2008 Cadillac XLR-V

Arrange a test drive, get free price quotes, or read local dealer ratings for 2008 Cadillac XLR-V:

By  Rex Roy, Editor

2008 Cadillac XLR-V
Enlarge Photo

 2008 CADILLAC XLR-V STYLING | [8 out of 10]

Edmunds: "head-turning styling"
Detroit news: "sharply chiseled two-seater"
Cars.com: "Zingana wood trim and aluminum accents"

The 2008 Cadillac XLR-V is the hottest version of the brand’s two-seat retractable-hardtop roadster. It’s derived in part from the Chevrolet Corvette, but the XLR-V has a supercharged V-8 engine and straight-edge style all its own.

The Detroit News calls the XLR-V a “sharply chiseled two-seater,” while Cars.com points out "stealth fighters inspired [the XLR],” adding that it’s “a contemporary expression of Cadillac's heritage of landmark design and advanced technology." Kelley Blue Book says the "edgy styling stands out from the crowd,” while Edmunds predicts its shape “will appeal to those looking to roll up to the valet in something different from the status quo.” As a “V” version of a Cadillac vehicle, the XLR-V gets special "design features [which] include polished wire-mesh upper and lower grilles, a sculpted hood and four stainless-steel exhaust tips," Cars.com points out.

The interior is definitely a step above the 2008 Cadillac XLR-V's little brother, the XLR; Cars.com reports that "the interior has Zingana wood trim and aluminum accents on the wheel," while the Detroit News raves that it's "trimmed in rich-looking ebony leather with French stitching and matching perforated-suede inserts, as well as aluminum accents on the steering wheel and instrument panel." On the other hand, Edmunds is not such a fan of the interior of the Cadillac XLR-V 2008: "abundant wood and metallic accents are a good start, but aesthetics ultimately miss the mark, thanks to generic-looking switchgear and unspectacular leather. For a car that costs a hair short of $100,000, this is a profound disappointment."

Conclusion: The 2008 Cadillac XLR-V has edgy styling in its corner and Zingana wood to liven up its interior.

2008 CADILLAC XLR-V PERFORMANCE | [9 out of 10]

Edmunds: "Viciously quick"
MyRide.com: "Tenacious grip in the corners"
Detroit News: "transmission tunnel also gets extremely hot to the touch"

The 2008 Cadillac XLR-V surpasses the stock XLR in straight-line speed, and its handling is tighter without treading on Corvette territory.

"The performance-packed [Cadillac XLR-V 2008] is fitted with a supercharged 4.4-liter V-8 that develops 443 hp at 6,400 rpm and 414 pounds-feet of torque at 3,900 rpm," praises Cars.com. The "special motor” is “a supercharged, 4.4-liter version of the highly regarded Northstar DOHC V-8," the Detroit News adds. They also note it "delivers an ample 443 horsepower and 414 pounds-feet of torque -- enough to rocket this sled from rest to 60 in about 4.9 seconds."

Edmunds reports this 2008 Cadillac as being "viciously quick...courtesy of this Cadillac's supercharged V8, which will send you hurtling from zero to 60 in less than 5 seconds." This source notes that like the engines of certain BMW models, "Cadillac has given each V8 a personal touch, with each being built from start to finish by a single craftsman," making it "responsive and quick, eager to leap to attention at the slightest tap of the throttle." Car and Driver says it’s “able to purr around at lower engine speeds as befits a luxury marque, then snarl to the redline with almost shocking ferocity.”

According to Cars.com, the "six-speed automatic transmission incorporates Performance Algorithm Shifting and Performance Algorithm Liftfoot systems, along with Driver Shift Control for manually selected gear changes." The Detroit News reports that the Cadillac XLR-V 2008's engine "drives the rear wheels through a new Hydra-matic six-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift capability." The transmission “provides almost intuitive response to a driver's inputs,” Car and Driver says.

The EPA estimates fuel consumption in the XLR-V at 15 mpg in city driving and 22 mpg on the open road.

Cars.com notes that the XLR-V has "a rear stabilizer bar and a larger front stabilizer bar" than the XLR. Edmunds reports a "memorable and engaging ride," but suggests that "you'll find more refined and engaging driving dynamics in its European competition...quite simply, you can do much better when spending this much money." This is despite the "magnetic ride control, which automatically adjusts the suspension to compensate for issues like pavement conditions and vehicle speed" as telegraphed by the Detroit News. Automobile gets a chuckle when it says the XLR-V’s steering is “like a late-in-life Marlon Brando having a root canal: weighty but numb.” Nonetheless, MyRide.com asserts the 2008 Cadillac XLR-V offers "tenacious grip in the corners, excellent brakes [with a] standard StabiliTrak stability control system [that] keeps things in proper alignment." This source remarks "disabling StabiliTrak might have upped the level of excitement." Car and Driver says “the ride is still considerably better than that of the Corvette with which this car shares so much platform architecture.”

Conclusion: The 2008 Cadillac XLR-V turns in stunning performance, but European sportscars have marginally better handling.

2008 CADILLAC XLR-V COMFORT AND QUALITY | [8 out of 10]

Edmunds: "cramped environment for taller drivers"
Detroit News: "this car isn't the ideal vacation vehicle, unless you pack light"
MyRide.com: "Comfortable cabin with quality materials"

The 2008 Cadillac XLR-V provides good comfort levels, but falls short on storage and cargo space.

TheCarConnection.com notes that Cadillac XLR-V 2008 interior space is a bit cozy. The Detroit News complains about "ergonomics in the cabin, which feels more cramped than the cockpit of the SL." Edmunds warns that "cabin dimensions in this [2008 Cadillac] convertible are also tight, resulting in a cramped environment for taller drivers...There's also not a whole lot of room available. The vertically gifted will find getting comfortable in the driver seat a challenge." By way of apology, MyRide.com explains that the "narrow foot well [is] necessitated by the wide powertrain tunnel." ConsumerGuide tempers its praise of this 2008 Cadillac somewhat: "not expansive, but as roomy as any rival," stating that the "comfortable, supportive seats set low, so entry/exit requires minor effort." Cars.com counters this: “high sills demand some twisting to get inside.”

If passenger and driver space are tight, cargo and storage space are even tighter; the Detroit News suggests that the Cadillac XLR-V 2008 "isn't the ideal vacation vehicle, unless you pack light -- very light...with the retractable hardtop stowed in the trunk, the XLR-V has a razor-thin 4.4 cubic feet of luggage space, which is about enough room to stash two soft duffle bags -- forget the picnic basket and golf clubs. And there's barely enough room in the two-seat cabin to stow an iPod, let alone a laptop computer." With the Cadillac XLR-V 2008 top up, MyRide.com reports that the "long but shallow trunk provides 11.6 cubic-feet of cargo room," adding that it "fails to impress in terms of cargo capacity."

When it comes to materials, the Detroit News is highly complimentary, calling 2008 Cadillac materials "really top drawer -- just about the nicest that GM offers on any of its interiors in North America." Edmunds is more critical, however, reporting "middling interior quality unsuited to six-figure price," and that "some materials are appropriately rich, yet others seem quite average."

Edmunds also feels that 2008 Cadillac XLR-V noise levels are a mixed bag: "wind buffeting can get somewhat intrusive with the top down, but the XLR-V is whisper-quiet with its top up."

Conclusion: Storage and cargo capability aboard the 2008 Cadillac XLR-V are limited, but for short trips, it offers good comfort and a heady dose of luxury.

2008 CADILLAC XLR-V SAFETY | [9 out of 10]

Edmunds: "Antilock disc brakes, traction control and stability control are all standard"
MyRide.com: "both occupants will benefit"
Cars.com: "all-disc antilock brakes, traction control and a stability system are standard"
NHTSA: No data
IIHS: No data

The 2008 Cadillac XLR-V has not been crash-tested by either the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

"Antilock disc brakes, traction control and stability control are all standard," according to Edmunds, which also reports that the Cadillac XLR-V has "side airbags inflate to protect both the head and torso." MyRide.com suggests "both [2008 Cadillac XLR-V] occupants will benefit from front and seat-mounted side airbags."

Cars.com notes that Cadillac XLR-V 2008 "seat belts have powered pretensioners," while "four-channel all-disc antilock brakes, traction control and a stability system" are standard.

Disturbingly, MyRide.com reports that this 2008 Cadillac has "high rear body line that results in limited visibility."

Conclusion: The 2008 Cadillac XLR-V hasn’t been crash-tested yet, but comes with a long list of standard safety equipment.

2008 CADILLAC XLR-V FEATURES | [10 out of 10]

Edmunds: "Only one trim is available, but it's fully loaded"
Detroit News: "the XLR-V also shares such standard XLR equipment as stability and traction control"
Kelley Blue Book: "Just about everything a luxury-performance fan could savor is included"

The 2008 Cadillac XLR-V has no optional equipment, because as is the case with its smaller brother the XLR, all equipment is standard.

Kelley Blue Book reports, "Just about everything a luxury-performance fan could savor is included" in the list price of the 2008 Cadillac, though they note that "none of the features are unique or particularly dramatic."

Edmunds states "only one [Cadillac XLR-V 2008] trim is available, but -- as befits the car's nearly six-figure price tag -- it's fully loaded. Perks like Bluetooth phone connectivity, heated leather seats and adaptive cruise control (which automatically maintains a preset distance between the roadster and the car ahead of it) are all standard."

The Detroit News asserts "Cadillac lavishes enough high-tech features on the car to rival Germany's best, but without the unnecessarily complicated controls...standard features include adaptive headlamps, radar cruise control, an ultrasonic reverse sensing system, rain-sensing wipers, a DVD navigation system with touch-screen."

Because this 2008 Cadillac is fully loaded, the very term "optional equipment" is meaningless here. Edmunds adds that the Cadillac XLR-V 2008's "comprehensive equipment list leaves room for only a pair of options: the Alpine White Edition (which features its namesake's exterior hue along with chrome wheels) and chrome wheels."

Conclusion: The 2008 Cadillac XLR-V is amply optioned for its $100,000 price tag.