2009 Cadillac XLR-V Convertible

Once one of the world’s greatest automakers, Cadillac has seen more ups and downs over the past few decades than Apple’s stock price. However, GM’s wreath-and-crest division has made a concentrated effort in recent years to reclaim its previous glory. Rather than allow European and Japanese carmakers to rule the luxury-brand roost, Cadillac has decided to engage in its competitors head-on. A key part of this attempt is the company’s halo car, the 2009 Cadillac XLR-V.

As the sky-scraping performance version of the XLR two-seat retractable hardtop roadster, the XLR-V serves notice to European automakers that they don’t have an exclusive hold on sexy drop tops with glowing performance. The XLR-V also boasts the essential six-figure price of admission. Subtle hints such as 19-inch wheels, a mesh grille and quad exhaust tips clearly indicated that this is no ordinary XLR. Backing up the “V” badge is a hand-built, supercharged 4.4-liter V8 engine that cranks out a strong 443 horsepower, along with firmer suspension tuning and upgraded brakes.

2009 Cadillac XLR-V Convertible Image Gallery:


With its powerfully built engine and Corvette-based platform, one would expect the Cadillac XLR-V to be a strong performer. Sure enough, its continuous acceleration leaves lesser luxury roadsters much behind, and its handling and braking are more than reputable. Yet its comparatively uncommunicative steering leaves us cold and its handling still isn’t as sharp as what you’ll find in the European competition. As such, the XLR-V is far from class-leading in the driver entertainment type.

A couple other trivial shortcomings prevent the XLR-V from taking the title of top luxury roadster. While the cockpit looks luxurious, it doesn’t fit drivers of all heights. Moreover, while most interior materials appear appropriately rich, a few others are distinctly average. In this elite segment, every feature counts, and the XLR-V can ill afford such missteps.

The luxury-roadster class includes such celebrities as the BMW M6 convertible, Jaguar XKR, Mercedes-Benz SL-Class and Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet. Of these, the Porsche offers the most satisfying drive, the M6 allows seating for four and the Mercedes arguably provides the best combination of luxury, style and performance, especially in AMG form. The 2009 Cadillac XLR-V is an attractive domestic alternative, and it may even turn more heads than the other cars due to its relative scarcity. But if it were our 100 luxurious, we’d take the Porsche or the Benz.

The 2009 Cadillac XLR-V is a two-seat luxury roadster. Its retractable hardtop can convert the car from closed coupe to wide-open convertible in less than 30 seconds. Nearly every possible luxury feature comes standard, including a nine-speaker Bose stereo (with XM satellite radio), OnStar telematics, a navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, keyless entry and start, xenon headlights, adaptive cruise control, a heated steering wheel with power tilt and telescope adjustments, a head-up display and rear parking support. The lone factory alternative is a set of chrome-finished wheels.

A supercharged 4.4-liter V8 engine sends 443 hp and 414 lb-ft of torque to the 2009 Cadillac XLR-V’s rear wheels. Power is channelled through a six-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift capability. We timed an XLR-V from zero to 60 mile-per-hour in a slight 4.6 seconds, which puts it more than a full second in front of the standard XLR and right in the thick of the high-performance roadster race. Braking performance, at 119 ft from 60 mph, is adequate, though the top stoppers can do the action in less than 115 feet.

Antilock disc brakes, traction control and stability control are all standard on the 2009 Cadillac XLR-V. As in all convertibles of this type, the XLR-V’s side airbags inflate to guard both the head and torso.

The cockpit of the XLR-V offers much to like. Its design is appealingly effortless, the leather supple, the wood trim convincing and the build quality solid. However, we find the XLR-V’s cockpit less attractive in light of the car’s price. The switchgear looks and feels ordinary, and some trim pieces have a tacked-on appearance. As in many cars of GM origin, too many functions have been stuffed onto the turn-signal stalk. In addition, the steering wheel’s a bit big for our tastes, and the limited rearward seat journey may hamper the styles of taller drivers. The trunk boasts a respectable 11.6 cubic feet of space when the top is up; top down, however, that number drops to just 4.4 cubic feet.

With a jump of 123 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque over the standard XLR, the 2009 Cadillac XLR-V is greatly more responsive. Lean into the throttle 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 more for avenue cruising than all-out handling, which means it feels smoother than some more focused rivals. This quality conspires with the rather heavy and without sensation steering setup to make this performance roadster feel a little out of its part on winding roads.

However, in normal driving, the XLR-V considers swift and stable. Cowl shake is nearly absent and the V8 engine sounds great. Wind buffeting can turn into somewhat intrusive with the top down, but the XLR-V is whisper-quiet with its top up.