It rained for almost the entire week of my test, not the best for experimenting with ultimate levels of adhesion but a wonderful opportunity to see how well the traction and stability control system keeps the XLR on the road during aggressive moves. I really like how Cadillac's engineers allowed a bit of slack prior to the system coming into play, letting the rear wheels slide out just a touch to give the feeling of wild abandonment - one of the reasons a person buys something this outrageous. In the end the stability system seamlessly kicks in way before anything gets out of hand.
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| The XLR's retractable hardtop is a stunning display of electro-hydraulic technology. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
The unfortunate consequence of the rain was little time with the top down, other than immediately upon picking it up from GM when there was only a slight mist in the air. Do you want to gather a crowd? Press the console-mounted button that retracts the hardtop and passersby are stopped dead in their tracks. First the massive rear decklid opens rearward clamshell-like, making way for the roof section to slide toward the back and tuck inside the carpeted trunk area. Just before this occurs the hard, body-color tonneau magically appears from under the decklid, as the rear quarter windows gracefully fold inward. It's a stunning display of electro-hydraulic technology, easily as entertaining when closing.
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| When it comes to trunk space with the top up, the XLR comes out as the clear winner, offering 328 liters (11.6 cu ft). (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
I have to admit, though, while thoroughly impressive to watch the decklid drops into place with a less-than-refined thunk, shaking the entire car in the process. Both the Lexus and Mercedes are equally enticing when going through their mechanical motions, but each do so with a more graceful landing.
Another comparison worth noting is trunk space. With the roof up the Cadillac comes out as the clear winner, offering 328 liters (11.6 cu ft) while the Mercedes and Lexus allow only 288 (10.2) and 246 liters (8.7 cu ft) respectively, the latter improving to 266 liters (9.4 cu ft) if optioned out with run-flat tires.
