Cadillac XT5 SUV revealed at LA motor show

Cadillac's Audi Q5 rival will go on sale in the US next spring, and could make it to the UK

The Cadillac XT5, a rival for the likes of the Audi Q5, BMW X3,Mercedes-Benz GLE and Lexus NX, has been revealed at the Los Angeles motor show.

The XT5 will be made in the US and China from next spring, and is the first of a new generation of Cadillac crossover models to be given the 'XT' designation. The XT5 replaces the SRX in the firm's range.

Cadillac says the XT5 sits on an entirely new platform, and is more than 126kg lighter than the SRX. In the US, the crossover will be powered by the same 310bhp 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine which already appears in the ATS, CTS and CT6 models. In China, a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol will be offered instead. An eight-speed automatic transmission will be fitted as standard.

Although front-wheel drive is standard, a new 'twin clutch' all-wheel drive system features on the options list. Inside, the XT5 has the same cabin styling already seen on the range-topping CT6.

Cadillac boss Johan de Nysschen said the XT5 is "the first of four new crossovers from Cadillac", and "enters the most popular segment in the worldwide luxury auto market."

Describing the model as being "pivotal to our ongoing growth," de Nysschen said "we've developed the XT5 from the inside out to give customers more space, more technology, more luxury and more efficiency."

Although so far the XT5 has been confirmed for sale only in the US, the model could also come to the UK in the near future. Speaking to Autocar earlier this year, GM boss Dan Ammann revealed the firm was planning a full-scale assault on Europe, with "diesel and right-hand-drive" models planned.

Cadillac currently has one dealer in the UK. Surrey-based Ian Allan Motors sells the ATS, CTS, SRX and Escalade model ranges.