Cadillac XLR (05-06) - Review Review by Simon Harris on 26 February 2008 The Cadillac XLR arrived in the UK in 2005 as part of Cadillac’s sales push into Europe. The two-seat roadster paved is aimed squarely (no pun intended) at the likes of the Mercedes SL and uses the Corvette C6 as a base but with Caddy’s Northstar 4.6-litre V8 taking care of power duties via five-speed automatic. Much like the Merc, the XLR has a folding metal roof that disappears under the boot lid, though the Cadillac’s uses up almost every last cubic inch of luggage space when folded down. The XLR tempts with its near endless list of standard equipment, but the very few brave enough to buy this left-hand drive only roadster new in the UK face a depreciation curve that more closely resembles a cliff face. 3 out of 5 Other Cadillac reviews Summary Facts & Figures Equipment Driving & Performance Comfort Costs Safety & Reliability Buying & Selling Also Consider Company Car Info Gallery 4 out of 5 Safety The Cadillac XLR comes with twin front and side airbags, anti-lock brakes and ESP traction control as standard, which is what you’d expect of a car in this class. Where the it exceeds expectations is with its head-up display to reduce the amount of time the driver’s eyes are taken away from the road ahead. The adaptive cruise control maintains a pre-set distance from the car in front and will automatically slow itself if the car ahead reduces its speed and comes within that pre-programmed safe distance. Euro NCAP Provides motoring consumers with a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of some of the most popular cars sold in Europe. Visit Euro NCAP for more info 4 out of 5 Reliability The wood and leather cabin of the XLR may not have the polished appeal of a Jaguar or the precision feel of a Mercedes, but it’s well put together and should last a long time. The mechanical package is equally robust due to the Corvette origins, which are well proven. The 4.6-litre V8 is a tried and trusted unit that is unlikely to cause any worries. Car check problem points Body No problems reported. Engine/Gearbox No problems reported. Other No problems reported. Car Valuations Find used car prices with Parkers accurate car valuations. Find out more Cars for Sale Search well over a hundred thousand new and used cars for sale across the UK. Find out more Previous: Costs Next: Buying & Selling