2008 Cadillac XLR Review

Find your car!

Make

Model

The 2008 XLR and XLR-V remain Cadillac's high-end performance cars. Introduced in 2005 and using the Corvette as a point of inspiration, the XLR offers style and performance with generous amounts of leather and wood trim. It also has a softer suspension setup than many two-seaters with more than 300 horsepower, which makes it much easier to live with day in and out than many of its rivals.

The XLR is equipped with a 320-horsepower 4.8L V8 and a six-speed automatic transmission. It features four-wheel traction control and GM's magnetic ride control, a system that, through magnetic-reactive fluid, allows the suspension firmness to be adjusted multiple times a second.

The standard features list is extensive, as one might expect from the Cadillac nameplate. The... see more

The 2008 XLR and XLR-V remain Cadillac's high-end performance cars. Introduced in 2005 and using the Corvette as a point of inspiration, the XLR offers style and performance with generous amounts of leather and wood trim. It also has a softer suspension setup than many two-seaters with more than 300 horsepower, which makes it much easier to live with day in and out than many of its rivals.

The XLR is equipped with a 320-horsepower 4.8L V8 and a six-speed automatic transmission. It features four-wheel traction control and GM's magnetic ride control, a system that, through magnetic-reactive fluid, allows the suspension firmness to be adjusted multiple times a second.

The standard features list is extensive, as one might expect from the Cadillac nameplate. The XLR rides on 18-inch polished aluminum wheels and has LED taillights and steering-reactive HID headlights. The interior is furnished with eight-way power leather heated and cooled front seats. A tire pressure monitor, keyless access, and dual-zone climate control are also standard. As well, a heads-up display that indicates speed, gear position, audio player information, and fuel level on the inside of the windshield is standard. The XLR also includes such helpful electronic aides as ultrasonic rear parking assist and adaptive cruise control.

A Platinum Edition is available on the XLR, and it includes a unique liquid amethyst paint, chrome grille, leather interior trim, and an Ultra Suede headliner for $5,825

The XLR-V is the ultra-high performance variant of the XLR. The engine becomes a 4.4L V8 with an Eaton-Roots supercharger that makes 443 horsepower, and it teams up with a six-speed automatic transmission with driver shift control. The magnetic ride control settings are firmer and the suspension gets tweaked with larger stabilizer bars and stiffer bushings for more precise handling. The XLR-V also adopts larger brakes, and bigger wheels and tires. The result is race car performance with Cadillac comfort. A navigation system is standard.
Cadillac introduced the XLR in 2004, and has changed little moving into 2008. The color choices have been reworked, and a heated steering wheel is now standard on both the XLR and XLR-V models. The Passion Red Limited Edition has been discontinued for 2008. see less

Trims	City MPG	Hwy MPG	MSRP	Invoice	Displacement	Engine
2dr Conv	15	24	$80,650	$75,407.75	4.6L/279	Gas V8
XLR-V	14	21	$99,160	$87,756.60	4.4L/269	Gas V8

provided by

2008 CADILLAC XLR STYLING | [8 out of 10]

Car and Driver: "Vivid styling...looks like nothing else"
Kelley Blue Book: "Edgy styling stands out from the crowd"
Edmunds: "an upscale cabin"

The 2008 Cadillac XLR is a sporty two-seat retractable hardtop roadster. If you didn't know, it's based on the current Chevrolet Corvette, but is defined by its own sharp-edged styling.

The look is crisp and unique, with "vivid styling," Car and Driver says; it's "an edgy package that looks like nothing else," they assert. Appealing to machismo, Cars.com points out that "stealth fighters inspired [the XLR]," adding that it's "a contemporary expression of Cadillac's heritage of landmark design and advanced technology." Kelley Blue Book contends the "edgy styling stands out from the crowd, a bonus for those who like to be noticed." The XLR driver can apparently feel good when tossing his keys to the parking attendant, as "its styling and Cadillac badge will appeal to those looking to roll up to the valet in something different from the status quo," according to Edmunds. "With chiseled exterior styling highlighted by a forceful front grille," ForbesAutos points out, "the XLR comes with a power retractable hardtop that enables it to transform from closed coupe to open roadster in less than 30 seconds."

(see full review)

2008 Cadillac XLR

See more 2008 Cadillac XLR cars