Cadillac XTS lineup expands to livery, limo and hearse models

Cadillac has announced a trio of new specialty vehicles based on the 2013 XTS, including a livery sedan, limousine, and 'funeral coach' (read: hearse).

The first model mentioned, the livery sedan, is a factory package from General Motors, and features an air-leveling rear suspension, heated rear seats, and both side and rear window shades. All that, along with a tri-zone climate control unit, and you have one attractive ride to and from the airport. Buy what about that three day bender in Vegas for your friends bachelor party? Better get him the XTS limousine.

The limo and hearse are co-developed with selected aftermarket companies, which perform the work based on GM direction and specs. Cadillac spokesperson David Caldwell expanded upon that notion, saying "[we] determine and specify the types of specialty bodies that can be done, the amount of 'stretch' we support, etc. There is a small network of Professional Vehicle companies who are authorized to build these – we do not build specialty vehicle bodies 'in-house'."

While some features were mentioned for the livery sedan, little was specified about the limo or hearse. No pricing has been mentioned at this time, and it is likely that pricing would be on a case-by-case basis with clients.

Caldwell brought up that the established player in the livery market, the Lincoln Town Car, "has for a long time been the far-and-away market leader for these – and that will likely continue to be the case. But we are doing something specific for this, in a different direction." And what exactly would that be? Offering a livery car that is more than just a taxi with an all-black paint job; "we are offering the Livery Package with a bit more luxury inside than standard XTS models... which honestly will limit the volume quite a bit, but is the right approach for how we wish to present the brand."

Quality over quantity? How very un-fleet-vehicle of Cadillac, and an approach that could determine which "black car" you hail when leaving the airport.