Cadillac CTS review

Cadillac really thinks its CTS is really very good. So good in fact that it reckons the CTS has what it takes to lure BMW drivers out of their 5-Series'. We decided to test those claims.

Let’s be honest, Cadillac has pretty much failed up until now to convince the British public that it is a worthy contender for BMW or Audi. However, the US firm reckons the new CTS is going to change all that. And on first impressions, things look promising.

The previous model was a bit ugly. However, this one is far more stylish. It is still distinctly American, with big 18-inch alloys and striking vertical LED tail-lights. But the best bit is that gaping front grille.

It’s not just outside the car where things have improved. There’s only one spec level and the CTS comes crammed with all the kit premium car-makers leave on the options list. Climate control, French-stitched heated leather seats, touch-screen sat-nav, 10-speaker Bose premium stereo with 40GB hard drive for storing music all come as standard. That’s impressive in a car that starts at just £26,995.

This will get you the 208bhp 2.8-litre model. We drove the 3.6-litre, though, as it has a more exciting 307bhp (I’m no fool!). This unit has enough grunt. Sadly, the six-speed automatic gearbox lets it down. The thing seems to have a mind of its own. Sometimes it refuses to change down for overtaking, other times it shifts gear without warning. Not good. And neither is the sound from the engine – it’s really dull for a V6.

Unsurprisingly, the big American’s chassis isn’t that great, either – but not in the way you might think. Sports suspension means it actually handles pretty well – there’s virtually zero body roll. However, the ride is too harsh, and the CTS shudders over uneven surfaces sending creaks and rattles resonating throughout the brushed-metal cabin.

If your main concerns are looking cool and getting value for your money, the CTS is definitely worth a look. But if driver involvement is key, then stick with something European. Or wait until next year. That’s when the high performance CTS-V goes on sale and it’s rumoured to be faster than the BMW M5.