The General Motors Company has been repetitively telling us that the third generation Cadillac CTS would cost more as the new sedan grows in luxury and proportions to take on Europe’s finest models. Indeed, the new model is five inches longer, but 244 pounds lighter than the 2013 edition. With a starting price of $46,025 including its destination charge, the 2014 Cadillac CTS is priced $6,035 higher than the previous model.
The new pricing also reflects what GM says are more than 20 new standard features. Three trim levels — Luxury, Performance and Premium — are available for a model that features standard rear-wheel drive. All-wheel-drive is also available. The CTS V-Series is sold separately.
Cadillac CTS Engines
GM’s go-to V-6 engine, displacing at 3.6 liters and making 321 horsepower, is back. New for 2014 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder engine, the first four banger application for the Cadillac CTS. The 272-horsepower engine is also available with the Cadillac ATS, the brand’s entry-level compact sedan.
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The Cadillac CTS offers selectable drive modes for better handling and control on challenging surfaces. Drivers can choose touring, ice and snow, or sport driving as they head out. Each model is equipped with front Brembo brakes, anti-corrosion rotors, Magnetic Ride Control and 18-inch wheels.
Infotainment by Cadillac CUE
Cadillac CUE, the brand’s infotainment system, is standard across the CTS line. All models are equipped with an eight-inch touchscreen that can be easily reconfigured and controlled by light finger touches or with a sweep of a hand. Steering wheel controls for the phone, radio and navigation functions are displayed on a 5.7-inch instrument panel color display.
The Cadillac CTS features an 11-speaker Bose audio system with HD radio capability. Streaming portable media devices is accomplished with its three USB ports, one auxiliary port and an SD card port.
Cadillac CTS V-Series
A V-8 engine option is no longer available with the new Cadillac CTS. For buyers of the CTS V-Series, retailing from $59,995, that sedan is powered a Twin Turbo version of the 3.6-liter V-6 engine. The enhanced motor is SAE-certified at 420 horsepower and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This rear-wheel drive only model also comes with an electronic limited slip differential.
With its new model as well as with an upgraded packaging and pricing formula, GM is aiming the 2014 Cadillac CTS squarely at the Audi A6, BMW 5-Series and the Mercedes-Benz E350 sedans. Its pricing comes in $4,400 to $6,800 less than BMW and Mercedes-Benz, but is $2,030 higher than the Audi according to Automotive News.
Given the CTS’s growing following and ongoing favorable critic reviews, this sedan has the cachet to compete side-by-side with Europe’s finest models. Include the Jaguar XF and Lexus GS with the German three and the Cadillac CTS sedan has the credentials to take on five world-class competitors and win.
See Also — Cadillac CTS Vsport: Twin Turbo Performance
Photo courtesy of General Motors Company.