarged to handle the engine's added power. The car is distinguishable by the V-Series badges, but a sharp eye will easily spot some of the V-Series's unique design cues. The hood features a more sculpted look, a power dome that wraps around the supercharger, and the wire mesh grille that has become an industry-wide signature for performance editions. For 2009, there are a few subtle styling changes to the XLR-V, including new front fender vents and new front and rear fascias, plus new upper and lower grilles. Inside, the visual tweaks are modest, with a bit more Zingana wood detail carved into the car's center stack and new Ultrasuede inserts added to doors and seats, where they have the functional benefit of providing more grip in hard turns. This year, the instrument panel is leather-wrapped for a more luxurious look. On the road, the V-Series payoff—or, shall we say, pay-in—is noticeable. The standard XLR provides a good ride and feels modestly sporty, but the XLR-V shows off the best of GM’s Corvette development and is tuned to handle with sportscar precision. A retuned version of the automaker’s Magnetic Ride Control is now featured on the XLR-V. TheCarConnection.com’s editors appreciate how the system allows both a supple ride and a crisp handling response. The XLR-V comes equipped as expected of vehicles in this class: with the works. Last year, a heated steering wheel was new, while this year Bluetooth connectivity is finally added, along with the next-generation OnStar 8.0 system featuring Destination Download. Other Choices:If you're interested in the 2009 Cadillac XLR-V, also consider:BMW M6 ConvertibleJaguar XKRMercedes-Benz SL63 AMGReason Why:This might sound strange, but 443 horsepower isn’t very impressive in this class, especially when you’re talking about cars that cost six figures. Case in point, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class offers three models that kick out more than 500 horsepower. The BMW M edition of its 6-Series packs a V-10 wallop of 500-plus horsepower. These cars are all put together by special high-performance vehicle teams within their companies, and the results are impressive and hugely expensive. When comparing only price, the 2009 Cadillac XLR-V could be considered a contender, but those who play in this sandbox aren't looking for value. They're shopping for status and bragging rights. On these two counts, the XLR-V can't compete—except with the beautiful Jaguar XKR, a stunning kitten that runs with 420 horsepower. However, take a look at the XKR’s beautiful interior and you likely won’t be going back to the Cadillac dealership. The Bottom Line:Combine the performance of a Chevrolet Corvette with the luxury of a folding convertible top and you have the 2009 Cadillac XLR-V. This review compares the 2009 Cadillac XLR-V with other vehicles in its high-performance class to give you the best advice even when other reviews present conflicting opinions. Editors from TheCarConnection.com also drove the supercharged Cadillac XLR-V, and they offer opinions and details ...

Other Choices:

This might sound strange, but 443 horsepower isn’t very impressive in this class, especially when you’re talking about cars that cost six figures. Case in point, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class offers three models that kick out more than 500 horsepower. The BMW M edition of its 6-Series packs a V-10 wallop of 500-plus horsepower. These cars are all put together by special high-performance vehicle teams within their companies, and the results are impressive and hugely expensive. When comparing only price, the 2009 Cadillac XLR-V could be considered a contender, but those who play in this sandbox aren't looking for value. They're shopping for status and bragging rights. On these two counts, the XLR-V can't compete—except with the beautiful Jaguar XKR, a stunning kitten that runs with 420 horsepower. However, take a look at the XKR’s beautiful interior and you likely won’t be going back to the Cadillac dealership.

Next Steps:

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for the 2009 Cadillac XLR-V from a dealer near you

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See the Cadillac XLR-V in Other Years:

2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006

Comments (2 total)

  1. By gregberlin #1, Posted: 4/29/2009

    xlrv exoticar U,S,A,

    A BONIFIED AMERICAN SUPERCAR!EXTREAM
    iam a very proud owner and own many cool rides
    this is my best (now) and would never sell my
    perfect new cadillac of cars xlrv so unique and
    rare people gawk alot!! its my showpiece of
    art n science,quote GM,
    GREGH BERLIN RENO NV.

  2. By greg berlin #2, Posted: 8/6/2009

    PEOPLE like myself make fun of cars that deserve it!!( like FERRARI)~~~~!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    overpriced? naa, great service back up? naaa
    bargin insurance? naaa, lackluster interior
    quality? naa, ive owned them and i know!!
    hail hail too cadillac a great car better
    history ,realistic fun!!!!

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