If you mention Cadillac and SUV in the same sentence, the image of the leviathan-like Escalade invariably comes to mind. However, the brand has plenty of less earth-crushing options in its roster.
The XT4 is a good example of a Cadillac model at the more unobtrusive end of the market, and it sits tidily as a suitable choice for those who do not need to regularly give a lift to half the people in the average mall. Along with their shopping.
So, it’s a compact then. Don’t be mistaken into thinking it’s cramped though. The XT4 can easily accommodate five tall people. You might even fit their shopping in there, if they haven’t been buying too many widescreen TVs or ride-on lawnmowers, of course.
Power in the 2024 version comes from a two-litre engine, given a bit more grunt with the addition of a turbocharger.
It’s no pocket rocket, admittedly – the 0-100kph figure sits around the seven-second mark – but the XT4 is still a relatively decent mover.
When it comes to looks, the new XT4 has, unsurprisingly, been kitted out with all the design cues that Cadillac has become known for. That big grille mimicking the shape of the company badge is a key feature (and new to the model), as are the upgraded wafer-thin LED headlights that look like they’d have difficulty illuminating a kitchen cupboard, but, in fact, prove entirely effective.
It could be said that, from a distance and at certain angles, the XT4 might easily masquerade as an Escalade or, indeed, an XT6, such are the similarities in design. This isn’t an off-roader by nature – it is a city car and one that gives every impression of not wanting to get its posh looks all messed up with sand or mud.
When out on the road, the XT4 is responsive, relatively sharp and spry when it needs to be. There are more adept vehicles for swinging in and out of the twists and turns on a bendy road, but the car is solid enough for this not to be a serious issue.
The ride height is loftier than a lot of other smaller SUVs as well, which makes for a more secure feeling when rolling along – or, indeed, standing still – in traffic.
SPECS
Engine: Two-litre four-cylinder turbo
Power: 235hp
Torque: 350Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Price: From Dh167,500 ($45,000)
On sale: Now
I also have to give a high-five to the car’s brakes, which are highly effective both at speed and when travelling at the merest trudge. Inside the cabin, there are plenty of niceties, the kind of things that tend to make Cadillacs feel a little more high-end than some of the opposition.
If the layout doesn’t scream opulence, it certainly says it in quite a loud voice, with all its wood, aluminium and carbon fibre. The vehicle has been kitted out with an AKG Studio 14-speaker audio system and the new dashboard features a visually appealing 33-inch diagonal LED display.
As with all models under the GM umbrella, the XT4 comes with OnStar2, the brand’s safety, entertainment and connectivity system – after downloading the myCadillac app and signing in, the driver can neatly control the vehicle through remote commands.
All in all, the XT4 fits snugly as a proper alternative to Cadillac’s monster SUV and muscle-car offerings.
As noted, I'd opt for something different if I were tackling tough terrain, but the model’s innate smartness makes me realise that tarmac alone will do very nicely for this car.
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
UK's plans to cut net migration
Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.
Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.
But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.
Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.
Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.
The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.
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The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
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Jigra
Starring: Alia Bhatt, Vedang Raina, Manoj Pahwa, Harsh Singh
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
The five pillars of Islam
Zayed Sustainability Prize
The five pillars of Islam
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – FINAL RECKONING
Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Starring: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg
Rating: 4/5
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
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How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
The years Ramadan fell in May
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
A State of Passion
Directors: Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi
Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah
Rating: 4/5
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More coverage from the Future Forum
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
- Cinematography, shots and movement.
- All aspects of post-production.
- Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
- Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
- Tourism industry knowledge.
- Professional ethics.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
RESULTS
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The biog
Name: Mariam Ketait
Emirate: Dubai
Hobbies: I enjoy travelling, experiencing new things, painting, reading, flying, and the French language
Favourite quote: "Be the change you wish to see" - unknown
Favourite activity: Connecting with different cultures
Directed by Sam Mendes
Starring Dean-Charles Chapman, George MacKay, Daniel Mays
4.5/5
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
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WOMAN AND CHILD
Director: Saeed Roustaee
Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi
Rating: 4/5
About Karol Nawrocki
• Supports military aid for Ukraine, unlike other eurosceptic leaders, but he will oppose its membership in western alliances.
• A nationalist, his campaign slogan was Poland First. "Let's help others, but let's take care of our own citizens first," he said on social media in April.
• Cultivates tough-guy image, posting videos of himself at shooting ranges and in boxing rings.
• Met Donald Trump at the White House and received his backing.
VEZEETA PROFILE
Date started: 2012
Founder: Amir Barsoum
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: HealthTech / MedTech
Size: 300 employees
Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)
Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC
SPECS
Engine: Two-litre four-cylinder turbo
Power: 235hp
Torque: 350Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Price: From Dh167,500 ($45,000)
On sale: Now
