Sharing many of its components with the GMC Acadia, the Cadillac XT6 debuted in 2020. With its upscale style and a long list of features, the XT6 is an impressive new luxury crossover. In 2021, it gets even better. What new additions did the XT6 get in 2021? What critical tech feature did the 2021 Cadillac XT6 add?

Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

According to GM Authority, the 2021 Cadillac XT6 got several new updates. There are two new exterior colors, new 20-inch wheels designed for the Sport trim, and a new Luxury base trim level. More importantly, it’s getting wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Both will be standard across the lineup for 2021.

Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay have been popular features over the last few years. Now the two smartphone integration systems are wireless. Drivers don’t have to use a cable to connect their phones to the vehicle’s infotainment system now. It will connect for you once the initial pairing is completed.

For those who’d rather stick with the wired version, you can still use a cable in the 2021 Cadillac XT6. 

How this benefits you

When you combine wireless phone charging with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, you can enjoy great convenience. You no longer need cables to use your smartphone to access your vehicle’s infotainment system. You also don’t need to worry about how to charge your phone simultaneously.

These systems are great because they allow you to access some of the features on your smartphone through the vehicle’s infotainment system or phone interface. You can listen to your playlists, use voice commands to check messages or take calls, or navigate using your vehicle’s controls. The system offers great convenience and safety by minimizing distractions from your phone while you’re driving.

Now with wireless versions of these interfaces, it’s even better. There’s a one-time process to pair your phone wirelessly with the vehicle’s system, and then you’re all set up. 

Wireless phone charging is standard on both the Premium Luxury and Sport trims of the new Cadillac XT6. For the new Luxury base trim level? You still need to use a cable. While the feature might not be standard on all vehicles that offer it, it’s far more widespread than it was even a couple of years ago. 

The 2021 Cadillac XT6

The new 2021 Cadillac XT6 is a sharp-looking three-row SUV with a lot to recommend it. 

You have a choice of two engines. One is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that gets 237 hp. There’s also a V6 that gets 310 hp. Both pair with a nine-speed automatic transmission whether you opt for front- or all-wheel drive.

There are three trim levels in 2021 including the new Luxury base trim. By name, you can guess that the Luxury and Premium Luxury models are about comfort. 

There are both seven- and eight-passenger configurations with your choice of either a three-seat second-row bench or a pair of captain’s chairs. The inside is nice, and it offers decent cargo space with all the seats up. Fold down the back two rows and you can fit 31 suitcases in the back according to Car and Driver.

The Sport trim is all about performance and gets retuned steering and a torque-vectoring rear differential. With the Platinum package, you get even more extras. 

Regardless of the trim, you get 20-inch wheels standard and 21-inch wheels with the Sport model. It handles well and offers an impressive list of tech features. There’s a power-operated liftgate too. 

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 also comes with an abundance of driver-assist features. Automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring are all standard. You can also get adaptive cruise control and night vision available as options.