New Cadillac XLR Breaks $75K Price Barrier

Cadillac Confidently Prices its XLR Roadster $13,000 Higher than the Similarly Equipped Lexus SC 430

On Thursday, June 12, General Motors announced the pricing of the entirely new 2004 Cadillac XLR. Setting a precedent for the luxury brand the two-seat luxury roadster will break the illusive $75,000 price barrier, the first Cadillac to do so with a base price of $75,385.

The XLR took the auto world by storm when it was initially introduced as the EVOQ concept, and comes to market hardly changed. The production roadster sports a power retractable hardtop, similar in execution to the convertible roof on Mercedes-Benz SLK and SL roadsters, perfect for colder climes.

Other features include keyless access incorporating push button start, adaptive cruise control, Magnetic Ride Control, StabiliTrak, Magnasteer etc, etc, etc.

The XLR has a head-turning design and luxurious appointments, such as leather seats that cool and heat, DVD navigation and entertainment, a 9-speaker Bose audio system, and Bvlgari-designed gauges. Whats more, its 4.6L Northstar V8 engines 320 horsepower should move the edgy sports car at a rapid rate.

While the XLR seems like a relative bargain compared to the $85,990 Mercedes-Benz SL, it starts at $13,000 more than the $62,225 Lexus SC 430, that also sports a slick retractable hardtop, the Lexus brands superb build quality and legendary reliability.

In Cadillacs favor the XLR offers more power and a suspension system derived from the very capable Chevrolet Corvette.