Engineers retuned the SKYACTIV-G 2.0-litre four-cylinder mill — utilizing smaller and lighter pistons, optimized valves and fuel injectors, a dual-mass flywheel, fresh exhaust system and a higher transmission final drive ratio — to create 17-per-cent extra horsepower.

 “The first-ever Cadillac XT4 expands our successful SUV lineup toa segment where Cadillac has never been before,” says former Cadillac president Johan de Nysschen. 

A sport-meets-luxury theme is echoed inside the cabin — brushed aluminum is sprinkled throughout, as is the suede-like Race-Tex material found on the redesigned heated multifunction steering wheel with integrated paddle shifters.

There’s no better telltale sign of summer than the proliferation of convertibles back on the road across the GVRD.

It is even more beastly than the outgoing version, yet at the same time also upping the level of refinement.

“Ever since we announced the introduction of the A-Class to the Canadian product portfolio, many have been anxiously awaiting news of an AMG variant,” say Brian Fulton, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada