The CTS is the car that redefined Cadillac. Its sharps angles and rear-wheel drive platform told the world to expect changes from the formerly conservative automaker.
A 2014 redesign has transformed the CTS sedan into a true midsize competitor for cars like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
The coupe and wagon—carryovers from 2013—are slightly smaller and not as accomplished in spirited driving.
What's New for 2014
The new CTS sedan is both longer and leaner as it reaches onward and upward. The grille is wider and is embedded with LED light guides. The coupe and wagon are unchanged from 2013.
Choose Your Cadillac CTS:
It's critical to understand that the sedan is the only CTS body style redesigned for 2014—the old design continues for the coupe and wagon.
The coupe is available in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive and three trim levels:
- Base: Even in Base form, the CTS coupe features a 318-horsepower 3.6-liter V6. Standard features are abundant—a sport suspension, keyless entry and push-button start, Bluetooth, dual-zone automatic climate control and rear park assist.
- Performance: The Performance model adds features like heated front seats, hard-drive storage for media, leather upholstery, HID headlights and side blind alert.
- Premium: At the Premium level, buyers get items like wood trim, rain-sensing wipers and a power telescoping steering column as standard equipment.
The wagon also comes in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive and three trims:
2.0L Turbo in Base, Luxury, Performance or Premium
Don't let its small displacement fool you—the 2.0L Turbo still churns out a healthy 272 horsepower. The Base model is equipped more like entry-level competitors from Europe—you won't find features like leather on the standard features list. The simple step up to Luxury nets amenities like leather seats—heated and ventilated in front—a heated steering wheel, Brembo front brakes, and the option of Magnetic Ride Control. Performance and Premium models include a sunroof and the Luxury Package, with its tri-zone climate control, rear heated seats and color head-up display.
3.6L in Luxury, Performance or Premium
Performance improves over 2.0L models with nearly 50 extra horsepower. Features and options in 3.6L models mirror those outlined in the section above.
3.6L Twin Turbo in Vsport or Vsport Premium
All Vsports use a twin-turbocharged 420-horsepower V6. The Premium adds full leather upholstery, the Luxury Package and a panoramic sunroof to the Vsport's lengthy list of standard features.
We liked the outgoing CTS, and think well of the coupe and wagon. But enthusiasts will want to skip straight to the sedan and performance levels that put Cadillac on an equal footing with the best from Europe.