2019 Cadillac CTS

Since it was last updated in the year 2014, the present day CTS might lack behind its updated rivals, but its Cadillac's unique styling and the high degree of options and customizations available that the CTS still boasts of. Although the CTS might be called off in 2019, Cadillac wont be giving the BMW M5, Mercedes-AMG E 63, and the Audi A6, a shy of relief for very long. 

Available in five different trims, the 2019 Cadillac CTS starts at $46,995 for the base and goes upto $71,795 for the top trim V-Sport Premium Luxury. The base trim comes witha 2.0 Liter engine while the Luxury can be configured either with the same 2.0 liter engine or a 3.6 liter V6. The three higher trims come standard with the V6 unit. All the trims can also be equipped with the optional all-wheel drive. except for the rear wheel drive only V-Sport and V-Sport premium luxury.

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The CTS in luxury variant hits the sweet spot and adds numerous features compared to the base trim. Get it with the 3.6 liter V6 and along with the enhanced appeal, you also get a more powerful engine that provides more confidence for brisk cruising.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

The Cadillac CTS with its standard four-cylinder engine gets 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. Those numbers are below average for the segment. Opting all-wheel drive drops each figure by 1 mpg. The midrange V6 engine returns 19 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, and the twin-turbo V6 gets 16 mg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. Various technologies like direct injection and Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) helps to achieve the best fuel efficiency.

The BMW 530i and Jaguar XF offers a combined fuel economy of 27 mpg. Audi A6 offers the best in league mileage of 28 mpg. Cadillac stands at last in this rivalry with 23 mpg combined.

The 2019 Cadillac CTS delivers just enough comfort and builds quality to overlook a tight back seat and small trunk - car connection

Seating and Comfort

The CTS –V features exquisite material such as real wood trim and semi-aniline leather seats in its cabin. A giant 12.3-inch screen replaces the traditional gauges making the dashboard look futuristic on this model.  The inside is much like the ATS with lots of interior space.

The 20-way power adjustable seats are exceptionally comfortable with ample amount of bolstering. They are wide, deep but not too soft which makes them perfect for long hours in the cabin. The rear seats are also comfortable with snug toe room but wide knee room. The sloping roofline and thick pillars make limited headroom for taller individuals. An available suede microfiber steering wheel and shift knob complement the seating.

The Cadillac CTS have the most spacious front seats when contrasted with the rivals also the rear seats have maple amount of headroom.

Interior Features

• Handcrafted cut-and-sewn interior
• 20-way adjustable power front seats, automatic heated and ventilated
• Semi-Aniline leather seating with suede microfiber inserts
• Automatic heated steering wheel
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Power rear window shade
• Teen driver function
• Wireless charging
• Heads-up Display

Infotainment System

The CTS-V comes with Cadillac’s Cue infotainment screen that controls all the tech and features. The eight-inch LCD multi-touch sensitive screen, integrated into the top of the central instrument panel which is intuitive to use. Volume and climate are adjusted through a touch sensitive button instead of traditional knobs.

• Android Auto and Apple Carplay
• Wi-Fi-hotspot
• Bluetooth
• USB ports
• Satellite radio
• 11 speaker Bose audio system

Cargo Capacity

The Cadillac CTS-V has 13.7 cubic feet of space which are below average for this segment. The trunk opening is wide and load height is good for all your belongings. The cargo capacity can be increased via 60/40 rear folding seats. The narrow ending of the rear gives it an oblong shape which is can’t carry much of your luggage.

“The 2019 Cadillac CTS still wears its sheet metal with pride, but is starting to show some age inside”- Carconnection

Dimension and Weight

Cadillac CTS-V looks terrific from every angle with powerful lines and curves. CTV’s iconic V-Performance mesh grille is cleverly engineered to provide maximum airflow to the engine. Hundreds of vertical crystalline LED lights to move from bumper to the fender accentuate the exterior design with (HID) headlamps featuring Adaptive Forward Lighting.

The large air ducts in the front fascia to feed more air to the turbocharger and aggressive trapezoidal exhaust ports are some of its unique elements. Hidden behind the grille, the Active Grille shutters automatically open and close for maximum aerodynamic efficiency. Wide fenders are meant to accommodate stunning 19-inch alloys with Michelin Pilot sport tires. The rear end in narrower with beefy c pillars and a sweptback shape.

Most of the rivals are similar in terms of dimensions and there is not much of a difference however the Audi is heaviest among all which affects its agility.

Exterior Features

• V Grille
• Carbon-Fiber hood
• Functional aero design: Includes front splitter, rocker panels, and rear spoiler
• 19-inch premium painted forged alloy wheels
• Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires

What’s the point of having a sports sedan if the car isn’t safe enough? That is why Cadillac has put some really impressive safety features like Head-up Display, front-collision assist, and lane keep assist. IIHS has not rated the Cadillac CTS Sedan yet.

• Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
• Electronic traction control
• StabiliTrak electronic stability control system
• Airbag system
• Rear Vision Camera
• Following Distance Indicator
• Forward Collision Alert
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Safety belts, 3-point, driver and right-front passenger
• Safety belts, 3-point, rear, all seating positions
• Automatic Safety Belt Tightening
• Child seat restraint system
• Door locks, rear child security
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Audi A6

The Audi A6 is one among the competent luxury sedans for the family. The standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder provides plenty of grunts, but the optional supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 takes the thing to another level. The interior is far better in terms of quality if compared to the CTS and the overall performance of Audi A6 has an edge over CTS.

BMW 5 series

The 5 series is the most popular sports sedan in this segment because of its dynamic performance and high quality interior. Between the CTS and 5 series, the Bimmer has better engine options and pinpoint handling. The 5 series is also ahead in terms of passenger space and cargo capacity. The 5 Series is a better car overall, but it costs thousands of dollars more than the CTS. If you can afford it, it’s worth the splurge.

Jaguar XF

The Jaguar XF is available in a wide variety of engine options ranging from 180 hp 4 cylinders to 380 hp turbocharged 6 cylinder. It is not as enthusiastic as most of the rivals. There's even a wagon version for drivers seeking maximum cargo flexibility. Germans still dominate the luxury sedan territory but if you want a midsize sedan that's a bit different than the norm, the 2019 XF will certainly satisfy.

The 2029 Cadillac CTS comes with an attractive design and sports large vertical LED headlights, aggressive trapezoidal exhaust ports and handsome curves. It has a long list of standard features with a comfortable ride in spite of sophisticated suspension. Its cabin is well put together like some of its rivals. The Cadillac CTS-V is a good alternative to some of its German competitors.