2016 Cadillac CTS Sedan

New for 2016

The new model year has been good to the CTS thanks to a host of improvements that include a newly available 3.6-liter direct-injected V6 engine, a standard 8-speed automatic transmission, an optional 360-degree camera, and standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ support.

Beyond Mere Luxury  

Sharing the spotlight with the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Audi A6, to name a few, means getting everything right and then some. Thankfully, the 2016 Cadillac CTS is up for the challenge. 

At this level, being on top of your game is important, and the 2016 Cadillac CTS is a formidable player in the competitive luxury sport sedan segment. It couples a unique and sleek exterior design with in-demand tech features, a lavish interior, and an impressive list of engines and options. 

Powertrains and Performance

Past Cadillacs were known as land yachts that were good looking and comfortable, but also slow. The 2016 CTS does away with that notion by virtue of its pliant powertrains and seemingly effortless performance.

The entry-level powertrain for the CTS is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It’s hooked up to a new 8-speed, paddle-shifted automatic transmission and either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

The four-cylinder proves to be both sporty and economical. With rear-wheel drive, it gets an EPA-rated 25 mpg combined (21 mpg city, 31 mpg highway),* or 24 mpg combined (21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway) with all-wheel drive.*

Ratcheting things up a bit further is a 3.6-liter naturally-aspirated V6, which provides a smoother, more muscular feel in contrast to the more frenetic turbo four. The V6 produces 335 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque and is offered exclusively with an eight-speed paddle-shifted automatic. Buyers can also choose between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

Like the standard 2.0-liter turbo, CTS models with the 3.6-liter engine benefit from the new-for-2016 fuel-saving automatic engine stop-start system, which shuts the engine off whenever the vehicle comes to a complete stop, and instantaneously restarts it when you lift your foot off the brake. With rear-wheel drive, the V6 gets 24 mpg combined (20 mpg city/ 30 mpg highway),* and 22 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway) with all-wheel drive.*

Topping the engine lineup is a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 offered in the sportiest CTS model, the Vsport. With 420 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque harnessed by an eight-speed automatic transmission, Cadillac says it will do 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and achieve an estimated top speed of 172 mph.

Available only with rear-wheel drive, the Vsport gets EPA-rated fuel economy of 19 mpg combined (16 mpg city, 24 mpg highway).*

Features and Trims

The 2016 Cadillac CTS is only available as a four-door, five-seat sedan. Cadillac offers it in five trim levels, with prices starting at $45,560.**

The base Standard trim level (only available with the 2.0-liter engine) has an impressive list of standard features, including 17-inch wheels, Brembo® front brakes, leatherette seating surfaces, Cadillac’s CUE infotainment system, which has been improved for 2016, and OnStar® 4G LTE with a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot.

The Luxury model builds on the base version with additional standard features. On top of the applicable standard equipment from the less expensive model, it includes navigation, leather seating surfaces, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and split folding rear seat.

Next up is the Performance model, which in turn builds on the Luxury with features like 18-inch wheels, automatic parking assist, and a new-for-2016 surround-view camera system. It also comes standard with Magnetic Ride Control adjustable suspension, which features damper fluid full of iron filings. Running an electric current through the metallic fluid changes suspension firmness almost instantly and is highly recommended for drivers that value performance and handling.

Continuing to build up the level of equipment is the Premium model, which gets standard full leather seats, and the Driver Assist package of electronic driver aids.

Finally, the Vsport model adds the twin-turbo V6 engine, and sportier suspension and brakes. A Premium version of that adds a sunroof, tri-zone automatic climate control, and other luxury features.

Design

The 2016 Cadillac CTS is a thoroughly modern design, but still retains that classic Cadillac swagger. The angular exterior is the most refined version of the brand’s design theme so far, with highlights like LED daytime running lights that sweep up to match the profile of the headlights.

The interior features an equally engaging design, including a one-piece wrapped upper instrumental panel that flows down into the center stack, which features an eight-inch touchscreen for the CUE infotainment system. To streamline the cabin, that system features haptic touch points in place of most buttons, and everything is organized to put displays within the driver’s line of sight. There's even a rearview camera - now standard - to help back up your CTS with confidence, although we recommend opting for the available surround-view parking camera.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Cadillac CTS includes anti-lock brakes, StabiliTrak stability control, traction control, a full array of airbags, a rearview camera, and General Motors’ OnStar® concierge and monitoring service. Standard on the Performance and higher trims is a surround-view camera system.

The CTS is also available with a full array of electronic driver aids, including blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, lane change alert, Cadillac’s vibrating Safety Alert seat, forward-collision warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Driver Assist package also adds adaptive cruise control and front and rear automatic braking.

Bottom Line

The 2016 Cadillac CTS is a world-class luxury sport sedan that values performance while simultaneously providing the very latest high-tech features. 

To learn more about the 2016 CTS, or to schedule a test drive, contact us at MotorWorld | MileOne Autogroup.

*EPA Certified Fuel Economy: 2.0L Turbo 21 MPG city/31 highway RWD, 21 city/29 highway AWD, 3.6L 20 MPG city/30 highway RWD, 19 city/28 highway AWD, 3.6L V-Sport Twin Turbo V6 16 MPG city/24 highway RWD.

**The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment.

Image: Cadillac