Road and Track - 2008 Cadillac CTS (short review)

[Merc1]

Cadillac’s new CTS is a machine that honestly takes on the likes of Mercedes-Benz and BMW.


Trapped by tradition? Not anymore. Cadillac’s new CTS is a machine that honestly takes on the likes of Mercedes-Benz and BMW, a serious threat to the German kings.

Where the last CTS looked too blunt and too blocky for many of us, the new version brings back proper Caddy style in a correctly-sized package. The Cadillac Sixteen concept-inspired nose makes a strong statement of what’s to follow: lean, clean flanks that lead back to classic vertical Cadillac taillights. All this is done in possibly the best sheet-metal work and the best fit and finish we’ve seen from GM’s luxury division.

If you find the interiors of German machines nicely done but a bit somber, you might like the CTS. There’s nice form to the dash and center console, intelligently grouped controls and gauges, plus just enough brightwork to add style without gaudiness. Happily, there is none of the silliness of iDrive-style controls, which sadly seem to be creeping into some Japanese luxury cars. Give the CTS the thumbnail test − running yours around the seams between trim panels − you’ll likely feel the seams to be tight and even.

We found the seats comfortable for the seven-hour drives to the Pebble Beach Concours and back with no strain. And that was with three adult-size people and the generous trunk loaded to the brim.

That trip brought us just over 23 mpg on the freeway from the 255-bhp 3.6-liter V-6 through a 6-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Power was quite acceptable − if a bit buzzy under full acceleration − so the 304-bhp direct-injection 3.6 should be a delight. There is an available 6-speed manual, though we’d be happiest with the automatic for daily driving.

Steering felt like it was rooted in a block of steel and only once did we wish it to be a bit firmer. This happened at speed (car empty but for the driver) on a nasty bit of narrow, twisty road where the CTS proved well mannered...actually, it was quite fun.

Dimensionally, the CTS is slightly smaller than Mercedes-Benz’s highly regarded E-Class both inside and out, weighing in about 200 lb. lighter.

Lighter too is the price; the CTS starts in the $32,245 − $34,545 price range depending upon the engine chosen, though you can easily option it up into the mid-$40,000 area. That’s still about $5000 below the Mercedes’ base price.

Is it a worthy comparison? We think so.


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M

[Mr. M]

I read similar positive reviews of this car. It seems, they've finally made something that's better than average. I can't really fault the interior though, it does seem better than most American cars.