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2009 Cadillac XLR-V Review

February 21, 2009

STYLING | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

edgy styling stands out from the crowd
Kelley Blue Book

sharply chiseled two-seater
Cars.com

a contemporary expression of Cadillac's heritage
Edmunds

The 2009 Cadillac XLR-V has a supercharged V-8 engine and a sharp-edged style that's all its own. Derived in part from the Chevrolet Corvette, the XLR-V is the hottest version of the brand’s two-seat, retractable-hardtop roadster.

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 [that] include polished wire-mesh upper and lower grilles, a sculpted hood and four stainless-steel exhaust tips," says Cars.com. 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."

Edmunds is not a big fan of the interior of the Cadillac XLR-V 2009. "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." However, the interior is definitely a step above the 2009 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."

Conclusion

The 2009 Cadillac XLR-V boasts styling that will catch your eye from a distance, but the interior isn’t universally appreciated.

STYLING | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:edgy styling stands out from the crowdKelley Blue Booksharply chiseled two-seaterCars.coma contemporary expression of Cadillac's heritageEdmunds The 2009 Cadillac XLR-V has a supercharged V-8 engine and a sharp-edged style that's all its own. Derived in part from the Chevrolet Corvette, the XLR-V is the hottest version of the brand’s two-seat, retractable-hardtop roadster. 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 [that] include polished wire-mesh upper and lower grilles, a sculpted hood and four stainless-steel exhaust tips," says Cars.com. 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." Edmunds is not a big fan of the interior of the Cadillac XLR-V 2009. "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." However, the interior is definitely a step above the 2009 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." ConclusionThe 2009 Cadillac XLR-V boasts styling that will catch your eye from a distance, but the interior isn’t universally appreciated. 2009 CADILLAC XLR-V STYLING | [8 out of 10] Kelley Blue Book: "edgy styling stands out from the crowd" Cars.com: "sharply chiseled two-seater" Edmunds: "a contemporary expression of Cadillac's heritage" The 2009 Cadillac XLR-V has a supercharged V-8 engine and a sharp-edged ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

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.

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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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