Cadillac launches new midsize SUV with XT6

DETROIT - SUVs have been dominating automobile sales in the last few years, so Cadillac is extending its lineup with the all-new XT6.

The company unveiled the new three-row SUV this weekend, just before the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. As an SUV with three rows of seats, it's a bit larger than the 5-passenger XT5 but not quite as bulky as the larger Escalade.

The SUV shares the same platform as the GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave, but brings a bit more style and finer materials to buyers. Among all the leather and wood, the XT6 also offers other available features, like an in-vehicle air ionizer, automatically heated and ventilated front seats and heated second-row outboard seats.

Like other cars in its class, the new Cadillac offers lots of safety technology like lane-keeping assistance, automatic emergency braking and available adaptive cruise control. Some models also have a night vision display and head-up display.

Controlling some of these functions is a new rotary controller (similar to a small joystick) that allows the driver or passenger to control many of the functions on the 8-inch center display screen without having to touch the screen.

Powering the XT6 is GM's 3.6-liter V6 engine, good for 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. That engine has the ability to shut off two of the cylinders for better fuel economy when full power isn't needed.

Expect pricing details closer to when the XT6 goes on sale later this year.