2008 Cadillac XLR-V Review
2008 Cadillac XLR-V Review
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
+13
Used XLR-V for sale
Appraise This CarSee Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Powerful V8, head-turning styling, retractable hardtop convenience, almost all of the vehicle's features come standard.
Cons
- Cramped cockpit for taller drivers, steering lacks feedback, middling interior quality unsuited to six-figure price.
What’s new
For 2008, the Cadillac XLR-V adds a standard heated steering wheel and a new Alpine White Edition option package.
Edmunds says
Fast, stylish and full of features, the 2008 Cadillac XLR-V makes an interesting alternative to European-brand luxury roadsters. Just be aware that many competitors are more refined and involving to drive.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2008 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
$324/mo for XLR-V Base
XLR-V Base
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Cadillac's efforts to re-establish itself among the world's best automakers have met with encouraging results. Recent years have seen a return to rear-wheel drive and, as a result, two solid-performing sport sedans, a surprisingly athletic crossover SUV and the image-building XLR roadster. However, Cadillac decided its intent to compete with the top European brands would only be clear if it built a wickedly fast version of its highest offering -- one with blistering performance, head-turning looks and maybe a six-figure price to match. Enter the Cadillac XLR-V.
As in Cadillac's other V-series offerings, the "V" in 2008 Cadillac XLR-V signals a generous helping of velocity-biased hardware. Under the hood sits a hand-built 4.4-liter V8 that's been supercharged to the tune of 443 horsepower. It's complemented by firmer suspension tuning and upgraded brakes. Visual cues like 19-inch wheels, a mesh grille and quad exhaust tips clearly signal that this is no ordinary XLR.
For the most part, the Corvette-based XLR-V delivers on its performance promises. Its acceleration will leave several luxury roadsters behind, and the roadster's angular shape still looks distinctive. However, some aspects of the drive leave us cold, such as the vague steering and handling that, while impressive, fails to measure up to the extraordinarily high standards of this class. We also have mixed feelings about the XLR-V's interior. Some materials are appropriately rich, yet others seem quite average, and the cockpit doesn't fit drivers of all heights.
Competition in this class includes such accomplished roadsters as the Mercedes SL-Class, Porsche 911 Cabriolet and Jaguar XKR, as well as the four-seat BMW M6 convertible. Of these, the Porsche offers the most visceral drive; the Mercedes, the best combination of luxury, style and performance, specifically in AMG form. The 2008 Cadillac XLR-V is an interesting domestic alternative and may even turn more heads than the other cars, but if it were our 100 grand, we'd take the Porsche or the Benz.
Performance & mpg
A supercharged 4.4-liter V8 sends 443 hp and 414 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. Power is channeled through a six-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift capability. Cadillac claims the XLR-V can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, which would put it more than a full second ahead of the standard XLR.
Safety
Antilock disc brakes, traction control and stability control are all standard. As in all convertibles of this ilk, the XLR-V's side airbags inflate to protect both the head and torso.
Driving
With a jump of 123 hp and 114 lb-ft of torque over the standard XLR, the 2008 Cadillac XLR-V is vastly more responsive. Push on the right pedal and the XLR-V catapults forth on a wave of supercharged torque. Even with its firmer suspension setup, though, the XLR-V is still tuned for a balanced approach between ride and handling, which means it's softer than many rivals. This attribute, combined with a rather heavy and numb steering setup, makes this performance roadster feel a little out of its element on winding roads.
However, in normal driving, the XLR-V feels swift and stable. Cowl shake is nearly nonexistent, and the V8 sounds terrific. Wind buffeting can get somewhat intrusive with the top down, but the XLR-V is whisper-quiet with its top up.
Interior
The cockpit of the XLR-V offers much to like. Its design is mostly simple even with all the state-of-the-art technology. Furthermore, the leather is supple, the wood convincing and build quality solid. However, we find the XLR-V's cockpit less appealing in light of the car's price. The switchgear lacks aesthetic appeal, and some trim pieces have a tacked-on appearance. As in many cars of GM origin, too many functions have been crammed onto the turn-signal stalk. In addition, the steering wheel's a bit large for our tastes, and the limited rearward seat travel may cramp taller drivers.
2008 Cadillac XLR-V models
The 2008 Cadillac XLR-V is a two-seat luxury roadster. Its retractable hardtop turns the body from a closed coupe to wide-open convertible in under 30 seconds. Nearly every imaginable luxury feature comes standard, including a nine-speaker Bose stereo (with satellite radio), OnStar telematics, a navigation system, keyless start, xenon headlights, adaptive cruise control, a heated steering wheel with power tilt and telescope adjustments, a head-up display and rear park assist.
In fact, the XLR-V's comprehensive equipment list leaves room for only a pair of options: the Alpine White Edition (which features its namesake's exterior hue along with chrome wheels) and chrome wheels. Just like the standard wheels, the chrome versions are 19 inches in diameter and are wrapped in 235/45 front rubber and wider 255/40 rear treads. All XLR-Vs have leather and suede upholstery and real wood interior accents.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2008 Cadillac XLR-V.
5 star(92%)
4 star(8%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
24 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.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2008 Cadillac XLR-V, so we've included reviews for other years of the XLR-V since its last redesign.
2008 XLR-V Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $99,160 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $324/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
Related Used 2008 Cadillac XLR-V info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Used Hyundai Sonata 2021
- Used Audi R8 2018
- Used Toyota Prius 2011
- Used Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class 2019
- Used BMW X3 2020
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2023 GLA-Class
- 2025 Ford F-150 News
- 2023 AMG GT
- 2023 Ford Explorer
- 2023 Ford Ranger
- 2025 Kia Telluride News
- GMC Terrain 2023
- 2025 UX 250h
- 2023 BMW X7
- Kia Sorento Plug In Hybrid
Research other models of Cadillac
- 2023 Cadillac XT5
- Cadillac ATS 2024
- 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ
- 2024 Escalade
- 2023 CT5
- 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV
- 2023 Cadillac Escalade
- Cadillac CT5 2023
- Cadillac XT4 2023
- Escalade Escalade Esv
Other models
- Used BMW Ix in Kingman, AZ
- Used Ford F-150 in Savannah, GA
- Used Maserati MC20 in Nacogdoches, TX
- Used Chevrolet Avalanche in Beltsville, MD
- Used Lexus RX-450HL in Sacramento, CA
- Used Chrysler LHS in Mocksville, NC
- Used Lexus Is-250 in Denmark, SC
- Used GMC Acadia in Schenectady, NY
- Used Jeep Grand-Cherokee-4Xe in Albany, OR
- Used Ferrari 458-Italia in Plymouth, MA