“With suspension tuning done on fabled race circuits and highways around the world, the CTS definitely has the handling chops you might expect from a luxury sport sedan. The CTS could even claim to be the most engaging car in its class for driving along a curvy road. Particularly with the CTS V-Sport, you’ll find that it turns in crisply and has loads of confidence-inspiring grip.” — Edmunds
Engine and Transmission
The 2019 Cadillac CTS comes with a base 2.0 liter four cylinder turbocharged engine which produces 268 hp and 295-pound feet of torque. It is an ample amount of horsepower for a performance-oriented luxury car and quietly cruises on the highway. Fun factor comes with an optional 3.5 liter V6 engine that puts out 335 hp and also a twin-turbocharged V6 that generates 420 hp.
Both of the V6 provides some serious performance and provides seamless power for rapid acceleration. All engines are mated to a refined eight-speed transmission that shifts seamlessly, though it can hesitate to downshift in manual mode. Every CTS comes available with all-wheel drive minus but the V sport transfers power to the rear wheels.
Models
|
Cadillac CTS Luxury
|
Audi A6 3.0 TFSI Premium Quattro sedan
|
Jaguar XF Sedan
|
Maserati Ghibli
|
BMW 530i sedan
|
Lexus GS 350 sedan
|
2018 Genesis G80 3.8 sedan
|
2018 Volvo S90 T5 Momentum sedan
|
2018 Mercedes e300 sport sedan
|
MSRP
|
$55,690
|
$59,895
|
$50,960
|
$74,980
|
$54,395
|
$52,020
|
$42,745
|
$49,095
|
$53,945
|
Engine
|
3.6L V6 Turbocharged Gas
|
3.0L V6
|
2.0L i4
|
3.0L V6
|
2.0L i4
|
3.5L V6
|
3.8L V6
|
2.0L i4
|
2.0L i4
|
Transmission
|
8 Speed automatic
|
7 Speed DCT automatic
|
8 Speed automatic
|
8 Speed automatic
|
8 Speed automatic
|
8 Speed automatic
|
8 Speed automatic
|
8 Speed automatic
|
9 Speed automatic
|
Horsepower
|
335 hp@ 6800rpm
|
335 hp@ 5000rpm
|
247 hp@ 5500rpm
|
345 hp@ 5250 rpm
|
248 hp@ 5200rpm
|
311 hp@ 6400rpm
|
311 hp@ 6000rpm
|
250 hp@ 5500rpm
|
241 hp@ 5550rpm
|
Torque
|
285 ft-lbs@ 5300rpm
|
369 ft-lbs@ 1370 rpm
|
269 ft-lbs@ 1200rpm
|
369 ft-lbs@ 1750 rpm
|
258 ft-lbs@ 1450 rpm
|
280 ft-lbs@ 4800rpm
|
293 ft-lbs@ 5000rpm
|
258 ft-lbs@ 1500rpm
|
273 ft-lbs@ 1300rpm
|
Like the Cadillac CTS, BMW 530i and Jaguar XF features an 8-speed automatic transmission mode. Audi A6, on the other hand, comes with a 7-speed automatic transmission mode. The Jaguar and Audi puts out similar horsepower. Cadillac CTS and BMW 5 series puts out similar output.
Acceleration
The CTS with its turbocharged engine provides ample oomph for hard acceleration. With its 335 hp and 285 lb-ft of torque, this caddy can take you to 60 mph from standstill in just 4.4 seconds. There is enough power in the whole rev range and acceleration is fast yet and undramatic.
Models
|
Cadillac CTS Luxury
|
Audi A6 3.0 TFSI Premium Quattro sedan
|
Jaguar XF 25t premium Sedan
|
Maserati Ghibli
|
BMW 530i sedan
|
Lexus GS 350 sedan
|
2018 Genesis G80 3.8 sedan
|
2018 Volvo S90 T5 Momentum sedan
|
2018 Mercedes E300 sport sedan
|
0-60 MPH
|
4.4 sec
|
4.4 sec
|
5.2
|
5 sec
|
4.9
|
N/A
|
6.4 sec
|
6.5 sec
|
6.2 sec
|
Quarter mile
|
12.9 sec
|
13.0 sec
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
14.7 sec
|
15.3 sec
|
14.3 sec
|
Engine
|
3.6L V6 Turbocharged Gas
|
3.0L V6
|
2.0L i4
|
3.0L V6
|
2.0L i4
|
3.5L V6
|
3.8L V6
|
2.0L i4
|
2.0L i4
|
Emission
(Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
|
7.0
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
8.0
|
6.5
|
7.1
|
The Cadillac CTS is the fastest among all stays neck to neck with Audi A6 premium. The BMW 5 series sedan takes the second spot followed by Jaguar XF sedan which is the slowest among all.
Ride and Handling
Tested at the infamous Nurburgring track Cadillac CTS offers excellent driving dynamics balanced with a luxurious and refined cabin. The base 2.0 liter engine is OK on power but V6 with its 335 horsepower provides strong acceleration on freeways. Steering feel is heavy initially and it lightens up gradually when you pick up the pace. The handling is precise with an ample amount of grip because of which the CTS feels planted on a higher speed.
The suspension and chassis complement the turbocharged engine and provides the racing capability. CTS-V features a multilink MacPherson in the front and five-link independent suspension in the rear which achieves track performance but feels bumpy as an everyday driver. During aggressive cornering, the electronic Limited-Slip Differential automatically sends power to the rear wheels for optimum traction and faster exit speed.
The 2019 CTS is based on GM’s Alpha platform which underpins the ATS and the Camaro. Third generation Magnetic ride control reads the road thousand time per second and independently control all the four dampers for maximum stability.
Braking
The Cadillac CTS-V is equipped with massive Brembo brakes carved out from lightweight aluminum alloy. The pedal travel is small with immediate response. It delivers consistent performance and due to its low curb weight, there is minimal body roll on corners.
Model
|
Cadillac CTS Luxury
|
Audi A6 3.0 TFSI Premium Quattro sedan
|
Jaguar XF Sedan
|
Maserati Ghibli
|
BMW 530i sedan
|
Lexus GS 350 sedan
|
2018 Genesis G80 3.8 sedan
|
2018 Volvo S90 T5 Momentum sedan
|
2018 Mercedes e300 sport sedan
|
Brake Front (in.)
|
12.6
|
13.6
|
13.8
|
N/A
|
13.2
|
N/A
|
13.6
|
13.6
|
12.7
|
Brake Rear (in.)
|
12.4
|
13
|
13.2
|
N/A
|
12.8
|
N/A
|
12.4
|
12.6
|
11.8
|
Curb Weight (lbs.)
|
3757
|
4266
|
3590
|
3990
|
3790
|
3726
|
4195
|
3870
|
3792
|
60-0 MPH (ft.)
|
115
|
117
|
108
|
N/A
|
106
|
N/A
|
109
|
120
|
106
|
During emergency braking scenarios, 2019 CTS is able to come to a full halt in a distance of 115 feet. The Jaguar and BMW are the best when it comes to braking and takes only 106 and 108 feets to stop respectively. Audi stands at last here.