2017 Cadillac ATS Sedan Gets New Colors, Trim Levels, Redesigned Instrument Cluster And More
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Those hoping to see a mid-cycle enhancement (otherwise known as an MCE, update or refresh) for the 2017 Cadillac ATS will be sad to know that such an update is not in the cards: the much-anticipated ATS V-Sport isn’t being introduced and there won’t be any changes to the vehicle’s design (inside or out). Instead, the compact sport-luxury sedan is getting a series of small updates and changes.
For starters, the 2017 Cadillac ATS Sedan loses two exterior colors while gaining two new ones:
Deleted Colors
- Cocoa Bronze Metallic
- Silver Coast Metallic
New Colors
- Silver Moonlight Metallic
- Bronze Dune Metallic
In addition, the 2017 ATS Sedan does away with three sets of 17-inch wheels and replaces them with two new sets: the first is a premium painted alloy wheel, and the second is a polished alloy:
Deleted Wheels
- (Q5W) 17″ premium painted alloy wheels
- (Q5U) 17″ polished alloy wheels
- (R1U) 17″ Sterling Silver premium painted alloy wheels
New Wheels
- (RID) 17″ premium painted alloy wheels (replaces Q5W and R1U)
- (RIF) 17″ polished alloy wheels (replaces Q5U)
The 2017 model year of the sport-luxury compact sedan also brings two new LPO-level accessories:
- Pedal cover set
- Body-color V-Series rear spoiler
On the inside, the 2017 Cadillac ATS Sedan replaces the Light Neutral with Medium Cashmere accents color combination with Light Neutral with Jet Black accents.
From there, the 2017 ATS Sedan replaces its current trim level structure with Cadillac’s new trim hierarchy:
| 2016 Trim Level | 2017 Trim Level |
|---|---|
| Standard | ATS Sedan |
| Luxury Collection | Luxury |
| Performance Collection | Premium Luxury |
| Premium Collection | Premium Performance |
To note, the range-topping trim level on the 2017 ATS will be called Premium Performance, which is a departure from the new Premium Luxury trim on the 2017 Cadillac CTS or the Platinum trim on the 2017 Cadillac XT5.
On a related note, AWD variants of the 2017 ATS will do away with the ATS4 badge on the top left corner of the decklid (the badge was moved to the top left of the decklid for 2016 Cadillac ATS). Now, AWD models will include the ATS badge on the top left corner of the decklid as well as a separate AWD badge on the lower left corner of the decklid. The practice falls in line with Cadillac’s re-branding of all-wheel-drive vehicles to AWD, as opposed to appending a 4 to the model name.
The 2017 Cadillac ATS Sedan also gets a host of new in-vehicle technologies features that bring it on par with other 2017 model year Cadillac vehicles. The new features include:
- Updated Cadillac CUE infotainment system (to version 2.6) that includes Collection and Teen Driver:
- Collection provides access to browse, select and install apps to your vehicle. Apps include Pandora, iHeart Radio, The Weather Channel and more (data plan rates may apply).
- Teen Driver is a configurable feature that lets you activate customizable vehicle settings associated with a key fob to encourage safe driving behavior. It can limit certain vehicle features, and it prevents certain safety systems from being turned off. An in-vehicle report gives you information on your teen’s driving habits and helps you to continue to coach your new driver.
- Android Auto (launched interim 16MY)
There’s also a redesigned instrument cluster (which we have yet to lay our eyes on) and improved performance of the heated front seats.
And finally, the 2017 ATS Sedan sees these changes:
- 134A refrigerant changes to 1234F refrigerant
- Lane Keep Assist description changes to Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- Driver Awareness and Driver Assist Packages now include Following Distance Indicator
The GM Authority Take
Though the changes seen here are welcome, they make us think that an MCE isn’t in the cards for the ATS until it gets replaced by (what we believe will be) the all-new Cadillac CT3 in the 2018-2019 timeframe.
Stay tuned as we bring you information on the updates and changes to the 2017 Cadillac ATS Coupe and 2017 Cadillac ATS-V.
Following are GM’s official RPO-level changes to the 2017 Cadillac ATS Sedan:
Deletions
- Model 6AG69 2.0L Turbo Premium AWD 1SK
- Model 6AG69 3.6L Premium AWD 1ST
- Interior color (HHN) Light Neutral with Medium Cashmere accents
- Exterior color (G1F) Cocoa Bronze Metallic
- Exterior color (GWT) Silver Coast Metallic
- (Q5W) 17″ premium painted alloy wheels
- (Q5U) 17″ polished alloy wheels
- (R1U) 17″ Sterling Silver premium painted alloy wheels
New Features
- Interior color (HAA) Light Neutral with Jet Black accents (replaces interior color [HHN] Light Neutral with Medium Cashmere accents)
- Exterior color (GGB) Silver Moonlight Metallic (available at extra charge)
- Exterior color (GMU) Bronze Dune Metallic (available at extra charge)
- (UE4) Following Distance Indicator
- (RID) 17″ premium painted alloy wheels (replaces [Q5W] and [R1U])
- (RIF) 17″ polished alloy wheels (replaces [Q5U])
- LPO Accessories:
- (VEB) Pedal cover set
- (5ZU) V-Series Rear Spoiler, body-color
Changes
- Model 6AB69 naming convention changes from Standard to ATS Sedan
- Model 6AC69 naming convention changes from Luxury Collection to Luxury
- Model 6AD69 naming convention changes from Performance Collection to Premium Luxury
- Model 6AG69 naming convention changes from Premium Collection to Premium Performance
- Updated Cadillac CUE (Info 2.6 version), includes Collection and Teen Driver:
- Collection — Access to browse, select and install apps to your vehicle. Apps include Pandora, iHeart Radio, The Weather Channel and more (data plan rates may apply)
- Teen Driver — Configurable feature that lets you activate customizable vehicle settings associated with a key fob to encourage safe driving behavior. It can limit certain vehicle features, and it prevents certain safety systems from being turned off. An in-vehicle report gives you information on your teen’s driving habits and helps you to continue to coach your new driver
- Android Auto (launched interim 16MY)
- Instrument cluster redesigned and graphic appearance enhanced
- AWD models: Rear badging changed from including an “ATS4” badge on the top left corner of the decklid (16MY) to including an “ATS” badge on the top left corner of the decklid and a separate “AWD” badge on the lower left corner of the decklid
- (KR1) 134A refrigerant changes to (KRV) 1234F refrigerant
- (KA1) Heated front seat performance improved
- (UHX) Lane Keep Assist description changes to (UHX) Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
(Y65) Driver Awareness and (Y66) Driver Assist Packages now include (UE4) Following Distance Indicator
Download the 2017 Cadillac ATS Sedan order guide (PDF format).
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No mid-cycle enhancement makes sense for 2017 makes sense if Cadillac is planning to have a completely new CT3 in mid-2018 as a 2019 model and the same can be said about a V-sport which would most likely be a ATS equipped with the 404 horsepower LGW twin-turbo 3.0L DOHC-4v V6 although it could be the LF3 twin-turbo 3.6L V6 that makes 420 hp; the V-sport might be interesting in that the Cadillac ATS might not have required the structural strengthening meaning a lighter car.
Cadillac is just updating the rims, colors for interior/exterior and features of the car and renaming the trim levels. The ATS is coming to the end of its life cycle.
Subtle changes will keep it relevant for potential and repeat sales for couple more years. Just like the rest of the Cadillacs before a redesign for the final year of the life cycle, there will be very few change to the car, usually color trim enhancements.
Too bad the ATS V-Sport will not be available. Makes me wonder if the ATS-V sales is the deciding factor for not having the V-Sport available.
They would be after different buyers. Someone looking for the ultimate performance compact luxury sedan/coupe would not settle for a V-Sport alternative and cost would be significantly different between the 2 models.
Currently Cadillac not having an alternative to BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar, Lexus plus others is costing them sales period. The ATS needs to be in that space.
Infact Cadillac should have ‘V-Sport’ derivative of all its models similar to Lexus.
Immediate ‘V-Sport’ models should be the ATS and Escalade.
Disappointing no ATS V-Sport since so many other manufacturers in the luxury space has some form for sporty sub-model.
I wonder if Cadillac will give the ATS a more thorough makeover earlier than expect.
I think it is wise that Cadillac is waiting for the new model (CT3?) to do major upgrades to the vehicle. I had a 2013 ATS Premium AWD and in November got a 2016 ATS Premium RWD; both cars have been fantastic. As to the ‘whining’ about the instrument cluster, I don’t have a problem with it, though will look forward to an all electronic version in the new model, as in the current CTS. Also, to Consumer’s Report: Your constant complaining about the CUE system also gets a little tiring. I am 75 years old, found the CUE system quite intuitive after a week or so in my ’13 model; the newer version of CUE is even better. Join the 21st century, CR.
David, as an owner of a 2015 ATS 2.0T Premium, I agree with you in general. But I do think that the gauge cluster needs some serious work, not because it’s bad as a whole, but because it’s not very appealing compared to the clusters offered by the competition. You can tell that the German 3 and even Lexus have put a considerable amount of effort and attention to detail into their clusters: not only are they functional (which the ATS cluster certainly is), but they are also beautiful to look at and inspire confidence (which the unit in my ATS doesn’t).
Cadillac needs to pay more attention to the small details, since this will be where the battle will be won or lost in the luxury segments, where everyone’s vehicles are already very good and highly competitive. I’d apply this to CUE as well: it is a good system, but needs polish and refinement in UX and UI.
This is the first time I can remember when people looked down on a car for it’s gauge cluster. There is nothing wrong with the cluster, it looks just fine, works just fine and should be left alone.
I think GM could produce the perfect car and people would still complain about it!
It’s not about disliking the gauge cluster on any car… it’s about disliking it on a luxury car, a car that should bring to the table the best in everything — design, engineering, technology, reliability, safety, ownership experience, etc.
The point about the gauge cluster stands: go spend a day with an Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, or Lexus IS… then come back to the ATS and tell me that there is nothing wrong with the cluster in it. Sure, there is nothing wrong with it when you look at the ATS in a vacuum. But start comparing, and that quickly changes.
Whether you want to admit it or not, the gauge cluster in the ATS is a weak point. It is something that is looked at by the driver on a daily basis, and does not stack up well in its competitive set.
And I’m not bashing or otherwise hating on Caddy or the ATS… I am simply outlining an area where Cadillac needs to step up its game. To note, I have owned a Lexus IS and an Audi A4 before my current 2015 ATS Sedan Turbo Premium.
The look of the gauge cluster is a matter of opinion. Although others have better or worst looking gauge clusters in the segment, I have no problem with them. Although the change of the gauge cluster is welcome for the ’17 model year, it is not a guarantee that the criticism will go away completely and there will be someone complaining about it or something else on the car. IMO, the gauge cluster is not a valid complaint and a form of nitpicking.
Lack of cargo room is a valid complaint. Nothing wrong with the gauges.
Sure, complaints about the gauge cluster may be nitpicking… but it is exactly this kind of nitpicking that has gotten the Germans where they are today. In other words, nitpicking = attention to detail.
And lack of cargo room? What lack of cargo room? I have yet to notice that in my ATS after a year of ownership.
Lack of cargo room is used as a reference as an example compared to the gauges.
Look, I have no problem with the ATS if I was in the market and in fact would get it over the 3/4 Series. However, the ATS is an excellent car with few issue that can be remedied on the successor model in couple of years.
I do agree with you in saying that the ATS is an excellent car. But the small details is something Cadillac needs to improve, either for the current car or for the next generation.
Some examples:
The gauge cluster
The way the automatic transmission shifter feels when shifting from park to drive
The window switches
The lack of roof rack attachment points
The overhead console design
The horn/chirp when locking doors
… all these things (and more) is something that the competition does better.
Thank goodness they’re improving the hedeious instrument cluster!
Actually, the CTS and ATS are both getting MCE for 2017. This article is incorrect. I was just at our first Cadillac Academy earlier this week, and it was reported to us that both will get an update near the end of this year. Instead of just updating colors and tech, they decided to do the rest. So I was told.
What you were told is incorrect. The information presented here is from official GM order guides. Perhaps the updates you were told about will be for the 2018 model year… but it sure as heck won’t be for the 2017s, which is what is being discussed here.
I wonder what the new IP will even look like? From XT5? Or the actual TFT display from CTS
That’s the million-dollar question!
because even then, the basic XT5 uses the same IP as the ATS unless you go for the top of the line premium and Platinum models.
Not sure what the TFT display is from the CTS, but Cadillac really needs to get some new designers to work on cluster/display. I didn’t find the cluster on my 2014 ATS Premium to be an issue. The reliability of the vehicle was another story!
The “enhanced” layout on my 2016 CTS Premium has to be the most disjointed layout I’ve had in any car. I refuse to use the enhanced because it looks like something out of a Kia Rio! Sad, because some of the information to be displayed permanently is only available in enhanced display.
Come on Cadillac, get this squared away!
Please God, let it be the upmarket one from the XT5!!! It’s so much cleaner and upscale than the thing they have now.
Why has Cadillac been so slow in updating the ATS to make it competitive? They seems to be standing still for the past 3 or so years, in this the most important sector of the luxury market. Other than price and brand loyalty, can someone give me a few good reason a neutral shopper would buy the ATS 3.6 over the C450 AMG, BMW 340 or Audi S4? I can’t think of any
Some may say its about time Cadillac improved their gauge clusters . That seems to have been a standard complaint for some time . Escpecially when compared to other luxury manufacturers . Hopefully this will be enough to keep the car viable until it’s replacement .
How did this article miss the biggest change(s) for 2017?
You can only get the 3.6L engine in the top tier trim level and you can no longer get it with AWD period.
The Premium Luxury trim comes with only the 3.6 as Boss305 says, but this trim is RWD or AWD.
The Cadillac website is Still Missing the Premium Luxury trim, in both the Trim area and in the Build section.
I have been reporting this to Cadillac Cust Service + Exec Offices.
Is there any change in the body at all of the ATS Coup???
The ATS Coupe body has not changed for 2017, just content change that the sedan has.
Coupe just came out in 2015. Sedan in 2013.