2009 Cadillac XLR-V Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Write a review

$100,690 to $100,690

Original MSRP

--

expert review

4.8

avg user rating

(5 reviews)
2009 Cadillac XLR-V Preview summaryImage

Having received a much-needed redesign, the performance-oriented 2009 Cadillac XLR-V convertible coupe cuts a distinguishing profile on the highway. Backed up by a monster engine, advanced handling technology, and luxury creature comforts, the rear-wheel-drive two-seater delivers high-end looks with down and dirty performance.

Both front and rear fascias get updates this year. The new mesh grille seen in the other V-series Cadillacs now adorns the front of the XLR-V, along with upgraded foglights. Chrome side vents bring the XLR up to date with what has become a Cadillac signature. The rear fascia also gets a makeover, with larger exhaust tips. Inside the two-passenger convertible, a new faux suede Alcantara headliner and leather hand-stitched dash lend an air of elegance. The layout is compact and convenient, and although its 42 inches of legroom is generous, passengers may feel a bit cramped, especially with the top up. If so, it takes only the push of a button to retract the hardtop in 30 seconds. Doing so cuts the 11.6-cubic-foot trunk down to 4.4 cubic feet, however, and storage space is not the XLR-V's strong suit.

Where the Corvette-based 2009 XLR-V excels is in acceleration performance and precise handling. A 4.4-liter supercharged Northstar V8 purrs under the hood, matched with a 6-speed shiftable hydramatic transmission that provides fluid gear transitions. Though falling short of the 550-hp V8 in the CTS-V, the powertrain delivers 443 hp and 414 lb-ft of torque at 3,900 RPM. If the 14/21 mpg disappoints, its 0-60 times of 4.6 seconds keep drivers on their toes, if not in their seats.

Not yet tested for safety, the 2009 XLR-V comes with a full complement of equipment, such as dual front-side airbags, traction and stability control, and ABS brakes. Being the sportier version of the XLR, it boasts a stiffer suspension, larger shocks and springs, and Brembo brakes for a more responsive, if somewhat more jarring, driving experience. Added technology provides additional safety, with the new version of Onstar, adaptive lighting, and adaptive cruise control all standard. The Magnetic Ride Control feature adjusts the suspension according to road conditions that it monitors with sensors. The convenient heads-up display projects driver information onto the windshield to prevent drivers from taking their eyes off the road.

Bluetooth becomes standard for the 2009 XLR-V, becoming another in a long line of upscale creature comforts. Heated and cooled seats, a full array of power accessories, remote entry and remote start, a navigation system, a 6-CD changer, and a DVD player keep both passengers and driver happy.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2009 Cadillac XLR-V

Write a review
User rating:
by Marc D
Jun 18, 2023
The Cadillac XLR-V is a well designed and engineered classic…!!!Jun 18, 2023
by Mark S
Aug 24, 2022
By 2009 a vehicle of this caliber should have remote start. I THINK 09 -Vs are WAY overpriced (just me). My concern with XLRs in general is the ELECTRICAL gremlins and the lack of almost all replacement parts. Done bust a headlight or taillight- you become afraid to drive it because of A-hole drivers everywhere.Aug 24, 2022
by Tommy S
Dec 17, 2021
Its luxury but sporty,features is that of elegants and styless,Cadillac is of gorgeous style and others dont compare except the xlr.Cad.is in a line up all by it self great automobile.Dec 17, 2021

2009 Cadillac XLR-V Pricing

Original MSRP
$100,690 to $100,690
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
N/A

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 9

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.4 · Front brake width: 1.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brake width: 1.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: voice recognition controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.56

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated

Headrests

Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: cornering · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Roof

Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power retractable hard top

Safety

Parking sensors: rear

Seatbelts

Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Upholstery: leather · Upholstery accents: faux suede

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Steering

Steering ratio: 17.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Spring Type: transverse leaf springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Front shock type: monotube · Rear Spring Type: leaf springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Rear shock type: monotube · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: magnetic

Telematics

Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheels: painted aluminum

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

See all trims (1)