Cadillac's CTS is a mid-size luxury sedan that either has the privilege or the misfortune to play in the same category as well-known cars like the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6.
That's some stiff competition, but the CTS has more than just the looks to go head-to-head. It carries over for 2018 with a choice of three engines in a 2.0L four-cylinder good for 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, a 3.6L V6 that makes 335 hp and 275 lb-ft and a turbocharged version of that V6, exclusive to the V-Sport trim, that cranks out 420 hp and 430 lb-ft. All-wheel drive is optional with the two less-potent engines, while the V-Sport is RWD-only. All powertrains come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
New feature additions for this year are minor, limited to Apple Watch integration, an automatic setting for the heated steering wheel and two more USB ports for rear-seat passengers.
Those items join more last year's more notable updates, which brought a camera-based rearview camera as an option, as well as a teen driver mode that enables all of the car's safety features, and mutes the sound system until everyone in the car buckles up.
Cadillac also updated the CTS midway through last year with a second-generation version of its CUE infotainment system the company promises is better than the clunky original. That's a good thing, but we hope it's a lot better because the German competition has years more experience building infotainment into their cars and if they haven't perfected it, they've come close.
The CTS stands out in the mid-size sedan class with its edgy styling, but all the same it's hard to be impressed by anything but the upper-level models when the base car's 17-inch wheels look so tiny wrapped in the CTS's slab-sided body.
What gives the CTS something of an edge at its four-cylinder entry-point is that its 2.0L makes a bit more power than those in the E-Class and 5 Series.
Unsurprisingly, the CTS is most impressive as the V-Sport, which gets GM's excellent magnetic dampers, a limited slip rear differential and sportier steering feel. If that version's performance isn't enough for you, check out the 640-hp CTS-V, which is covered in a separate buyer's guide entry.
In our opinion, what continues to hurt Cadillac is the brand's reputation for cars geared toward an older demographic. Even as it tries to swing the needle toward younger buyers, cars like the cushy XTS continue to cater to those more traditional Cadillac shoppers and turn off some younger ones.
CTS fuel consumption estimates range from 11.0/7.8 L/100 km (city/highway) in 2.0L/RWD cars to 15.0/9.9 in the V-Sport.
