Despite the strides Cadillac has made with the CTS over three generations, any media outlet will tell you there’s still room to improve the midsize luxury sedan. Before we detail what Automobile felt were the shortcomings of the CTS Vsport, let’s review why the Vsport is one of the greatest sport sedans on the market.
First and foremost, Blaine Heavener, lead development engineer for the ATS and CTS, benchmarked the E60 BMW 5 Series for the third-gen Cadillac CTS, something that deserves a round of applause no matter where you stand on Cadillac. The E60 was what BMW was all about and, arguably, the current-generation (F10) 5 Series lacks some of the magic.
The Vsport is also the most powerful CTS available, with the exception of the 2016 CTS-V, which will probably rock our world and change our definition of the word “fast”. That’s to say the CTS Vsport is an astounding vehicle thanks to its twin-turbo V6 LF3 and superb chassis. And, as Automobile points out, the CTS Vsport can make you look like a 1970s-era rally star with traction and stability control completely disabled. Snow-covered parking lots and autocross tracks: beware.
So, where does the Cadillac CTS Vsport come up short? In a few areas.
Notably, in-town comfort is a biggie. That CTS’ superb chassis may allow for a relentless conquering of mountain twisties, but Automobile believes it feels uneasy and has a tendency to crash over rough pavement areas (but then, which car in this class doesn’t?). The twin-turbo’s throttle and transmission mapping were also noted as negatives.
Auto park-assist also failed to impress, as the system resulted in a curbed a front wheel not once, but twice. We’re also not surprised the Cadillac CUE infotainment system ranks among the list of complaints. Automobile keeps it blunt and calls the system “simply not brilliant.” Still, time with the system makes it passable at best. Hopefully, Cadillac’s new focus on gauges and instrumentation will result in significant CUE improvements.
So even though the CTS Vsport impressed Automobile in the corners, the publication says it lacks in day-to-day livability. Overall, Automobile says the car is a great package, but lacks the finesse and minor details found in its German competitors. Even so, we can certainly say, Cadillac is not only on the right track, but also in the correct lane. It just needs to stay the course on the excellent third-gen CTS and make continuous improvements year in and year out.
Comments
“in-town comfort is a biggie”
Yep, my biggest gripe with modern cars in general. Everyone tries to be sporty, comfort is an afterthought. And you’d think rough road comfort is achievable with Magnetic Ride Control™ . I wish Cadillac competed mainly with M-B/Lexus instead of the barely-luxurious BMW.
I disagree. Modern cars may not be softer than those of the past, but they are significantly more comfortable while being sporty. It’s an amazing balance of both.
I would also disagree that the Vsport is harsh. It’s a sport sedan bordering on the full-out V high performance sedan, and is perfect the way it is. If they want a comfortable cruiser, get a non-Vsport CTS. Or a Buick LaCrosse.
Well, if “regular” CTS is softer, then the whole discussion with Automobile is obviously pointless.
Driving comfort comes down mainly to three things: soft suspension, comfortable seats and power steering. You can’t really have all these while being sporty at the same time. ^^
You’re either “sailing” on the roads with your landyacht or you’re slicing through corners. Or you’re something in the middle and become BMW.
Well there is not a do all car out there in suspension magnetic shocks or not. The new systems make them better but you still have to firm up the springs to deal with the mass as the shocks and struts only dampen the car not support it.
If you want a better ride get a non V sport.
Funny they had no issue with this in the early reviews?
Auto part is a fad I hope goes away. It should not hit the curb and is it just this car or all of them? Either way if you can’t part you should not drive.
As for the Cue it will be addressed. As I have found the initial use of the unit is difficult to follow and learn in 5 mins. But if you have spent time with it this is a very usable system and easy to use if you know where everything is at.
GM needs to make Cue easy to use as soon as you get in the car as this is where a new buyer is going to be and if they can not use it in the show room it can lose a sale. GM is already going to change this. They are far from the first to have interphase issues with a new system Ford, BMW and other all have has similar issues.
Being the owner of a 2014 Cadillac CTS V-Sport and living and working in a major city, I can agree with some of the in-town harshness over bumps, etc., but as the article stated, “which car in this class doesn’t?” It’s a truly amazing car with outstanding technology and performance.
I don’t agree with the assessment that it lacks the “finesse and details found in the Germans”, nor about the engine and transmission mapping. I’ve never tried the Auto Park Assist feature, as I feared what happened in their tests…no curb rash for me. This car is a bonafide German competitor and arguably, best in class, no matter how you slice it. It’s worthy of it’s praises and every cent of it’s price. Kudos to GM and Caddy.
The CTS VSport has a lot going for it, but it has simply missed the mark when it comes to overall appeal. Why that has happened has been debated a thousand times over, but the moral to the story is, if you want one of these fine cars, you buy it used. Currently, used ’14 V Sport premiums are available in the mid-to high $40’s, or $20-25K in back of MSRP.
For Cadillac, I guess it’s a case of damn if you do, and damn if you don’t. The CTS Vsport would be perfect for me. I guess it’s a good idea to benchmark BMW’s M, for cars that appeal to enthusiast like the ATS V and CTS V. Enthusiast crave driving dynamics and performance, and Cadillac Vs will have those in spades, but, as I’ve said on this forum before, enthusiast like myself don’t buy cars in sufficient numbers, and are probably only 5% of the luxury market. The real luxury buyer, who wants to pampered, don’t give a hoot about canyon carving, so maybe MB, Lexus and Audi would be the better benchmark for the non V hardcore models.
Cadillac is making cars that should never stop doing.
Love CTS since birth, i love Escalade full of luxury and craftsmanship, and I will love the CT6 is coming
Do not stop now GM
Regards from Spain
A high school level critique article!!!! Really!
“An article about an article!”
“Automobile” is publishing original reporting, why not test the statements and validate or debunk Automobiles’ statements would be a better use of the writing sphere. This article is pure dribble!
I hold the editor accountable for letting this article off his desk!
I have driven Audi’s for 12 years. First, a 2001 model A4 that I liked and then a 2005 A6 that I consider to be the biggest piece of junk that I ever purchased with mechanical and electrical problems every month. I rented a Cadillac CTS during a recent business trip and decided that this was the car for me. Traded my German-engineered “3 dressed up as a 9” and bought a Vsport in January. At first, I was a bit skeptical with all the bad press about GM products, however, so far the car exceeds all my expectations for comfort, ride, features and even the CUE is great once your get used to it. In fact, I’ve had at least 5 people stop and ask about the car within the first month.
Based on my experience, the CTS Vsport is like having a Corvette that can also carry my family with 3 kids. Great work Cadillac….keep up the momentum. Sorry Germany, my vote is for this American machine !!
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