Mild-Hybrid Caddy XT5 Bows in China

General Motors Co. is introducing a mild-hybrid version of its XT5 midsize crossover in China.

The mild-hybrid system, a first for Cadillac, is available in front- and all-wheel-drive variants of the XT5. The vehicle’s 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, which is available only on the XT5 in China, is carried over.

The Chinese XT5 also adds a 9-speed automatic transmission in place of the outgoing model’s 8-speed gearbox. GM introduced the 9-speed unit, which it co-developed with Ford Motor Co., last year in the U.S. in the Chevrolet Malibu and now is rolling it out to 10 other models in the U.S. this year and 13 Buick, Cadillac and Chevy models in China by 2020.

GM has offered its eAssist mild-hybrid systems, which can boost fuel efficiency by as much as 19%, in the U.S. since 2011. An upgraded system, featuring a compact electric motor, regenerative braking, stop/start capability and a 0.45-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, is being launched in the 2018 Buick LaCrosse sedan.

In the XT5, GM says the mild-hybrid system will boost fuel efficiency and improve driving agility. The electric motor works with the engine to provide more power during acceleration, and recovers excess power as the vehicle cruises.

Cadillac unveiled the mild-hybrid XT5 this week at the Chengdu auto show. The brand has sold more than 63,000 XT5s in China since introducing the crossover there in April 2016.