Sensing an opportunity with the final demise of the long-running rear-wheel-drive, body-on-frame Lincoln Town Car, Cadillac Professional Vehicles are prepping a trio of formally attired and, in some cases, stretched XTS models. Black-car and limousine operators have been running the old Panther-based Town Cars for decades and even though Lincoln has now introduced a new, more fuel-efficient Town Car based on the MKT crossover wagon, online buzz from professionals suggests the newer model will be hard-pressed to match the long-term durability and low repair costs of the old car.
Maybe they’ll be more pleased with Caddy’s offerings. The W20 Livery Sedan package is available from Cadillac right now, and is based on the all-new 2013 Cadillac XTS. Like the new MKT Town Car, the XTS Livery can be had with front- or all-wheel drive. While wheelbase and overall length stay the same as those of the civilian XTS, back-seat riders and luggage will appreciate the standard air-leveling rear suspension and active magnetic shocks of the new Cadillac. (Fleet operators may not enjoy the shocks; we understand replacement costs are quite high.)
The W20 package also sprinkles in some upgrades from the Platinum trim level available to consumers, including a faux suede headliner, illuminated door handles, and a rear center console. Navigation is available, and, for those hauling really special fares, there are optional packages that add such items as surround-sound premium audio, ambient lighting, heated rear seats, side and rear-window shades, rear-seat climate controls, and a power inverter. But the MKT-based Town Car still has back-seat boardroom stuff the XTS can’t match, including standard Wi-Fi capability, a reclining rear seat, and 39.6 cubic feet of golf- and suit-bag-swallowing cargo space—more than double the size of Caddy’s 18-cubic-foot trunk.
- Comparison Test: Audi RS5 vs. BMW M3 and Cadillac CTS-V
- First Drive: 2013 Cadillac XTS
- Instrumented Test: 2013 Cadillac ATS 3.6
James, Take Me Home—Or to the Mausoleum
Later this year, General Motors’ Oshawa, Ontario, plant will begin producing professional versions of the Cadillac XTS that are stretchable into limousines and funeral coaches (Lincoln offers the latter, too). GM does the basic engineering and works with about a dozen outfitters that pass muster on quality and craftsmanship. While details of the long-wheelbase XTS vehicles have not been released, it’s probably fair to assume they’ll share the W20 Livery Sedan’s 300-hp, 3.6-liter V-6, six-speed automatic transmission, Brembo brakes, and choice of front- or all-wheel drive. As to whether or not the hearse will get those 10-spoke, polished 19-inch wheels shown above, well, you could say we’re just dying to find out.
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