Five Things We Dislike About The 2016 Cadillac CT6
33
Sponsored Links
The 2016 Cadillac CT6 has many great features. Things like its 3.0-liter twin turbocharged V6 engine and updated CUE system are welcome additions to the Cadillac portfolio, but as with nearly every car ever made, there’s a few shortcomings, so let’s address them.
1. The Feel And Look Of The Door Mounted Electric Seat Controls
This complaint is the reason for the header image above. Don’t get us wrong, we love that Cadillac decided to use door-mounted seat controls on the CT6, as we’ve always found them to be easier to use than ones mounted beside the seat. Our problem is with the feel and look of the switches. They didn’t feel cheap, but we felt Cadillac could have made them out of higher end materials. Even the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has metal door-mounted seat controls with a particularly attractive design, and that’s a compact car that starts at $38,400.
2. The Styling, While Beautiful, Is A Bit Underwhelming
The CT6 is a nice looking automobile, no doubt. However we we’re expecting something a little more imposing. We feel as though the CT6 isn’t a groundbreaking and memorable new design like the Elmiraj Concept, but is rather a natural progression from the CTS. Here at the New York Auto Show, we’ve heard the sentence “it looks like a bigger CTS” on more than one occasion. This isn’t a bad thing, but we have a feeling not too many consumers will be buying the CT6 based on looks alone.
3. It Didn’t Debut With The Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain Or Twin-Turbocharged V8
We were fairly excited to see the CT6 prior to its big debut. One of the main reasons for this was the exciting new powertrains on offer. Cadillac has already confirmed the car will arrive with a twin-turbocharged V8 and a plug-in hybrid powertrain using the available 3.0-liter twin turbocharged V6, but only the regular 3.0-liter twin turbo-powered model was in NYC. The CT6 may have made an even bigger splash if it debuted with one of its more impressive propulsion systems, but at least we’ll see them added to its portfolio eventually.
4. If You Want Rear Wheel Drive, You Need The 2.0L Four-Cylinder
Cadillac made sure their CT6 debuted with two exclusive powertrains: The all-new 3.6-liter V6 and the aforementioned 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6. However both those engines are mated to Cadillac’s Active Chassis System, which also includes all-wheel drive. If you want the precision and driving feel a RWD setup provides, you will be forced to pick the 2.0-liter LTG engine also used in the ATS and CTS. This isn’t so bad as the 2.0-liter is fairly powerful and should make for good fuel economy returns, however if you want rear-wheel drive it’s your only option, which could turn a certain kind of customer away.
5. The Look Of The Rear Seat Entertainment System
We feel as though the way the optional rear-seat entertainment system in the CT6 looks is a touch awkward. Rather than using a ‘floating’ screen like Mercedes or BMW, Cadillac’s automatically retracts into the back seat. This is good as you don’t have to constantly look at the screen if you’re not using it, but the whole assembly takes up more space and looks a bit strange. We’re nitpicking at this point, however we can’t help but feel as though they could have integrated it with more finesse.
Sponsored Links
Really? You’re just nit picking with the last one?
If that is all the better you can do they did Damn good.
Much of what you listed is yet to come in a year.
I agree. Also faster powertrain = AWD. That’s a plus especially if you experience all 4 seasons where you live
I agree with number 3 the most. The design was expected there were rumblings that the design wouldn’t be a new direction for cadillac but as for the power trains a V8 should have debuted along with the V6’s. The V8 didn’t have to be the TTV8 CT6-V, just one. Not all buyers who want a V8 are going to jump to the V trim level
I’d completely change my tune on all above if they debut the V, and plug in within a year as a 2017. Just don’t do what they did with the ats/cts and wait 2-3 model years
All good points.
Its a shame people kiss GM’s ass here so much that a discussion about cars is impossible or turns personal.
No ass kissing just some people actually know how and why thing happen as they do. Too many here work with few of the info on what is really going on and have no concept of how we got to some models. Cadillac is one of the most misunderstood programs because of the changes that have been taking place there over the last 5 years.
GM was what has been doing the most damage to Cadillac for years. They made them an under achiever with poor products that really had little Cadillac left in them. Once they did go to the STS in the 90’s they cheaped out with FWD and a DOHC but one that had many issues.
When GM was going into bankruptcy the XTS a nice car was considered the future flagship. Well post Chapter 11 GM started to wake up and relized they needed more. They got to the point the CT6 was considered the new flagship to replace the space filler XTS that had already been done. The CT6 is a great car but for a flagship it is still not enough. Last August is where Cadillac and GM finally came to the realization they need to do more and that is where things really begin. While todays cars are very good they will become better with real marketing programs and engineers that are employed by Cadillac.
There has been so much misunderstood here by many some from just petty ignorance or hate and others just because they have not kept up with the many changes.
More people need to read up on stories like this and see the tools and money being put in place compared to what they were working with and it explains a lot of the issues. Cadillac and how they were handled were just another example of GM’s failed culture.
Read this and it will put things into perspective not just on the past or the CT6 but on the future.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-03-31/how-a-former-audi-guy-plans-to-spend-12-billion-reviving-caddy
Will all this work? hard to say but they have the best damn chance they have had in years. Like Johann or not his ass will be on the line for this and if it works he is a hero if he fails he may be the man remembered for killing Cadillac. A guy willing to take this risk at least earns a chance to prove himself.
While so many here were arguing about numbers vs, names and detail options we had much greater issues out there that were in play. No marketing people, Engineering people who worked on a Chevy and Cadillac at the same time with no focus on one or the other. Etc. GM brass that were upset that door handles cost a couple dollars more than the cheaper GM Corporate one.
Cadillac just has no single focus on itself and has not sent s single message to the customers other than if you wait we will rebate our cars if you are looking for a bargain.
This pictures are many little things what is all one big thing. something 5 or 6 boints. but ok . not to go so grazy
Any word on if it has soft close doors or power folding mirrors? These are popular in the segment and I hope this car has them. Also changeable ambient lighting like the S Class would have been cool.
I’m sure it has power folding mirrors… even a Chevy Avalanche does.
But then again I bought a CTS and was STUNNED that it didn’t have auto dimming side mirrors. A Camaro has that!
I test drove a Luxury 2 weeks ago and a Platinum today. It had every option. There were no soft-close doors. We searched the settings menus and the literature. No luck. The mirrors power fold with a button push. Didn’t check to see if there was an automatic option nor if they auto dimmed (it was daylight.) The video rearview mirror is tricky; my old eyes needed 2 seconds to focus on the mirror in video mode, but not in normal mode. The auto trunk opened with an air-kick, or more exactly, several air-kicks. Otherwise it rides, accelerates, handles great.
It is important that the GM and Cadillac wants to become the best in themselves. work is being done to get the best. it would be logical to get better at a reasonable pace. GM returns to a reasonable speed.
However, the models must be the best and the biggest. and so everywhere. follow the best anywhere. sports, automotive, computer world, and so one .audi, BMW, MB Tesla wants to be a competitor to the extent of driving.
Many car manufacturers are missing something. bmw mb-audit is done and are doing well in a complete mess. they also have problems . model a wide range of different models and options. But to make a mess allows for large and strong reputation. and decent products.
very expensive spare parts can bring big money.
Cadillac has a decent reputation. Cadillac needs to be just as perfect. My personal wish is that Cadillac would be a real competitor to the best.
Cadillac has a decent reputation. Cadillac needs to be just as perfect. My personal wish is that Cadillac would be a real competitor to the best. It should already have America- GM Cadillac desire.
Who says that the American and European pla pla pla. Both products are very strong and have been today. Do not confuse this with the American and European mess. Europe is in many countries. consists of the states of America.
Compare the things and products. In Europe, comparing different countries productions. when compared with another country different productions.
Some says that Lincoln or Cadillac. everyone must strive to do the best. and so the gm. GM must strive to make the best of all.
VAG Group has been in my mind though that with all the manufacturers are trying to do the best. Vag Group strives to do the best to destroy others around the world.
I think the only real complaint is make the bottom materials that’s on the door to have soft touch instead of hard plastics
And where is the “Super Cruise” feature? nobody talk about this
Unfortunately, was not ready on time so if panned, it will be available on the ’17 model year.
My complaint? Only one body style. I’ll start saving up now if Cadillac builds a large grand tourer using the same formula.
It is true that American cars are yet to finish small details that the Germans topped nice and classy.
But I see how good, how much learning USA manufacturers to improve the appearance and interior design.
And this CT6 has an elegant and truly luxurious interior design very nice.
I hope they make good use this great platform “Omega” to make even more beautiful cars, would be fine one CT6 Coupe yet more luxury and sporty
They should have just skipped the 2.0T for the car here and offered in China and other markets only. Why? It drags the car down a class and that version will take an absolute beating at the auto auction.
I thought the whole goal with the new direction of Cadillac is to build the brand into a world class premium luxury brand? How is offering an “off the shelf” 2.0L turbo 4 in your new $70K+ large luxury car going to accomplish that?? You will end up with angry and disgusted prospects in the Caddy showroom as soon as they discover they must spend thousands more for the “Active chassis system” with AWD to get a V6?
Couldn’t agree more, no one looking in this segment wants a 2.0 liter 4 cylinder car!!! This is suppose to be a large luxury sedan.
Not imposing a design is a detraction ? Name one of the European and Japanese prestige cars which totally outsell the American ones , that is imposing except the top end Mercedes one? Refinement , understated looks , flowing lines , fit and finish , quality paint . This defines everything you can buy from shoes to aircraft . As a wealthy buyer , do you buy imposing shoes or ones of soft , rich colored supple ones that fit you like a glove . The same with clothes , do you want rack polyesters , imported rack wools or hand made custom fit , understated choice designs ? This is what the refined bujyer is buying and the CT6 finally has lost a lot of its edginess and now has a refined and balanced look and feel . Where it will definitely experience some negative customer and reviewers comments will be the first year blues , I call it , where there are so so quality component designs and quality issues . GM’s hard earned reputation for poor relations with parts/components suppliers is legendary ….worst of the top 6 major auto manufacturers . Lieblein was brought in to organize a rebirth of this supplier relationship and much has been done but this process will probably take several more years before this issue will be history . In the meantime , I think more than a few new GM products will probably suffer from so so customer satisfaction and reviewers comments , for the first year or two after introduction . Customer Satisfaction is the cornerstone of this highly competitive worldwide prestige auto business . The only GM product to make the top ten in 2014 was Buick and pray tell how imposing are the Buick models ?? Over 1,200,000 sold worldwide last year !
I am very disappointed in the exterior design of The ct6. I have had 7 new Cadillacs and currently own a 2013 XTS platinum which I love. I was hoping the ct6 would look like the El Mirage or
Ciel. The ct6 looks like a bigger cts which i am not impressed with at all. My 2008 red cts looked much nicer.
I do not understand why GM makes concept cars like the El Mirage and Ciel
And the public loves these cars and then makes a plain Jane vehicle. Why
Oh why do they do this? Where are the side and hood vents like the Ciel, and grill and vertical tailpipes?? Also the from nose if the ct6 looks like a shark head. People buy card for the
“Wow” factor like when the 08 Cts came put and the new corvette. I will
Keep my car and Not buy another
Cadillac until I see a car that I really have to have like the El Mirage or hardtop Ciel. I might just get the new
Corvette too when my lease us up in
9 months. I just do not understand
GM anymore. Cadillac history Is known
For bling and beautiful vehicles. Like
The 79-85 Cadillac El Dorado Barritz, I would buy this in a heartbeat. They could make this car again and it would
Sell like hotcakes, just like They did to the Dodge charger.
“Cadillac history Is known for bling and beautiful vehicles. Like the 79-85 Cadillac El Dorado Barritz, I would buy this in a heartbeat.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztVMib1T4T4
If Cadillac brought out that heap of trash today and named it the El Dorado Barritz, Cadillac would be laughed out of existence, and would forever make cars who’s quality and engineer would struggle to be better than Mitsubishi.
Attn: Grawdaddy. No one wants
Attn Grawdaddy:
No one wants to hear your negative comments about Cadillac! I’m sure you have never owned or driven one except a small mitshubishi just
Like your tiny 2″ Dick. Don’t waste your time in replying because I will not waste my time reading your reply. Do us all a favor
Go get a gun, point it to your head And pull the trigger. The world will be a better place without you. I’m sure your father Satan has a special place for you in Hell!Attn Grawdaddy:
No one wants to hear your negative comments about Cadillac! I’m sure you have never owned or driven one except a small mitshubishi just
Like your tiny 2″ Dick. Don’t waste your time in replying because I will not waste my time reading your reply. Do us all a favor
Go get a gun, point it to your head And pull the trigger. The world will be a better place without you. I’m sure your father Satan has a special place for you in Hell!
Apart from your triple posting, why lash out like a child? You can’t take criticism for your unpopular ideas about terrible Cadillacs from 30 years ago? Perhaps you should grow up; the Eldorado Baritizz really is an embarrassment to Cadillac and was offered as an inferior substitute to Mercedes SL of the time.
But since you asked:
Part 1) I once had an 04 CTS. It was simultaneously both a good car and a terrible car. The 3.2 was adequate, and as far I know the interior “pleather has likely worn down to the seat frames. Remarkably fine body with no imperfection though, but for all of GM’s effort, it was a terrible car.
Terrible in that on at least 4 separate occasions I had to explain to others what it was and why it was better than old Cadillacs. It was always sketchy old people approaching me and asking what it was and how much they missed their old Fleetwood Broughams and Sevilles.
I can’t remember exactly how it was said it was said it to me, but in my understanding of what Cadillac was trying to do with the first gen CTS, their intent was being soundly ignored by the grey hairs who believed that every Cadillac being made was aimed squarely at them alone; that Cadillac existed solely to remind them of their beloved trashy Eldorados.
In their eyes, I was the odd one. Someone scarcely into his 20’s behind the wheel of a Cadillac; I must be filthy rich when in fact I wasn’t and the car was 2 years old when I bought it. To them, they thought I was weird for choosing the small V6 CTS over the Northstar powered Devilles and Sevilles. I told them I wanted RWD and they didn’t understand that my CTS was analogous to a BMW 3.
Its then that it hit me. Cadillac was attempting to convey the CTS as being a sports sedan and the message was being lost in the public sphere. The elderly weren’t understanding what it was because they only knew horrible Cadillacs from the 70’s and 80’s and they held them up as a standard. For me, I knew that driving the car meant two things: that I was forever going to be seen as grossly out of step with current trends by being too old, and that I was going to be seen in a light of being wealthy if I kept up appearances. My “bargain” RWD sports sedan CTS was sold in 2008 and was likely swept up in the credit crunch.
Part 2) I’m a grower, not a shower. 😉
Part 3) There is no Satan, or Heaven, or Hell, or God, or most critically, a soul to go anywhere and get judged by something. The soul is just a concept and is the weakest part of the all religious narratives because it can’t be proven to exist. When the soul concept falls apart, so does everything resting upon it.
Happy Easter!
#4. 3.0 Twin Turbo?
Did I miss something?
I pretty much agree with all five points. Especially point #1. The button layout of the CT6 does look somewhat low-grade. As you pointed out about the Mercedes C-Class: even the finest details count! The other critical area is the styling, while handsome, is somewhat underwhelming. As has been said a million times: it’s Cadillac’s design language and every other car maker is doing it. But a little more distinction in appearance would be greatly appreciated! The face of the Elmiraj concept would’ve done well on the CT6; it’s a shame they didn’t decide to use it…..I’m not gonna rat on them about the lack of V8 and hybrid powertrains since they have them coming.
Overall, the CT6 is nothing more than a better XTS, but this is a good thing! It’s RWD/AWD, it’s loaded with much better tech, and it’ll most likely appeal to the geriatric crown; if they care……
No car comes out of the gait perfect . As the CT6 evolves over time some of the nit picky points will be addressed . What we need to look at now is how the build process goes . Most all of the first few 100 cars that will run down the assembly line will not be sold ,( called test mules ), but given to the engineers to go over the cars with a fine toothed comb . This is where the quality is going to come from . People dont realize just how extensive building a car is . And what it actually costs to bring a car to market . It will be a slow ramp up of the build until everyone who touches that car has the knowledge they need to put the car together , from the new body shops welding facility to the paint process and then to the trim shop that actually puts all the toys together and make sure they work like it was engineered to do . Look at the time it took for the Escalade to iron out the problems and now they cant build them fast enough . No change is easy or comes overnight .
The more I ponder this I expect that Cadillac will come back more on the backs of the SUV and CUV models we will see in the future. These are going to be the profit centers and volume products. This is why ever luxury division is making way with so many variations.
As for the sedans they will make way slowly and I think with the help of the SUV and CUV models they may get people to take a second look.
Also we all have to consider that Cadillac had no real marketing plan. They did advertising but it was pretty pointless and told little about the cars other than they were offering lease deals on them.
Watch the current Benz spot
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJKeaTRpT1c
This is selling the car and what it is all about. I expect Cadillac now that the CT6 is out will evolve from the Dare to a commercial much like this where they actually deal with the car and what it is all about.
Also if they are willing get someone Like Richard from Top Gear the closet American to do the voice over to give it a global flavor that would work here as well as in China.
The fact is we are about one month in on the start of the first marketing campaign by Cadillac in years that has any real effort and we need to let it develop. These first spots are just seeds that will continue to grow.
The bottom line is with the CT6 is GM at one time a couple years ago thought this was good enough. Now they publically admit they need to do better. They are willing to put $12 Billion to make it better and we shall reap results in due time but you have to let the seeds grow.
# 3 is coming and will be a Brand New TTV8 says the Man 😉 …. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXHwjIzXJ4w
There is one thing General Motors that always surprises me:
When it comes to designing a Concept Car, traditionally designed cars that impress a lot and like very much to virtually everyone.
And when later makes a car to production; their cars are much less attractive and less impressive class and luxury.
Everyone loves Ciel and Elmiraj if i own Cadillac, begin to manufacture them now.
The CT6 is very good to be the replacement for the XTS, but what Scott says, we must go further filled with more style and class cars and hire someone specializes in creating interior designs in true European style luxury,with GM traditional soul, of course
Regards from Spain