The new badging began in model year 2020 for the XT5. The 400 is a number related to engine torque, although an exaggeration, for the 3.6L V6. The 350 is an exaggeration of the torque for the 2.0L turbo-4.

 

Thank you. When I looked at the motors they looked the same I was assuming I was missing something since cars not my thing at all.

 

The torque values used are in newton meters (nm), rounded up to the next 50 or 100, which makes it even more bizarre.

 

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Yeah, this is a nod to the way European makes numbered their cars for years. Originally, they indicated engine size, such as a Mercedes-Benz E320 using a 3.2l, CLK350 a 3.5l, S500 a 5.0l, etc. For BMW, the last two digits was engine size, so a 330 had a 3.0l, a 550 had a 5.0l, etc. But then they started coming out with smaller turbocharged engines, and the numbers now indicate that the engine output is "equivalent" to the former engine sizes. For example, the new ML350 uses a 2.0l I4 turbo that's "equivalent" to the former ML350 with a 3.5l V6. BMW's SUVs have always had odd nomenclature like an X5 xdrive35i which is a 3.0l turbo I6, ad so is the new xDrive 40i (it's just more powerful), but the xdrive30i is a 2.0l I4.

The bottom line is that they need something to designate more powerful and expensive cars. Who cares that the number isn't really engine size or actual torque? It also is sort of become standardized over different manufacturers with a "3-somthing" being an I4 turbo that performs like a V6, and a "4-something" being a V6 that performs like a V8.

 

Well, GM has a special mind not so clear to ordinary people who own 1971 Cadillac that simply said "Cadillac" and 8.2 Litre (French) badge .
400 is the round number for 373 newton meter torque to 400.
So if you see on the speedometer 100 Mph its actually 93Mph but they rounded it.

Also someone decided to put on the XT5 the red triangle hazard button on the far right of the CUE so either its for right hand steering countries or for some long arm Baboons like me.
Generally the XT5 gives a good value for money compare to others.[/QUOTE]

 

Yes, what you felt was real. The "400" has the six cylinder engine.

 

I suspect this is planning by Cadillac to use the engine torque rather than displacement, as their future (2025+) plans are to go all electric. Electric motors obviously have no displacement but have very high torque values, and therefore Cadillacs will have nice high number plaques due to the electric torque ratings.

Max

 

As someone else noted, the 400 badge indicates a 3.6L engine which the 2020 CT6 also wears if it has that engine.

Here is a story about the upcoming Lyriq and the 450 E badge it will have:

2023 Cadillac Lyriq To Wear 450E Badge

Per Cadillac's latest torque-based nomenclature, the new 2023 Cadillac Lyriq will wear a 450E badge, denoting the torque figure and electric powertrain.

cadillacsociety.com

 

Here's an idea: The US government (who knows what's best for us, of course) should require all automakers to badge their cars with a number that represents the results of a formula factoring in horsepower, torque, carbon footprint, 0-60 time, 1/4 mile time, price, and the net worth of the owner.

 

I am on my 3rd XT5. The XT5 has just the "right stuff" for wifey and me. The styling is right for our taste, a crossover with a bit of a sloping back silhouette, and thought to suggest a sporty attitude. Another responder mentioned that it uses regular vs higher octane fuel. That is convenient. I believe the 3.5 (badged "400") is the continuation of the GM 3.5 that has been around for many yrs. (perhaps with some refinements for "Caddy". My feeling is that it is tried and true for reliability. This time (buying a new 2020) I drove the turbo and it felt lively, but I have not seen the numbers yet. I chose a "sport" with AWD & all the options that made sense
like adaptive cruise and almost every "uplevel feature". So it stickered close to $68K. I didn't like that it has no sport badge on the liftgate. I think that is wrong. You spend the bucks and it doesn't really show. I really like the car and have owned several SRX to XT5s. This one has spent a lot of time in the dealer's shop. I think it has a tendency to lean toward lemonade, but we love it anyway! This just my two cents. Good luck w/your search and purchase.

 

I got the XT5 400 because, 1) wife liked the car, and 2) the 350 needs Premium fuel and 400 uses Regular fuel.

 

Please note that the V6 in the XT5 is a transverse mounted engine.