2013 Cadillac XTS vs. Its Competition

Bengt Halvorson Senior Editor

The 2013 Cadillac XTS is sized, on the outside, about the same as the short-wheelbase versions of the Audi A8 and BMW 7-Series--alone with perhaps the Mercedes-Benz E Class--although in terms of pricing it lands closer to the A6.

Compared to the Audi and Mercedes-Benz, the XTS doesn't offer the same sort of more exclusive driving feel as those models, although it is fully as good for refinement and interior comfort.

We'd rather be in the back seat of the XTS than in that of the E-Class or A6.

The Lincoln MKS is perhaps a stronger performer, although it's inferior for interior space and the MyFord Touch system doesn't have the same level of intuitiveness as CUE.

Hyundai's Genesis is another interesting possibility; though it's rear-wheel-drive, it's more of a comfort-oriented performance sedan and is a good value, even if it doesn't include any of the XTS's top safety-tech features.

There's also the Lexus ES 350, which is being redesigned for 2013 and should offer an improved interior with somewhat sharper driving dynamics.