The latest Cadillac crossover should be seen not only as a return to form for a once great brand but as a serious warning to BMW, Audi, Lexus and even Mercedes that US carmakers really do know how to build a luxury SUV.

Cadillac and the US automotive definition of luxury motoring used to be one and the same thing. However, then Lexus arrived on North American shores and before Cadillac could rebound, competition increased massively thanks to BMW and Audi.

But the European invasion was the best thing that could have happened to the brand, because the cars it's building now are as good as if not better than anything coming out of Japan or Germany.

The all-new XT5 crossover, a complete reworking of the company's most popular car, will be the true litmus test. The fact that Cadillac chose to unveil it at the Dubai Motor Show this week shows that it's confident the vehicle ticks all of the right boxes when it comes to comfort, performance and crucially, aspiration.

"The all-new XT5 not only enters the most popular segment in the worldwide luxury auto market," said Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen. "It's pivotal to our ongoing growth, which is why we've developed XT5 from the inside out to provide customers more space, more technology, more luxury and more efficiency."

So the car is 186mm longer than an Audi Q5, yet is 45kg lighter. This should help make the most of its new 310hp 3.6-liter V6 across the rev range, and, make the car engaging to drive whether specified with front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

But performance is nothing without a great cabin to match. "Our focus for the interior was sophistication and simplicity, ensuring an economy of lines to reduce visual noise and clutter," said Andrew Smith, Cadillac executive director of global design. "A feeling of space is the ultimate luxury, so we sought to emphasize that."

This approach is seen in the way in-cabin technology has been integrated. The rearview mirror doubles as a display that boosts driver visibility by 300% and creates the illusion that the car's rear pillars and roof are made of glass, to give a completely unobstructed all-round view. It can even make the rear passengers "disappear."

"This design direction is predicated on modern craftsmanship and the artistic integration of technology," said Smith.

The result is a mass-produced crossover that still communicates a message of quality and craftsmanship.

The Dubai International Motor Show runs November 10-14 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.