Cadillac continues to evolve its mid-sized CTS sedan with a handful of equipment changes for model year 2017.
The major equipment changes focus for the CTS focus on technology and safety, and have been leveraged from other GM products. The CTS gains the CT6’s trick new rear camera system, which leverages the reverse camera to project an unhindered view of the road behind onto the rear-view mirror. The car also gains another electronic gizmo, borrowed from the Chevrolet Malibu – Teen Driver Mode. When engaged, it enables all active safety features, provides speed warnings, and mutes the audio until seat belts are applied. It also produces a report card for that shows how many speed and active safety feature warnings were triggered. Vehicles equipped with forward collision warning also receive a new indicator that tracks the vehicle’s following distance for added driver safety.
From a cosmetic standpoint, the CTS gets a new front grille design, and new rear fascia. Complimenting this are new wheel designs in 17-, 18-, and 19-inch sizes, with available polished, gloss, and matte finishes. Two new colours join the range, too – Silver Moonlight and Bronze Dune, while the interior gains a new light beige and black colour scheme. Models equipped with ventilated seats get automatic ventilation adjustments. The base level CTS also gets a new instrument cluster design, too.
The standard powertrain on the CTS is GM’s 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, which produces a healthy 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque; it can be upgraded to a 3.6-litre direct-injected V6 that produces 335 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. Both feature engine idle-stop, an eight-speed automatic, and can be had with rear- or all-wheel drive. Those desiring V8-like performance can upgrade to the VSport which builds on the 3.6-litre V6 with a pair of turbos for a total of 420 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. It too uses an eight-speed auto, but is only offered with rear-wheel drive. Added features on the Vsport including magnetic dampers, and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, plus sports steering give it a sharper feel on the road.
Cadillac also has an answer to the BMW M5 and Benz E63 AMG with the CTS-V. It’s covered in detail in a separate report.
Regardless of which powertrain or trim level is selected, the CTS comes loaded with luxury and technology features. Leather trim is featured throughout the cabin, and while wood can be had, carbon fibre and metal accents are also available. A digital instrument cluster can be reconfigured for a more personalized experience, while last year’s upgrades to the CUE infotainment system make it quicker to respond to inputs. The system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but retains capacitive touch controls for the climate and stereo. Available active safety features include full-speed radar cruise control with autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, as well as a safety seat that vibrates and retracts the seat belt if a crash is detected.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
