It hasn't taken Cadillac that long to rebuild, rebrand, and redesign since the American luxury contender was hit by hard times a few years ago. The latest addition to the renewed family is the Cadillac CT6 sedan. It is large in luxury, large in life, and large in looks. And GM says that this isn't the ultimate flagship car for the brand. There is another one coming that will be even bigger.
Cadillac's stated goals for the CT6 are large; they want the CT6 to be about size, appearance, driving dynamics, and quietness. Also implied is the large ambition to take the best German luxury sedans on, head to head.
The Cadillac CT6 is a bit of a tweener, fitting between defined sedan classes. The CT6 is bigger than premium midsized sedans it is priced like, such as the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. And yet, it is smaller than the flagship competitors that it is equipped like, namely the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Although the CT6 is big, it isn't heavy. In fact, it's a full 1,000 lbs lighter than the S-Class.
The new Caddy is also a lot lighter on the pocketbook than any of the German ringleaders by tens of thousands of dollars. The Cadillac CT6 starts at $53,495 with a 2.0-liter turbo four and rear-wheel drive. The twin-turbo V6 with all-wheel drive in top-trim Platinum tops outs at $87,465.
With the twin-turbo engine, all-wheel-drive, an active chassis package with magnetic ride control, 20-inch wheels, fancy rear-seat infotainment system, and rear camera mirror, the Cadillac CT6 we rented from GM stickered at $73,660. A similarly well-appointed Audi A8 would cost about $20,000 more.
Driving Impressions
Ironically, this Cadillac drives more like a fun, hard-charging German sedan than some of its current Teutonic rivals. It's agility is actually reminiscent of a BMW 7 Series from the Nineties—something we remember fondly.
What looks like a big car shrinks around you when behind the wheel, and steering is sharp. The car doesn't feel as large and intimidating as it looks. In fact, the CT6 proves athletic and nimble.
With the deck stacked in its favor, the CT6 we drove had the most-powerful engine option, a 404 hp, 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6. Power shows up when you need it, but it doesn't force itself on you.
Also among the engine choices is a 2.0-liter, 265-hp turbo four that does a surprisingly good job. Most CT6s will be bought with the normally aspirated 335-hp 3.6-liter V6 and AWD.
The four-cylinder model is rear-wheel drive, and the six-cylinder models come with standard all-wheel drive. A plug-in hybrid version will arrive in about a year.
Quietness is a goal in any luxury car, and the cabin is hushed. The turbo V6 sounds muted but yet hints at the power with a purposeful, unobjectionable hum.
The ride is comfortable and composed, and the magnetic ride keeps the CT6 tied down and ensures a steady cruise no matter the road type. The optional 20-inch wheels and tires on our car, however, didn't do it any favors on some of our winter damaged roads.
Inside the Cabin
Inside the CT6 looks terrific. Fit and finish is right up there with the Germans. Flagship sedans by Acura, Hyundai, Infiniti, Kia, and Lincoln all look like also-rans next to the the CT6's plush leather, wood, aluminum, and piano-black surfaces.
The seats provide great comfort and support. The rear seat is roomy and easy to access through the large rear doors.
The rearview mirror camera is an industry first. It gives a wide rear view without restrictions from head rests and pillars, making it an effective supplement to the blind-spot monitor system. The high-definition image is bright and clear—sometimes disconcertingly so. It's also a little distracting because it's like watching a live TV show of where you just were.
Cue, Cadillac's infotainment system, has been updated. It is quicker, but the touchscreen interface is not entirely intuitive, and it still lacks the intuitive buttons and knobs that most people want. It is a classic case of form over function. Plus, the seat heater switches are hard to see, and the door-mounted seat controls aren't lit. The touch pad between the seats is easy to brush accidentally and change an audio source inadvertently, and in-cabin storage is scant.
Bottom Line
Ultimately, Cadillac finally has a stately, plush sedan that not only can shuttle dignitaries but can also be driven with enjoyment thanks to accomplished ride and handling, powertrains, and interior ambience.
The Cadillac CT6 may mark a return to the brand's old slogan, "Standard of the World," and help pave the way for an even more luxurious model. We'll see the market impact when it goes on sale in March.
