Sedan hits top level of luxury
Cadillac’s concerted efforts to earn major-league status in the luxury-sedan field have so far yielded mixed results. Perhaps, then, the new-for-2016 CT6 is the brand’s best shot at attracting newbies who might otherwise select a high-end carriage from German, British or Japanese automakers.
The CT6 moves above the XTS in Cadillac’s sedan pecking order to become the limousine of choice. Although both vehicles are roughly the same size, the CT6 holds a significant 25-centimetre increase in distance between the front and rear wheels. That translates into appreciably more legroom for rear passengers and is comparable with that of the Audi A8.
The CT6 tops the XTS in other ways, starting with a completely new rear-wheel-drive platform that Cadillac says is much stiffer and lighter than many of its competitors. (The XTS is front-wheeldrive.) That’s primarily due to the use of lighterweight aluminum for part of the structure as well as all the body panels.
The bodywork projects the classiness to which buyers of upscale coaches will relate. The wretched excesses of Cadillac’s past are now but a faded memory, especially considering a base curb weight that, at about 1,680 kilograms, makes the CT6 a relative featherweight, somewhere around the curb weight of a base four-cylinder Chevrolet Camaro.
The extra length between the doors along with a short rear deck work particularly well, as does the attractive front end with its now-toothless grille and LED-running-light strips extending along the leading edge of the fenders. If there’s one quibble, it would be that the trunk lacks the spaciousness of the XTS’s.
There’s no quibbling over the cabin accommodations, which are up to snuff with other sedans in this Caddy’s lofty bracket.
The dashboard is dominated by a 30-cm touchscreen display surrounded by plenty of leather and wood trim, while a generously sized floor console holds plenty of bulky gear.
Buyers can opt for an Articulating Rear Seat package that has more than 7 cm of seat travel plus heated, cooled and massaging cushions with lumbar (lower-back) adjustment.
The trio of powerplants begins with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder that makes 265 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. At the mid-point, a non-turbo 3.6-litre V-6 generates 335 horsepower and 284 pound-feet, while a twinturbocharged 3.0-litre V6 doles out 404 horsepower and 400 pound-feet. All are mated to eight-speed automatic transmissions.
For fleet buyers, the most logical choice would be the base turbo four-cylinder since it’s the least expensive CT6 ($63,750, including destination charges). At 11.0 l/100 km in the city and 7.6 on the highway, it’s also the most fuel-efficient. Note that the turbo 2.0 can only be had in rear-wheel-drive, while either of the V6 options comes with all-wheeldrive only.
Of course, every CT6 is well appointed, but this Cadillac’s list of available features practically guarantees that each car is built to suit individual tastes and budgets.
Among the more prominent features is a quad-zone climate-control system with individual front and rear settings, a rear infotainment unit with dual 30-cm screens fitted into the front seatbacks and a Bose Panaray sound package with a mind-boggling 34 speakers.
Moving up to the non-turbo V-6 costs $2,350 extra and includes similar content to the 2.0 as well as all-wheel drive.
For big spenders, the twin-turbo V-6 hikes the entry fee considerably, especially when kitted out in Platinum trim. That model comes with nearly every luxury and safety option Cadillac can muster and will push the cost of the CT6 close to the $90,000 mark. That’s a significant price walk and takes the car well into Escalade SUV territory.
The CT6’s smooth and detailed style, spaciousness and technology will help elevate Cadillac to a level that comes closer to matching the hot luxury rides from Germany and Japan. The question is whether buyers will be swayed.
THE SPEC SHEET
Type: Four-door, rear- /all-wheel-drive full-size sedan Engine: 2.0-litre DOHC I4, turbocharged (265); 3.6-litre DOHC V-6 (335); 3.0-litre DOHC V-6, twin-turbocharged V-6 (404) Transmission: Eight-speed automatic Market position: Numerous luxury makes are vying for buyer attention. In this field, Cadillac wants to move from the back seat to the front row with the CT6. Points: All new model is one of Cadillac’s best yet; Base turbo four-cylinder combines decent power with thriftiness; Exceptionally roomy and well-appointed interior. Active safety: Blind-spot and lane-keeping assist (optional); active speed control; forward-collision alert with pedestrian recognition, automatic braking (optional). Fuel economy, L/100 km (city/hwy): 11.0/7.6 (2.0) Base price (incl. destination): $63,750