2006 Cadillac XLR-V Review
2006 Cadillac XLR-V Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Hugely powerful supercharged V8, eye-catching design, hardtop convenience, nearly every feature is standard.
Cons
- Interior doesn't always reflect the price, minimal cargo space, can be cramped for taller drivers.
What’s new
The XLR-V is a new performance variant of the XLR luxury roadster. Associated upgrades include a supercharged V8, upgraded suspension and braking hardware, bigger wheels, body enhancements and special interior trim.
Edmunds says
If the regular XLR's performance leaves you wanting more, the XLR-V will cure what ails you with a huge dose of supercharged V8 power. That's assuming you're willing to stomach the XLR-V's associated price increase, of course.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 Cadillac XLR-V 2dr Convertible (4.4L 8cyl S/C 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$344/mo for XLR-V Base
XLR-V Base
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Slowly but surely, Cadillac is changing its image from a company that builds stodgy, old people's cars to a brand that offers exclusivity, style and a little attitude. If the XLR can't drive that point home, maybe nothing can. The XLR shares the same basic platform as the sixth-generation Chevrolet Corvette. Normally, carmakers are eager to distance themselves from the platform-sharing formula, but with the XLR, Cadillac is eager to talk up the car's origins. Company officials say it's a luxury roadster with performance car roots and who can blame them?
Cadillac is further upping the ante in 2006 with the XLR-V. Like the CTS-V and STS-V, this is a dedicated performance version focused around a vastly more powerful engine. In the XLR-V's case, the engine happens to be a supercharged version of the Northstar V8. To create it, Cadillac's engineers redesigned every major component, reduced the engine's displacement from 4.6 liters to 4.4 liters and dialed back its compression ratio to a more boost-friendly 9.0 to 1. Then, they engineered and patented a unique induction system. The air enters the supercharger from the rear, passes through its spinning vanes from the bottom, is cooled by a top-mounted intercooler and then does a complete 180 before heading down the long runners of the intake manifold. It all fits neatly under the XLR-V's bulging hood and cranks horsepower from a normal 320 to a mouthwatering 443. According to Cadillac, the XLR-V can tick off 60 mph in fewer than 5 seconds. A six-speed automatic transmission with a manual sequential-shift feature transfers that power to the Cad's 19-inch rear wheels and fat Pirelli run-flat tires. Upgraded cross-drilled brakes and a retuned version of the Magnetic Ride Control suspension are also part of the package. Inside the cockpit, one will find Zingana wood trim and Ebony leather with French stitching and perforated suede fabric inserts. On the outside, there's no missing the tasteful metal mesh grilles, domed hood, special wheel design, deeper front spoiler and quad exhaust tips.
There's no doubt that the V-Series enhancements make this roadster a much more desirable package. If this was the car that Cadillac debuted in 2004 for the same price as the regular XLR, it would have been a fantastic coup de grace. But as it is, the XLR-V's price premium puts it in very close company with the Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG. And, pitted nose-to-nose, the Mercedes is the better and more prestigious car. Still, Cadillac's roadster is a solid luxury sport roadster and worth a look if you want to pull up to the valet circle in something a little different.
Performance & mpg
The heart of the XLR-V is a supercharged 4.4-liter V8. It produces 443 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 414 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission that features manual-shift control. Expect a 0-to-60-mph time of fewer than 5 seconds.
Safety
The XLR-V comes with a host of safety features, most designed to keep the car from getting into an accident in the first place. Four-wheel antilock disc brakes and stability control are standard, as are side airbags. Because the XLR-V is a two-seater, the passenger-side front airbag can be switched off to accommodate children in safety seats.
Driving
With its significant bump in horsepower over the regular XLR, the XLR-V is vastly more responsive. Dipping the throttle is all that's required for dispatching slow-moving traffic. Push harder and the XLR-V bellows forth on a wave of supercharged torque. The XLR-V, while possessing a sportier setup, is still tuned for a balanced approach toward performance and luxury. And, alas, this is something that the Mercedes SL55 AMG, with its high-tech suspension, pulls off more successfully. Part of the problem is an overly large steering wheel that makes the XLR-V feel a bit ponderous, but at least the level of steering assist isn't overly aggressive. At highway speeds wind buffeting is intrusive with the top down, but not so much that it deters from the XLR-V's otherwise exemplary all-around performance.
Interior
Inside, the XLR-V aims for simple elegance. Clean-looking but certainly not bland, the XLR's interior is modern and warm. Standard features include such gee-whiz technology as a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, a voice-activated DVD navigation system, heated and cooled seats, plus optional XM radio and a Bose audio system. The touchscreen is mounted high in the center stack and helps keep the dash uncluttered by eliminating the need for numerous single-use buttons.
2006 Cadillac XLR-V models
The XLR-V is available as a two-door, two-seat roadster only. Its retractable hardtop is power-operated and goes from open to closed in about 30 seconds. Virtually every luxury feature comes standard, including a navigation system, traction control, stability control, adaptive high-intensity discharge headlights, rear parking sensors, headlamp washers, dual-zone climate control, a 250-watt sound system with an in-dash CD changer and a 7-inch touchscreen for driver information, entertainment and navigation system control. The XLR-V boasts an upscale cabin complete with Zingana wood trim and aluminum accents in addition to special leather upholstery.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2006 Cadillac XLR-V.
5 star(83%)
4 star(17%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
12 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
MY ORIGINAL 2006 XLR-V NOTHING YET BETTER
Peter Prowalny, 01/20/2018
2006 Cadillac XLR-V 2dr Convertible (4.4L 8cyl S/C 6A)
Repairs though very few are expensive. Body parts will be more rare and expensive as the car ages. You will absolutely love it forever.
4 out of 5 stars
The New Grandpa's Cadillac
Army Al, 05/15/2019
2006 Cadillac XLR-V 2dr Convertible (4.4L 8cyl S/C 6A)
Before purchasing the XLR V, only 2,188 were produced, I test drove the Base model XLR over 13,500 produced as well. My only comment on the V model is that it's an upgraded base model on steroids. Love the additional supercharged power, acceleration and the sound of the engine when the pedal is put to the metal. I only participate in car shows and average 800 miles yearly. 9.9 times out … of 10 times, it's the only XLR V in attendance surrounded by Ferraris, Lambos, MBZs, BMWs, Jaguars, Teslas and other exotic cars. Haven't had any mechanical issues since my initial purchase in Nov 2014. Counting my lucky stars when I hit the starter button. Buy it, drive it, if you want daily attention. As a senior citizen, I'm in the 4th quarter of my life and the XLR V will take me to my end game with a smile on my face. A previous Vette and Porsche owner and they don't even come close IMHO. Since the car is out of production as of 2009, certain spare parts are impossible to find. Example, head and tail lights. Don't have an accident.
5 out of 5 stars
The most spectular car I have owned
bruce4ahome, 06/04/2018
2006 Cadillac XLR-V 2dr Convertible (4.4L 8cyl S/C 6A)
I have had 4 Corvette's before this car. When I was looking for something new and fun, Of course I looked at the C6 Vette's but I liked the interior and exterior color combos they both offered. I prefer this color of the infared and Shale color combo over any the Corvette had to offer. Plus this car rides great. With it's weight distribution of 50/50, I have not broken the rear end loose … once driving the Ca. Sierra roads. Just a wonderful car. Very much a hear turner everywhere I go.
5 out of 5 stars
Great Sleeper
Old Sarge, 12/23/2006
2006 Cadillac XLR-V 2dr Convertible (4.4L 8cyl S/C 6A)
I traded a 2005 Honda S2000 for this car - WOW! This is a car that I never believed that an US car company would build, let alone Cadillac. Its handling is up there with the top line BMW and Mercedes. Its gas mileage is 20-22 mpg. This is a very nice ride.
2006 XLR-V Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $97,485 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $344/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 11.6 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the XLR-V include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
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