Updated Cadillac XT5 Spotted in Spy Photos With Roof-Mounted LiDAR

Fresh spy photos of the updated 2026 Cadillac XT5 have emerged from industry sources, showing the crossover undergoing road testing. Parts of the body are still wrapped in camouflage, with covers hiding the rear fenders on both sides. The most eye-catching detail, however, sits up top: a clearly visible LiDAR sensor mounted on the roof. Early indications suggest Cadillac is focusing on a major upgrade to the model’s advanced driver-assistance tech, along with revisions to the powertrain to better match current market expectations.

Judging by the images, a dramatic redesign is unlikely. Both the exterior and interior appear largely in line with the current XT5, pointing to changes that are mostly happening beneath the surface. The presence of LiDAR hints at the introduction of a more advanced driver-assistance suite, reportedly called Xiaoyao Zhixing.

The system is expected to be built around Momenta’s R6 enhanced learning platform and offer a broader range of semi-autonomous features. For the next-generation “smart” cockpit based on the Xiaoyao architecture, insiders are predicting the use of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8775P chip.

On the powertrain side, sources mention a new plug-in hybrid setup known as the True Dragon PHEV Pro system. As a reference point, a similar configuration is used in the Buick Xijing E7, pairing a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor.

In that setup, the gas engine produces about 115 kW (roughly 154 horsepower), while the electric motor delivers 165 kW (around 221 horsepower). Combined, the system is rated for up to about 130 miles of all-electric driving on the Chinese CLTC cycle and a total driving range of more than 995 miles.

More details are expected to surface as testing continues and additional information becomes available.