Cadillac XLR-V Review

2009 Cadillac XLR-V Convertible

There are a few lucky car shoppers out there who can afford the very best the automotive world has to offer. For those hoping to go really fast and be coddled while doing it, Cadillac created the XLR-V convertible. The V at the end of the car's moniker indicates that it's a performance variant of Cadillac's XLR, but it could easily stand for viciously quick and very luxurious.

Viciously quick comes courtesy of this Cadillac's supercharged V8, which will send you hurtling from zero to 60 in less than 5 seconds. You won't find any assembly lines at the Wixom, Michigan, facility in which the high-performance engine is made. Taking a cue from European ultraluxury manufacturers, Cadillac has given each V8 a personal touch, with each being built from start to finish by a single craftsman. Very luxurious is the end result of the wealth of standard features offered by the Cadillac XLR-V roadster. Adaptive cruise control, heated steering wheel, head-up display and a voice-activated navigation system are all part of the lineup.

Unfortunately, the XLR-V just doesn't stack up to its similarly priced rivals from Germany, Britain and even within General Motors itself. The XLR-V may be vicious, but it lacks the slick handling, high levels of refinement and interior furnishings others offer. Quite simply, you can do much better when spending this much money.

Current Cadillac XLR-V

Designed to facilitate wind-tousled tresses and sun-kissed cheeks, the Cadillac XLR-V is available only as a two-seat convertible with a retractable hardtop. Aside from its high-performance innards, this V is distinguished from its less spirited sibling by virtue of styling cues like a unique front grille and a sculpted hood designed to accommodate the V8's supercharger.

Only one trim is available, but -- as befits the car's nearly six-figure price tag -- it's fully loaded. Perks like Bluetooth phone connectivity, heated leather seats and adaptive cruise control (which automatically maintains a preset distance between the roadster and the car ahead of it) are all standard. The XLR-V's power-retractable hardtop can go from closed to open (and vice-versa) in about 30 seconds.

Pop this Caddy's rather menacing hood and you'll find a supercharged 4.4-liter V8 with the goods to kick out 443 horsepower and 414 pound-feet of torque. A broad torque band keeps this might readily accessible; the engine is able to deliver 90 percent of peak torque between 2,200 and 6,000 rpm. A six-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift capability directs power to the rear wheels.

The XLR-V's cabin is attractive, but attractive simply isn't good enough for a car in this price range. Aluminum accents add a nice gleam to the steering wheel and instrument panel, and there are pleasing amounts of burnished exotic wood in evidence -- you'll find it on the shifter knob, steering wheel and parts of the door and center console. But compared to what's available from other cars populating this rarefied bracket, the overall look and feel of the Cadillac's interior is very disappointing. The cabin is also cramped and claustrophobic. The vertically gifted will find getting comfortable in the driver seat a challenge, and tight cargo room limits versatility.

Once settled, however, drivers will find themselves swept away on a wave of raw power. The Cadillac XLR-V is responsive and quick, eager to leap to attention at the slightest tap of the throttle. Its Magnetic Ride Control adaptive suspension (which automatically adjusts the suspension to reflect driving conditions) is tuned to be sportier than that of the XLR, but thanks to careful attention paid to handling dynamics, the car's ride is never abusive. The steering is overly heavy, though, and those handling dynamics don't compare to other coupes and convertibles in its class.

Used Cadillac XLR-Vs

Based on the XLR, the XLR-V luxury roadster first rolled into dealer showrooms in model year 2006. There were a few special-edition models produced during its life, but no major changes have occurred yet.

SELECT A SPECIFIC CADILLAC XLR-V MODEL YEAR*

* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.