The 3.6 liter VVT V6 has been a staple of Cadillac and other GM branded vehicles for some time now with its high-feature content of technology. For the 2017 XT5, the second generation 3.6 liter engine gains even more high tech for more refinement, better fuel economy and more power.

In the Cadillac XT5 it produces 310 horsepower at 6,700 rpm and 271 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. Here it’s mated to an eight-speed automatic transaxle and available with front or all-wheel drive. The EPA rates it here with all-wheel drive at 18 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined.

The engine itself is all aluminum, with a stiffened and cross-bolted block and a forged steel crankshaft and forged connecting rods. It retains its 60 degree vee angle but has increased bore size and center spacing.

New aluminum heads feature higher flow ports and larger valves for both intake and exhaust. The exhaust manifold is now cast into the head for better thermal efficiency and under hood packaging. Topping off the heads are dual overhead cams, both with variable cam timing.

With direct fuel injection, the engine also features active fuel management that can shut off two of the cylinders and allow it to operate effectively as a V4 when coasting or when extra power isn’t needed. When you roll back onto the throttle, the system fires the cylinder back up near seamlessly.

Following the airflow, the intake air comes in through a large filter box at the passenger side of the engine compartment and straight into a composite intake manifold. The intake manifold on this version of the engine is taller than those found in rear-wheel drive applications.

Looking down at the engine itself you can see a healthy dose of sound insulation shielding applied to the top and sides of the upper structure. Back on the firewall is also a pretty significant layer of sound deadening. This is not only because of the inherent noise that direct fuel injection makes, but because of the luxury vehicle this engine finds itself in.

When it comes to servicing this engine, most of the pertinent items are within easy reach and view. The air filter box does require screws to open but its up on top. Checking and filling oil also up and easy to find on the passenger side.

The windshield washer fluid is down low at the driver side near the headlamp, the only easily missed. Coolant and brake fluid are together at the driver side firewall just behind the battery, the ECU and the main fuse panels.

With all of the bracketry and accessory items strapped to the battery, replacing or servicing it appears it will require a little extra time.