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Would a Cadillac be a Cadillac if it wasn't Cadillac-sized? Of course not, which is why GM's flagship brand gave the cold shoulder to the carmaker's other Detroit offerings — a sack-load of small, B and C-segment vehicles — and took the wraps off its next luxury family Don.

Besides just showcasing Cadillac's emerging Platinum series of models, the XTS packs a host of styling and technological updates. But a few extra rolls of hide and smatterings of brushed aluminium aren't all that this grand Cadillac's promising; the XTS packs a plug-in hybrid propulsion system.

Lookin' good

You probably spend a couple of dozen hours in your car every week, especially if you live in Sharjah and work in Dubai. Keeping our long commutes in mind, Cadillac designed the XTS Platinum with images of a mobile home, but not the RV kind.

Sounds weird? Caddy's general manager, Bryan Nesbitt, doesn't think so. "We envisioned this concept as an automotive personal headquarters, using advanced technology to enable new levels of connectivity and luxury."

The kind of technology Nesbitt's talking about is an intuitive electronics system with touch-screen sat-nav, laser etched leather seats, a flowing ‘dead front' instrument panel (so called because it appears black until the car is turned on), bespoke Bridgestone tyres, adaptive LED lights, and of course, that propulsion system.

But what stands out first is the styling. Cadillac's Art and Science philosophy allows a sweeping profile with a high rear (integrating a rear spoiler) as well as a high waist line, resulting in a sloped, dynamic stance. Flared arches flatter the dead-on view and wrap around the unique rubber, hugging 20in brushed aluminium wheels.

Hy-breeding success

Under the bonnet is a 3.6-litre direct injection V6 coupled with a plug-in hybrid system similar to that found in the Escalade Hybrid. The plug-in hybrid electric propulsion system enables full electric driving, and Cadillac claims that in urban areas the fuel efficiency will be far greater than other hybrids currently on the market. For an extra boost, allowing full usage of the 400Nm of torque and projected 350bhp locked up in the drivetrain, both electric and good old V6 muscle can be flexed in unison (much like the Lexus LS600hL).

The XTS will also have the capability to run on petrol alone, allowing for increased range and removal of what GM dubs "range anxiety".

Magnetic ride control, as on the CTS-V, ensures a silky ride to rival the Mercs and the Lexuses, thanks to shocks controlled by magnetorheological technology rather than the conventional mechanical valves. The system's sensors keep an eye on all four corners, making constant and minute adjustments to damping, so as to instantly control body motion.

What's more, power is channelled all around, through a specially-calibrated all-wheel drive system tuned to deliver optimal grip in slippery conditions. The XTS' sporty credentials also stay intact with its styling, thanks to stability control and adjustable traction control.

The only problem is that Cadillac isn't keen on letting us in on its XTS plans. When asked whether the car is on the way to production and Mercedes S-Class rivalry, all we got was a wry smile. We'll take that as a yes.