2016 Cadillac CTS-V Prices, Reviews & Vehicle Overview

2016 Cadillac CTS-V Overview

A new, even more potent powertrain goes under the brawny hood of the super-performing, aggressively-styled CTS-V sedan, billed as “all new” in its third generation. The midsize CTS was the model that originally launched Cadillac’s V-Series. Few cars come even close to the CTS-V in standing-start acceleration: now 0-60 mph in a claimed 3.7 seconds. Truly track-capable, this luxury rear-wheel-drive sport sedan mixes urbane road manners with what Cadillac accurately calls “unprecedented” performance. Cadillac notes that the functionally-designed exterior contributes to such performance factors as lift reduction and improved aerodynamics.

What's New for 2016

For its third generation, Cadillac’s CTS-V gains a new, more powerful 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine, whipping up an eye-opening 640 horsepower. A carbon fiber hood is standard; additional carbon fiber components are optional. Features include Brembo high-performance braking; touring, sport and track driving modes; and Cadillac CUE connectivity, including Apple CarPlay. GM’s Gen 3 Magnetic Ride Control is claimed to provide 40-percent faster damping response.

Choosing Your Cadillac CTS-V

Once you’ve decided to go all out with a CTS-V, sticker-priced near $84,000, there’s not too much else to choose, other than determining whether to pay extra for a sunroof, Recaro seats, and the available Carbon Fiber package. The new supercharged 6.2-liter V8 generates 640 horsepower at 6400 rpm, and 630 pound-feet of torque. Equipped with paddle shifters, the eight-speed automatic transmission includes launch control and Performance Algorithm Shifting. A manual transmission is no longer available. Fuel-economy estimates are not yet available, but with a big supercharged V8 engine on tap, no CTS-V ranks as thrifty. The 2015 model was estimated at a mere 12 mpg city/19 mpg highway with automatic.

Brembo brakes and a carbon fiber hood are standard. So are pushbutton start, a performance suspension, sport alloy pedals, quad exhaust, and 19-inch forged aluminum wheels. Heated and ventilated 20-way front seats are trimmed in semi-aniline leather and sueded microfiber inserts. Driving modes are selectable: touring, street, or track. A curbview camera is standard, and the Parking Assist system guides with parallel and perpendicular parking modes.

Bose 13-speaker surround-sound audio includes active noise cancellation. The CUE system incorporates navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and natural voice recognition. Interior elements are handcrafts. In addition to a 12.3-inch instrument-cluster display, the driver can view a head-up display in the windshield. OnStar 4G LTE connectivity includes a built-in wi-fi hotspot. Standard features also include a Siri Eyes Free and text-to-voice system and wireless inductive cellphone charging. A performance data recorder is available.

Also on the modest option list, a $5,500 Carbon Fiber package includes a more aggressive front splitter, hood vent trim and rear diffuser, as well as composite rocker extensions and a taller carbon fiber rear spoiler. Available race-inspired, 16-way Recaro performance front seats ($2,300) are trimmed in Mulan leather.

CarsDirect Tip

Anybody old enough to recall Cadillac’s century-old reputation as the American luxury leader, and the choice of affluent senior citizens, is in for a rude awakening behind the wheel of a CTS-V. Few luxury-oriented sedans deliver such a visceral experience, while providing the benefits of a host of comfort and convenience features.

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2016 Cadillac CTS-V Review

The Cadillac CTS is a great luxury car, and it has gotten even better with its recent redesign. To push the model even further, Caddy has released the 2016 CTS-V, which has the heart of a Corvette and the class one would expect from Cadillac.

Pricing and Equipment

A full-size luxury performance sedan doesn’t come cheaply, and Cadillac proves this with an $83,995 base price for the 2016 CTS-V. This MSRP includes a slew of standard features, however, that should satisfy both luxury-car lovers and gearheads. These features include:

19-inch aluminum wheels
Functional aerodynamics
HID headlights
Adaptive remote start
Heated Recaro performance seats

For buyers looking for a little more from the CTS-V, there are several optional packages that kick it up a notch. These include the Luxury Package ($1,600), the Advanced Security Package ($595), and the Carbon Fiber Package ($5,500).

Performance Pros

What's not to like? We could simply toss a dart at the performance specs of a CTS-V and find something we love. Some highlights include:

A Corvette Z06-sourced 6.2-liter V8 with 640 horsepower.
Astonishing acceleration with 60 mpg arriving in just 3.7 seconds.
Advanced automatic transmission that outperforms many dual-clutch units
Suspension is stiff when you need it and forgiving when you don't.

Performance Cons

While the automatic transmission in the CTS-V is amazing, we still find ourselves missing the visceral feeling of slamming through the gears. We'd love a manual option.
Fuel economy isn't great, but if that's your priority you're looking at the wrong car.

Interior Pros

There are plenty of features to keep you and your lucky passengers comfortable and engaged. What’s more, the combination of luxury and sports amenities in the CTS-V is nearly perfect.

The driver-oriented cabin makes you feel like you're in your own little cockpit.
Seats are grippy yet still comfortable.

Interior Cons

While the interior is superb, generally speaking, there are some imperfect details:

The busy center stack is busy, and Cadillac's CUE system continues to throw us into fits of rage.
Rear seat headroom is iffy.
The use of gooseneck hinges in the trunk limits useable space.

The Most Pleasant Surprise

Often, performance versions of cars like the CTS end up tossing out the luxury and going for all-out performance. Fortunately, Cadillac found a great balance between the two that leaves us very satisfied.

The Least Pleasant Surprise

The interior is great, but there are some things we could live without. The biggest flaw is that fussy center stack design with a lack of traditional knobs that makes the interface clunky.

The Bottom Line

Despite a few flaws here and there, the Cadillac CTS-V is a great option for buyers looking for a performance luxury sedan. It delivers insane performance and class at a competitive price for the segment.

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