Dare Greatly: Exploring Canada With Cadillac

Last month I was invited on behalf of Trend Hunter to attend the first Canadian drive of the new 2017 Cadillac XT5. This incredible journey took place in Newfoundland, Canada. It was an unforgettable experience that included staying at the Fogo Island Inn, learning about the XT5 from a number of Cadillac experts, including Lead Interior Designer, Thomas Prevost, and exploring the breathtaking Fogo Island.

After landing in St. John’s, myself, alongside a number of writers and auto enthusiasts, were greeted at the airport by a fleet of Cadillac vehicles, including the CT6 and Escalade models, which took us to the Jag Hotel in the downtown core. We were treated to a delicious menu including Cod Tongues and a variety of other east-coast specialties.

On our second day, we made our way from St. John to Fogo Island, by way of air, land and sea. Upon arrival in the early evening, we were greeted by the impressive 2017 Cadillac XT5 models for each of us to drive to the award-winning Fogo Island Inn.

The Inn was magical. From its unique architecture to its modern interior design, the Fogo Island Inn is a world-renown hotel that is eloquent and truly awe-inspiring. Some of the amenities include a lounge, library, gallery, cinema, roof top hot tubs, and much more. The 43,000 square-foot Inn also perches on stilts, located on the North Atlantic coastline—so you can only imagine how incredible the view is.

We spent the remainder of that evening enjoying the Fogo Island Inn space, food by the renowned Chef Murray, all while learning details about Cadillac XT5 by a number of Cadillac experts, including Lead Interior Designer, Thomas Prevost. Thomas explained how the XT5, while certainly a modern vehicle, isn’t a fashion piece (becomes dated). It's a luxury piece (is timeless). We learned about the decision to use wood on some of the paneling, but in a way that provides a modern take on the traditional material.

Our final day was when we really got a chance to experience the XT5 and venture out onto the winding roads of Fogo Island. The XT5 is a luxury crossover vehicle, with V6 power, and a number of distinctions, including a large front grille, LED headlights, eight-speed automatic transition, and the option to upgrade from the base model to the Platinum make. The interior is what really sets it apart from its competitors, including its sophisticated standard stop-start technology, Wi-Fi hotpsot, rear camera, side blind-zone alert, CUE (Cadillac User Experience interface), fully adjustable rear seat, and more.

The Fogo Island roads were narrow and winding, which provided some excitement behind the wheel, and the XT5 did a well in terms of handling some of the sharp turns and slippery surfaces that we encountered that morning.

Cadillac’s brand vision has evolved into something much different than what I remember it being known for when I was a kid. The overall impression still stands—it’s a luxury vehicle. Luxury buyers will still be considering this vehicle, but what makes things different is that added edge that appeals to a much larger audience.


The all new 2017 Cadillac XT5 is available now.