The CTS was core to Cadillac's transformation from a maker of old-school luxury cars to a purveyor of modern sport sedans built to rival Europe's best driving machines, but the end is coming for this sedan as the brand prepares to revise its offerings to suit a changing marketplace.
Along with the compact ATS and large XTS, the CTS will soon give way to make room for a two-sedan lineup composed of the CT5 and CT6 that will underpin a model range otherwise comprising SUVs and crossovers.
While the mid-size CTS advances toward its demise, it moves into 2019 with no changes.
The CTS has more than just the looks to go head-to-head with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series and Audi A6. It comes with a choice of three engines in a 2.0L four-cylinder good for 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, a 3.6L V6 that makes 335 hp and 275 lb-ft, and a turbocharged version of that V6 exclusive to the V-Sport trim that cranks out 420 hp and 430 lb-ft. All-wheel drive is optional with the two less-potent engines, while the V-Sport is RWD-only. All powertrains come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Lest you still think of Cadillac as old fashioned, note that among the CTS's options are a camera-based rearview camera, as well as a teen driver mode that enables all of the car's safety features, and mutes the sound system until everyone in the car buckles up.
Cadillac also updated its CUE infotainment system a couple of years ago, and the company promises is better than the clunky original. That's a good thing, but it's still not perfect -- and that's not great when the Germans have years of experience doing infotainment systems.
The CTS stands out in the mid-size sedan class with its edgy styling, but all the same it's hard to be impressed by anything but the upper-level models when the base car's 17-inch wheels look so tiny wrapped in the CTS's slab-sided body.
What gives the CTS something of an edge at its four-cylinder entry-point is that its 2.0L makes a bit more power than those in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and 5 Series.
The CTS is most impressive as the V-Sport, which gets GM's excellent magnetic dampers, a limited slip rear differential and sportier steering feel. If that version's performance isn't enough for you, check out the 640-hp CTS-V, which is covered in a separate buyer's guide entry.
What continues to hurt Cadillac is the brand's reputation for cars geared toward an older demographic. We think that will change as the company infuses its lineup with more crossovers like the XT4, a compact model conceived to appeal to young, upwardly mobile urbanites.
CTS fuel consumption estimates range from 11.0/7.8 L/100 km (city/highway) in 2.0L/RWD cars to 15.0/9.9 in the V-Sport.
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