Road Test: 2014 Cadillac CTS 3.6 AWD

  I’ve long been on record as saying Cadillac’s CTS sedan has been parent General Motors’ most competitive vehicle. And the arrival of the new, third-generation version for 2014 does little to sway that opinion. At the nascence of Cadillac’s decade-and-a-half-old resurgence as a world-class luxury automaker, the first CTS for 2003 was a shocker. When rival American luxury brands Chrysler and Lincoln were trotting out flaccid, front-wheel-drive luxo-barges, Cadillac’s CTS was a sharp-driving and sharp-looking sports sedan that offered room comparable to the midsize BMW 5 Series for the same price as a compact 3 Series. The second-gen version for 2008 upped the ante further by finally offering an interior to match the Caddy’s upscale driving demeanour. But with the recent arrival of the truly compact Cadillac ATS, the 2014 CTS has moved up in size and price. Is it finally a real alternative to class stalwarts like the 5 Series, Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E Class? Prices for the five-passenger 2014 CTS sedan (no word on the return of the wagon or coupe models) start at $52,695 (all prices include freight and pre-delivery inspection). The entry engine is a 272-horsepower, 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine that produces 295 pound-feet of torque and sends power to the rear or all four wheels. The top-rung, rear-wheel-drive-only $76,295 CTS Twin Turbo Vsport sports a 420-hp, twin-turbo six-cylinder. In between is my tester: the $66,355 Cadillac CTS 3.6 AWD. As its badge suggests, forward motion is created by a 321-hp and 275 lb.-ft. 3.6 L six-cylinder gas engine, putting its power down to all four wheels. An optional Premium package — highlighted by features like navigation, sunroof, a full complement of active safety systems, rear sunshades, heated seats for rear passengers and more — brought my CTS 3.6 AWD’s price up to $72,970, not that far off from comparably equipped versions of the Audi A6 3.0 TFSI Quattro, BMW 535i xDrive and Mercedes-Benz E 350 4MATIC. Contrary to former Cadillac land yachts of the past, the CTS 3.6 AWD shines brightest as a driver’s car, even outshining some of its more well-established rivals. Yes, despite the reputation of its German competition, it’s the Caddy that will put a smile on the face of those who love to drive. The foundation comes from Cadillac’s decision to make the CTS’s structure as solid as the Rocky Mountains. Nary a shiver nor a quake ever emanated from the Cadillac’s well-crafted cabin, despite the fact most of my driving was spent on winter-ravaged roads. And with a curb weight of only 1,796 kilograms, the CTS is also lighter than any of the German midsize sports sedans. As you may have already surmised, the Cadillac’s combination of a rigid-yet-light body adds up to one frisky four-door to drive on a back road. Whereas the 5 Series feels like its wearing a fat suit, the CTS exhibits a lean and taut attitude. Even when pressing on, the Cadillac’s cornering attitude is relatively flat, and its steering offers a terrific amount of feel and accuracy. Very simply: the CTS 3.6 AWD goes where the driver wants it to go — no muss, and very little fuss. And keep in mind: the CTS Twin Turbo Vsport I briefly drove at the 2014 CTS launch event in California last year is an even more engaging car for drivers. Looking at its performance spec sheet, the Caddy’s V6 is relatively less impressive. While its horsepower rating beats the Germans, its torque number is down 50 lb.-ft. from the Audi’s leading 325. As well, when you opt for all-wheel-drive, you have to make due with only six speeds in the CTS’s automatic transmission instead of the eight found in the rear-wheel-drive versions. And despite its lighter weight, the 5.8 seconds its takes the Cadillac to scoot from zero to 100 kilometres per hour is quicker than the Bimmer and Benz, but 0.3 seconds behind the Audi. Plus, the Cadillac is relatively thirsty. Its 11.6 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 7.6 highway estimates are the worst amongst its rivals. During my week with the Caddy, I saw an average of 10.8 L/100 km. While the new Cadillac is a sharply styled and sharp-to-drive sports sedan, it suffers from its fundamentally flawed Cadillac User Experience infotainment system. As in every new Cadillac I’ve recently driven, the centre-dash system is terribly frustrating to use. One has to make several attempts to activate the haptic (a tactile feedback technology that senses touch) buttons. While the centre dash screen that contains many of the basic audio and climate controls that would normally be handled by a few knobs is also a long reach away. CUE critiques aside, the new 2014 Cadillac CTS 3.6 AWD is a midsize sports sedan that’s easy to recommend. It’s by far the most engaging car in its class to drive. And if Cadillac can clean up its messy CUE system sooner than later, it could become a real alternative to the typical European choices. Road Test: 2014 Cadillac CTS 3.6 AWD WHAT I LIKED: Class-leading driving dynamics; firm, but comfortable ride quality WHAT I DIDN'T: Interior ergonomics can be challenging; mid-pack performance and fuel economy; the sooner Cadillac ditches its CUE vehicle control system for something more conventional, the better. Type of vehicle Mid-size, four-door sports sedan Engine 3.6L DOHC V6 gas engine Power 321 hp @ 6,800 rpm; 275 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm Transmission Six-speed automatic transmission Brakes Four-wheel disc with ABS Tires P245/40R19 all-season Price (base/as tested) $64,655/$71,270 Destination charge $1,700 Natural Resources Canada fuel economy (L/100 km) 11.6 city; 7.6 highway; 10.8 as-tested Optional features $5,010 Premium Package (Cadillac User Experience Information and Media System/navigation/USB ports/SD slot/aux jack/enhanced voice recognition/satellite radio/; power sunroof; Xenon HID adaptive headlights; full leather seating; heated and ventilated front seats; heated rear seats; heated steering wheel; paddle shifters; head-up display; power rear sunshade; manual rear side sunshades; Advanced Security Package; Driver Assistance Package; Driver Awareness package; and more); $520 metallic paint; $1,095 19-inch alloy wheels.

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