I really don't know why people are complaining about the price of the CTS 2.0T being $66,000. This is a luxury car after all and the competition it faces has the same lower end engines just as expensive or more. The original price of the base CTS is $46,000. I say that majority of the buyers will pick the 2.0T Luxury model that is $52,000 while a small percentage of the buyers will pick the premium models. And besides, most buyers do not check off all the options anyway. However, the way the car is build, I don't see anything wrong with the price. The only cars in this class way expensive is the BMW 525i and Maserati Ghilbli if you decked them out with options that costs at $80,000+ except that Ghilbli does not have a 4 cylinder.
Despite its flaws, this is quite possibly the best Cadillac I've seen! The performance, interior quality and design are par with the competition. Cadillac got this car right in all the places that matter most. I admit, I'm always a little skeptical when it comes to American made cars, especially GM, but my perception of American cars have changed dramatically! I'm actually finding their cars desirable!
Cadillac made it so you could get all the engine options with all the trim levels. So if you want a 4 cyl pretty good on gas with all the trim options, you can get it. Thats what steve has in this video. If you wanted a v6 in this car it would cost even more. Oh and the cts is around 4 grand less than a comparably equipped audi a6, bmw 5 series and the mercedes.
Great review/analysis Steve! I love Cadillac and cheer their return to American glory. However, compared to some other players, their pricing is simply irrational, imho, and the lack of a decent value proposition is the biggest/only thing holding this car back. Let's hope the New York/CT6 philosophy work their way into the refresh. That said, love the way you drive that 2.0 turbo! ;-)
Love this car! But let's talk about brand image: Beyond the Escalade anomaly, in today's competitive market, the Cadillac name brings mixed reactions in conversations among the affluent, and it carries a hazy image / uncertain prestige factor. Cadillac needs to price these things as "bargain luxury" and earn buyers through a solid decade (or two) of top notch product, as well as flawless dealer sales & service relationships with customers.
If you haven't already, check out motortrends review on youtube. A reviewer (Carlos) reviewed the V-sport by itself. Then they did a comparison video against the Lexus GS. Both videos are awesome, so check it out if you haven't already.
The CTS is now in competition with the 5 series, Q50. .etc yes its crazy to pay around 60K or higher for a 6cyl but times have changed. When I was growing up as a kid in late 80's and early 90's it was still the norm to get a Cadillac or Lincoln with the big V8 or V6 engines. But due to gas going up in price and older people are no longer the ones with the money Cadillac is trying to aim to the younger buyers . Not saying that every young professional is going to like a Cadillac over a dressed Honda like the Acura which are nice cars. We also have to remember when GM killed off Cts older sibling the STS, the CTS had to take the STS spot when the ATS came too. People may say that you could not compare the STS on the line as the 5 series. But truth be told they were. They were two completely different cars but every luxury car company had a small, large a mid size level car.
Nice features and great looking car, but I did choke when I heard a 2.0 I4 turbo and the price of $66,420 in the same sentence. That's ballsy move by Cadillac, who doesn't remotely have the prestige of the European brand like Mercedes or Jaguar. Does GM really think they'll sell these at E350 and XF 3.0SC prices?
***** I understand that is why Cadillac is marking the MSRP on par with the Germans. They don't want to be seen as an 'inferior' product. However in reality, who would really want to fork over the same $ for a non-prestigious Cadillac over a similarly priced Mercedes E350 or BMW 535i? It makes the CTS a difficult sell. There's a reason why when Lexus started up in 1990s the LS400 was E-class $ for S-class features and succeeded.
Trades46 Cadillac is just as prestigious just have an older audience and customer base that’s why they sell at the price of the unreliable Germans but still not as great. This Cadillac rightfully can be priced at the same numbers as the comparable Mercedes-Benz E-Class because it’s a Cadillac. Not only is it a Cadillac but it’s a Caddi that drives and handles better than the Audi and Mercedes-Benz it competes with. Not to mention the interior is absolutely gorgeous and I’d take it over the interior of the comparable base model Audi or Mercedes-Benz as well. Probably more reliable than them too. So unlike the Europeans you mentioned, this Cadillac’s price isn’t just because of the badge but how great the product is and the value it has.
I personally prefer the more unique styling of the 2nd generations exterior, nothing else on the road really looks like it. The 3rd generation looks too much like a Mercedes. However, the series 3's interior is a definite improvement.
I just bought a 2012 cts with 40 k miles because hey it was a very good deal but very disappointed because in 3yrs this car will not be the same price maybe 20k more than my car today
$62k for the four cylinder RWD model is crazy expensive. That's the same price as the excellent Audi A6 3.0TDI Quattro Prem + with Driver Assistance, Cold Weather, and Bose. Sorry Caddy, I'd rather drive the Audi for the same price.
No offense, but the 3rd Gen CTS is not bench-marked against the Audi... It is nipping at the heels of the 5-Series, which is generally price in the same area (greater +/- range) with comparable 528 & 535. The performance and efficiency of the outdated 220HP 2.0T in the A6 is dwarfed by the Cadillac 2.0T. And we are not going to spend any more time than this brief comment comparing the elementary CVT in the Audi to the standard 6-speed auto in the CTS… Due to the combo of the prehistoric 2.0T and outclassed CVT, it takes 7+ seconds to get the 2.0T A6 to 60 MPH. Shameful… Yet, the base price of the A6 is only $1k-2K less than the base/standard CTS (the car tested is a Premium 2.0T CTS that starts at $51K). Although you will pay an amount that is marginally more for the CTS, you get a significantly more out of it than the 2.0T A6.
***** Amazing... According to Edmonds, a 2009 CTS-V that was $63k in 2008 currently costs $32k, While a A6 4.2 in comparable condition was $69k in 2008 is currently a whopping $27k. Sorry about that Navigator depreciation though. Apparently there is like a 70%+ owner loyalty with the Navigator... I take it you will not be amongst the 70%.
Stunning front end and Incredible tech! But the bottom line is that pushing $70k for a compact sedan with a 4 cylinder 270hp engine is ridiculous. The upcoming 450hp BMW M3 sedan, for example, will be about $60k. Infinity Q50 with more hp and 2 giant touch screens goes for $39K. So think about it for a second: a base CTS costs MORE than a BMW M3. Even those who may hate BMWs would have to admit that the CTS is not even half the car. CTS = Terrible value
Wow $62K base price for American luxury.....if I had that kind of money in a car I would rather buy a Mercedes Benz or better yet a Maserati Ghibli. I must admit that Cadillac has significantly improved its boring design though.
True... The 3rd Gen CTS is no longer a 3-Series competitor... It is nipping at the heels of the 5-Series, which is generally price in the same area (greater +/- range) with comparable 528 & 535. It's only natural to compare the 3rd Gen CTS to the 2nd Gen, but that two vehicles are in different classes. Instead, we should compare the new CTS with it's competitors since its predecessor isn't an equivalent.
I remember seeing the Cadillac with it's new design and it was all over after that. Went out and bought a 2019 CTS AWD/ 2.0T Luxury model. LOVE IT!!
I really don't know why people are complaining about the price of the CTS 2.0T being $66,000. This is a luxury car after all and the competition it faces has the same lower end engines just as expensive or more. The original price of the base CTS is $46,000. I say that majority of the buyers will pick the 2.0T Luxury model that is $52,000 while a small percentage of the buyers will pick the premium models. And besides, most buyers do not check off all the options anyway. However, the way the car is build, I don't see anything wrong with the price. The only cars in this class way expensive is the BMW 525i and Maserati Ghilbli if you decked them out with options that costs at $80,000+ except that Ghilbli does not have a 4 cylinder.
Despite its flaws, this is quite possibly the best Cadillac I've seen! The performance, interior quality and design are par with the competition. Cadillac got this car right in all the places that matter most. I admit, I'm always a little skeptical when it comes to American made cars, especially GM, but my perception of American cars have changed dramatically! I'm actually finding their cars desirable!
Nice! But I'll wait a year and get a lightly used one for $20k below MSRP.
Since when is 6.1 seconds 0-60 slow? This car hits it out of the park in every single way.....every single way it is just magnificent.
Man on the highway, I be floating. It carves corners so damn well.
I love Cadillac's line up. This color and those wheels wow baby!!!
Cadillac.. damn yall doing it...this cts is CLEAN..Thumbs all the way UP!!!!!!!!
I'm owner of a 2017 CTS Luxury and I love this V6.non turbo.I bought it at 29000 k.
Maybe in 4 years a CT5..
Absolutely beautiful car.
v6 is a must for me.
Cadillac made it so you could get all the engine options with all the trim levels. So if you want a 4 cyl pretty good on gas with all the trim options, you can get it. Thats what steve has in this video. If you wanted a v6 in this car it would cost even more. Oh and the cts is around 4 grand less than a comparably equipped audi a6, bmw 5 series and the mercedes.
Give me the CTS over the German brands please, that is nice!
Inside and out, this Cad looks the business
Great review/analysis Steve! I love Cadillac and cheer their return to American glory. However, compared to some other players, their pricing is simply irrational, imho, and the lack of a decent value proposition is the biggest/only thing holding this car back. Let's hope the New York/CT6 philosophy work their way into the refresh. That said, love the way you drive that 2.0 turbo! ;-)
Love this car! But let's talk about brand image: Beyond the Escalade anomaly, in today's competitive market, the Cadillac name brings mixed reactions in conversations among the affluent, and it carries a hazy image / uncertain prestige factor. Cadillac needs to price these things as "bargain luxury" and earn buyers through a solid decade (or two) of top notch product, as well as flawless dealer sales & service relationships with customers.
Jason Golden I concur
My 2016 is the same color. Glad I got that year, better trans, Android Auto
2013 CTS looks Great! No Cue?
I agree with all the venom towards the 4-cyl for almost $70k. But man, that is one sexy car.
Steve, please review the Vsport!
The V-sport is the ONLY way to go with this car in my opinion.
chigasaki06 agreed. im anxiously anticipating a video review of it, i have only read about it on C&D.
If you haven't already, check out motortrends review on youtube. A reviewer (Carlos) reviewed the V-sport by itself. Then they did a comparison video against the Lexus GS. Both videos are awesome, so check it out if you haven't already.
chigasaki06 wow, hadnt seen those yet. theyre very comprehensive. thanks for the heads-up.
oh, and btw, steve: if youre reading these, i still want YOU to review the VSport.
I like the car, the value drops greatly, wait a couple years and you will pay max 1/3 the price
Twin turbo VSport model is ideal. 420hp.
The CTS is now in competition with the 5 series, Q50. .etc yes its crazy to pay around 60K or higher for a 6cyl but times have changed. When I was growing up as a kid in late 80's and early 90's it was still the norm to get a Cadillac or Lincoln with the big V8 or V6 engines. But due to gas going up in price and older people are no longer the ones with the money Cadillac is trying to aim to the younger buyers . Not saying that every young professional is going to like a Cadillac over a dressed Honda like the Acura which are nice cars. We also have to remember when GM killed off Cts older sibling the STS, the CTS had to take the STS spot when the ATS came too. People may say that you could not compare the STS on the line as the 5 series. But truth be told they were. They were two completely different cars but every luxury car company had a small, large a mid size level car.
Beautiful car.
Gorgeous car and great review!
CTS-V Sport premium starts at 69k so I don't get why this is so expensive, it has twin turbos v6 420 HP and 430 torque!
BEAUTIFUL VEHICLE! :)
Nice features and great looking car, but I did choke when I heard a 2.0 I4 turbo and the price of $66,420 in the same sentence.
That's ballsy move by Cadillac, who doesn't remotely have the prestige of the European brand like Mercedes or Jaguar. Does GM really think they'll sell these at E350 and XF 3.0SC prices?
*****
I understand that is why Cadillac is marking the MSRP on par with the Germans. They don't want to be seen as an 'inferior' product.
However in reality, who would really want to fork over the same $ for a non-prestigious Cadillac over a similarly priced Mercedes E350 or BMW 535i? It makes the CTS a difficult sell.
There's a reason why when Lexus started up in 1990s the LS400 was E-class $ for S-class features and succeeded.
Trades46 Cadillac is just as prestigious just have an older audience and customer base that’s why they sell at the price of the unreliable Germans but still not as great. This Cadillac rightfully can be priced at the same numbers as the comparable Mercedes-Benz E-Class because it’s a Cadillac. Not only is it a Cadillac but it’s a Caddi that drives and handles better than the Audi and Mercedes-Benz it competes with. Not to mention the interior is absolutely gorgeous and I’d take it over the interior of the comparable base model Audi or Mercedes-Benz as well. Probably more reliable than them too.
So unlike the Europeans you mentioned, this Cadillac’s price isn’t just because of the badge but how great the product is and the value it has.
I personally prefer the more unique styling of the 2nd generations exterior, nothing else on the road really looks like it. The 3rd generation looks too much like a Mercedes. However, the series 3's interior is a definite improvement.
I just bought a 2012 cts with 40 k miles because hey it was a very good deal but very disappointed because in 3yrs this car will not be the same price maybe 20k more than my car today
$66,000 for a 2.oT 4 cylinder are they crazy. A 2014 lexus 350 ISF don't even cost that much. Good luck Cadillac.
sure but the ISF competes with ATS if you like to put it this way because in my opinion lexus is out of the game i only see 3series, ATS, C class, A4
$62k for the four cylinder RWD model is crazy expensive. That's the same price as the excellent Audi A6 3.0TDI Quattro Prem + with Driver Assistance, Cold Weather, and Bose. Sorry Caddy, I'd rather drive the Audi for the same price.
Our Audi A4 has cost nothing out of pocket yet and it's a 2011 with 30k miles.
No offense, but the 3rd Gen CTS is not bench-marked against the Audi... It is nipping at the heels of the 5-Series, which is generally price in the same area (greater +/- range) with comparable 528 & 535.
The performance and efficiency of the outdated 220HP 2.0T in the A6 is dwarfed by the Cadillac 2.0T. And we are not going to spend any more time than this brief comment comparing the elementary CVT in the Audi to the standard 6-speed auto in the CTS… Due to the combo of the prehistoric 2.0T and outclassed CVT, it takes 7+ seconds to get the 2.0T A6 to 60 MPH. Shameful…
Yet, the base price of the A6 is only $1k-2K less than the base/standard CTS (the car tested is a Premium 2.0T CTS that starts at $51K). Although you will pay an amount that is marginally more for the CTS, you get a significantly more out of it than the 2.0T A6.
*****
Let me guess, your car is still under warranty.
***** Amazing... According to Edmonds, a 2009 CTS-V that was $63k in 2008 currently costs $32k, While a A6 4.2 in comparable condition was $69k in 2008 is currently a whopping $27k.
Sorry about that Navigator depreciation though. Apparently there is like a 70%+ owner loyalty with the Navigator... I take it you will not be amongst the 70%.
You can always buy the base for $46,000. Or the Luxury for about $52,000 and not add a lot of options.
That's INSANELY expensive for the class.
not really, the CTS starts at 45k
Stunning front end and Incredible tech! But the bottom line is that pushing $70k for a compact sedan with a 4 cylinder 270hp engine is ridiculous. The upcoming 450hp BMW M3 sedan, for example, will be about $60k. Infinity Q50 with more hp and 2 giant touch screens goes for $39K. So think about it for a second: a base CTS costs MORE than a BMW M3. Even those who may hate BMWs would have to admit that the CTS is not even half the car. CTS = Terrible value
It goes against a 5 series!
c'mon, where's the Infiniti Q50 review? :)
Damn Cadillac, this price? Good luck.
I honestly hate driving this car! Please compare this vs the Lincoln mkz. They are light years ahead with a huge savings as far as money is concerned.
Wow $62K base price for American luxury.....if I had that kind of money in a car I would rather buy a Mercedes Benz or better yet a Maserati Ghibli. I must admit that Cadillac has significantly improved its boring design though.
a ghibli? dear god. mechanics must *love* you.
Cadillac is getting too ambitious with there price.
If this one costs 63K, the CTS V is going to be at least 80K!!!
True... The 3rd Gen CTS is no longer a 3-Series competitor... It is nipping at the heels of the 5-Series, which is generally price in the same area (greater +/- range) with comparable 528 & 535. It's only natural to compare the 3rd Gen CTS to the 2nd Gen, but that two vehicles are in different classes. Instead, we should compare the new CTS with it's competitors since its predecessor isn't an equivalent.
the 4banger sounds dull,for 50000 bucks a get a hyundai gensis with rwd and V8!!
That 4 cyl has 272 hps, already proven in Chevy Cobalt SS. There is more power in there, ecm can be repogrammed and hopped up.
Beautiful, but my God is it overpriced.
cadi needs to take out all the electronics and price their cars 15k less.
Ford Taurus SHO is better.
Wow that's overpriced.