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2009 Cadillac XLR-V Quality Review

February 21, 2009

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Ergonomics in the cabin feel more cramped than the cockpit of the SL
Detroit News

Middling interior quality unsuited to six-figure price
Edmunds

Comfortable cabin with quality materials
MyRide.com

The 2009 Cadillac XLR-V comes up short on storage and cargo space yet provides decent comfort levels for the driver and passenger.

“The vertically gifted will find getting comfortable in the driver seat a challenge," says Edmunds. "Cabin dimensions in this convertible are also tight, resulting in a cramped environment for taller drivers... There's also not a whole lot of room available.” 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 2009 Cadillac somewhat, calling it "not expansive, but as roomy as any rival," and stating that the "comfortable, supportive seats set low, so entry/exit requires minor effort." Cars.com counters this, commenting that “high sills demand some twisting to get inside.” TheCarConnection.com notes that the 2009 Cadillac XLR-V’s interior space is cozy. The Detroit News complains about "ergonomics in the cabin, which feels more cramped than the cockpit of the SL."

Cargo and storage space are more disappointing, though. With the Cadillac 2009 XLR-V’s 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." The Detroit News suggests that the Cadillac XLR-V 2009 "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."

Regarding materials, Edmunds is critical, reporting "middling interior quality unsuited to six-figure price," and that "some materials are appropriately rich, yet others seem quite average." On the other hand, the Detroit News is highly complimentary, calling 2009 Cadillac materials "really top drawer—just about the nicest that GM offers on any of its interiors in North America." To help settle the score, TheCarConnection.com’s editors think that the XLR-V’s interior looks great, but its execution suffers with materials that aren’t quite up to snuff for such an expensive vehicle.

Edmunds also complains about noise levels in the 2009 Cadillac XLR-V: "Wind buffeting can get somewhat intrusive with the top down, but the XLR-V is whisper-quiet with its top up."

Conclusion

The 2009 Cadillac XLR-V offers good comfort and a heady dose of luxury, but space—especially cargo space—is limited.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:Ergonomics in the cabin feel more cramped than the cockpit of the SLDetroit NewsMiddling interior quality unsuited to six-figure priceEdmundsComfortable cabin with quality materialsMyRide.com The 2009 Cadillac XLR-V comes up short on storage and cargo space yet provides decent comfort levels for the driver and passenger. “The vertically gifted will find getting comfortable in the driver seat a challenge," says Edmunds. "Cabin dimensions in this convertible are also tight, resulting in a cramped environment for taller drivers... There's also not a whole lot of room available.” 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 2009 Cadillac somewhat, calling it "not expansive, but as roomy as any rival," and stating that the "comfortable, supportive seats set low, so entry/exit requires minor effort." Cars.com counters this, commenting that “high sills demand some twisting to get inside.” TheCarConnection.com notes that the 2009 Cadillac XLR-V’s interior space is cozy. The Detroit News complains about "ergonomics in the cabin, which feels more cramped than the cockpit of the SL." Cargo and storage space are more disappointing, though. With the Cadillac 2009 XLR-V’s 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." The Detroit News suggests that the Cadillac XLR-V 2009 "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." Regarding materials, Edmunds is critical, reporting "middling interior quality unsuited to six-figure price," and that "some materials are appropriately rich, yet others seem quite average." On the other hand, the Detroit News is highly complimentary, calling 2009 Cadillac materials "really top drawer—just about the nicest that GM offers on any of its interiors in North America." To help settle the score, TheCarConnection.com’s editors think that the XLR-V’s interior looks great, but its execution suffers with materials that aren’t quite up to snuff for such an expensive vehicle. Edmunds also complains about noise levels in the 2009 Cadillac XLR-V: "Wind buffeting can get somewhat intrusive with the top down, but the XLR-V is whisper-quiet with its top up." ConclusionThe 2009 Cadillac XLR-V offers good comfort and a heady dose of luxury, but space—especially cargo space—is limited. 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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