If you’re in the market for a driving-oriented, rear-wheel-drive, V6-powered compact luxury sedan, the list is pretty short. But if you had to narrow it down to just three, Motor Trend Magazine suggests that it’s a choice between the BMW 335i, Mercedes-Benz C350, and Cadillac ATS 3.6.
At first, it seemed that the Cadillac was completely outclassed, as Motor Trend’s senior feature editor Jonny Lieberman and his nice beard lambasted the ATS’ CUE system and the perhaps over-excessive gloss and chrome interior touches compared to the better-executed German infotainment systems and interior tailoring. Then he drove them. With the precision handling of the ATS 3.6 making up for its interior faults, it was enough to squeeze a win over the BMW and Mercedes rivals. To watch how it all unfolds, watch the video below.
Comments
Frankly…I think the engineers at Hyundai have watched this video and have already started sleepless nights to get the engine/transmission from the 3-Series, the steering/chassis from the ATS, and the packaging of the C-Class into a rear drive car smaller than the Genesis. The Genesis coupe is pretty small as is, and I doubt that they couldn’t do sport sedan based on it. Let those who have ears to hear, hear…
Hyundai is overrated.
Over-rated they may be, but they are selling cars left right and centre. And some damn fine cars at that. We ignore Hyundai at our own peril. What Hyundai has going for it is ambition. To think that they are not contemplating entering the rear drive sport sedan market would be missing the point. As long as money can be made there, Hyundai will be fielding an entry. Watch out for the full size trucks too.
I say bring it on, we need some fresh faces in the full size truck market. Also I see a volkswagen pickup in the future but thats just me.
The ATS is is a chassis dynamics masterpiece.
Although, having driven nearly all iterations of the F30 3 series and the ATS, it is hard for me to pick a clear winner for driving enjoyment. I didn’t find the 3 series to be rubbery. But, dynamically, I do prefer the ATS. I would bet that I could throw down faster autocross times in the Caddy than the Bimmer.
I found both of BMW’s powertrains to be superior to both of GM’s (haven’t driven the 2.5). I preferred the infotainment of the Cadillac (I dig CUE). And I preferred the BMW’s interior materials slightly.
Overall, the ATS is a serious 3er contender. If the powertrains were better, I think it would be a certified 3 series slayer.
ZEES CAN NOT HAPPEN! FIEX ZE VREE ZERIES! JETZT!
I’m surprised Lieberman and crew found it in their hearts to give the win to the ATS. I have this feeling that the CUE system is probably more geared towards the way Americans like their infotainment. Caddy can fix the interior, but what it really boils down to is driving dynamics. It appears the ATS has them. Now, the even bigger question: How did Lieberman and crew not roll the ATS during this comparison test?
The problem with CUE is the hardware. The way it operates. It will unfortunately not change overnight. MT has a point, the system needs a knob, or just a few buttons, or something.
Manoli…base has the knobs for on/off and menu…that is a good thing….but I also found it difficult to use heat/ac controls..probably because I wan’t sure what I was doing!!!
How did Hyundai get in here?
They are selling because of value. Lots of content for the money.
But with terrible driving dynamics…
I think Richard just brought it up because Hyundai seems to be using everybody else’s technology to their advantage. If we’re not careful, they’ll be the next Toyota. It doesn’t matter what people say, Hyundai still has t quite gotten refinement down.
Cadillac won….I guess that says it all? Good job!
I have driven a Cadi SRX several times for work, and all I can say is, the CUE system is infuriating. I swear I have to plan on pressing at least 3x for every 1 I should have to. Like hitting the fan speed button literally 10X to raise it 3-4 levels. And the reviewer is right, with the touch screen instead of the iDrive or similar controiioller, it makes it impossible to use without looking, and a safety hazard. I don’t care how great a car drives. If I am going to be pi$$ed off every timeI use a control besides the pedals, it’s not worth it.
Todd — what about using voice commands?
What about using steering wheel controls?
And the Car has auto HVAC. How difficult is it to get to the temp?
Everyone who reviews CUE thinks its an iPad. IT IS NOT! It functions very similar to an iPad or tablet device but it is NOT one. While driving, one is supposed to utilize the steering wheel controls and natural voice recognition. The reviewers using CUE always tap repeatedly on the screen like a child. I have used CUE in the XTS and while the pinch to zoom feature has a bit of lag, nothing else is as bad as they make it out to be. Simply touch and hold your finger there for a split second and the system operates flawless. The four way controller is even easier to learn. I’m sure the updates to CUE will work out everything everyone else is complaining about. I have no problem with it though. Then again, I also am a tech head and I didnt have a problem with the first generation iDrive by BMW either.
Finally ….Ive been waiting for 4 months to hear and see some real positive excitement over the ATS. Kudos to you! Nay sayers and review readers take note. TEST DRIVE IT BEFORE YOU TALK C***! What an intense experience it is to go for any ride in any weather on any surface in my 49k loaded performance pkg ATS…never been happier in any other vehicle! Despite the fact that most cadillac fans may not appreciate such a complete and successful endeavor into this type of ride, I certainly did! I do believe it is worthy of it honors this yr. After just seeing the auto show and the interiors of the competition I was completely sure that my purchase in october was no doubt the right choice. Although many people have determined the cue to be a failure I stand by my opinion that it is not nearly as bad as most reviews ….actually like it and more importantly LOVE the voice command features. I even venture to say that as voice technology goes it is maybe the most accurate and quickest experienced!! As for all these vehicles I say take your pick , you can’t lose. Hmm, but for me and my ATS we will drive on by with the bose system booming …v6 growling… grinning .