One of these 15 contenders will become Business Insider’s 2016 Car of the Year

2017 Cadillac XT5

Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

Engine: 3.6-liter, 310-horsepower V6.

Base price: $38,995

Why it’s here: “Cadillac has a bit of a crossover problem,” we wrote in our review. “While other luxury brands have been selling these versatile vehicles left and right, Caddy has been playing catch up, marketing its portfolio of brash, high-performance sport coupes and sedans under the ‘V’ designation, alongside the regular versions of these cars.”

This is easily the most important vehicle Cadillac launched this year, and it’s already being rewarded with strong sales. Johan de Nysschen, the executive who runs the marque, wants crossovers, to compete with BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Porsche, Lexus, Acura, Infiniti, Lincoln, Volvo — heck, pretty much everybody in the luxury space.

With the XT5, he has what he asked for. It’s a marvelous luxury crossover SUV that represents the pinnacle of what General Motors can devise at this juncture.

Both roomy and comfortable, with peppy handling and state-of-the-art technology — including the industry’s best connectivity package — the XT5 is simply terrific.