The Cadillac CTS runs with a tough crowd of midsize luxury sedans, including the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series, Lexus GS and Audi A6/S6. Sales of the third-gen CTS, which was introduced for the 2014 model year, have dwindled after the third-generation model was repositioned to compete squarely in the midsize luxury sedan segment, rather than in the in-between space of the first two CTS generations. Meanwhile, the all-new E-Class has swept in to dominate the segment from a sales standpoint. That puts the current model in an awkward spot as Cadillac readies its replacement, expected to be called Cadillac CT5.
For the 2018 model year, the fifth year of the current model, the CTS is getting a bevy of changes and updates.
On the outside, the 2018 CTS loses three exterior colors while gaining one new one:
Deleted Colors:
- Moonstone Metallic
- Deep Amethyst Metallic
- Bronze Dune Metallic
New Color:
- Satin Steel Metallic (available at extra charge)

2018 Cadillac CTS Sedan in Satin Steel Metallic (G9K)
What’s more, the CTS Carbon Black Package is deleted for the 2018 model year. The package, introduced for the 2017 model year, included the following features:
- Recaro performance seats
- Black chrome grille
- V-Series spoiler
- 18″ Ultra-Bright machined finish alloy wheels with After Midnight painted pockets

The sweet-looking Carbon Black package is discontinued for the 2018Â model year CTS Sedan
Inside, the 2018 Cadillac CTS gets several new features and changes. For starters, the UltraView power sunroof — that’s the big one — is now available on V-Sport models. In addition, the heated steering wheel adds the automatic feature, enabling it to turn on and off automatically in conjunction with the automatic heated front seats based on ambient air temperature.
Finally, the 2018 CTS gets the new Cadillac User Experience (CUE) Infotainment and Media Control System, which debuted for the 2017 interim (2017i) model year. The all-new system represents the third generation of CUE (known as CUE 3, for short) and introduces a completely redesigned user experience and new features like driver profiles, an all-new navigation app, and a summary screen. In the 2018 CTS, CUE version 3 is available in two flavors — IOS and IOT. The former replaces the second-gen IO5 and does not include navigation, while the latter replaces the second-gen IO6 system and includes embedded navigation.

The home screen of the all-new Cadillac User Experience Version 3
The updates and changes described here are specific to the U.S. market and may be different for other markets.
For the U.S. and Canadian markets, the 2018 Cadillac CTS is assembled by GM U.S.A. at the GM Lansing Grand River plant in Lansing, Michigan, USA.
More Information & Reporting
- Cadillac CTSÂ info
- 2018 Cadillac CTSÂ info
- 2018 Cadillac CTSÂ changes, updates, new features
- 2018 Cadillac CTSÂ order guide
- 2018 Cadillac CTS-V info
- 2018 Cadillac CTS-V changes, updates, new features
- 2018 Cadillac CTS-V order guide
- Cadillac CTSÂ sales numbers
- Cadillac CTSÂ news
- Cadillac User Experience (CUE)
Comments
The CTS for me, is the TRUE Cadillac today, CTS- Vsport is the perfect sedan
I wish they would address the problem with the new 3.6 engine. With cylinder deactivation, the steering wheel gets a bad vibration and rumble when in V4. I’m not the only owner complaining, but my dealership says they can’t do anything about it. I’m done paying for a flawed vehicle, and this will probably be my last Cadillac when the lease is up.
That is the first I have heard of this being an issue with the new LGX 3.6. Most other sources say you can barely tell when in cylinder shut down mode. What gives here?
I have the 3.6 in my ATS, it is imperceptible when the engine shuts down two cylinders.
It doesn’t affect every vehicle. Some people report it, others don’t. It is very noticeable if you have the problem. They had the same problem with the new Escalades and were able to fix it with a new computer coding, but they won’t do the same to the CTS. The dealership response was terrible. They denied the problem for the last year and recommended a bunch of “fixes”. I’ve had to pay for new tires and everything, and the problem persists. Just this past month they finally agreed it’s the engine. I took a new one for a test drive and it doesn’t have the problem. Like I said, some have it, some don’t. Very frustrating, and I will probably be shopping elsewhere next time around.
Well, at least you leased it. I’d feel worse if you had purchased the car, and maybe the dealership would be more inclined to work with you.
But you’re right, good customer service would have you in a new CTS immediately.
At this point, the dealership has been so unaccomadating that I don’t even want a new one. I’d rather get out of the lease and go our separate ways. For now, I’ll wait out this lease and won’t put a dime into the car.
never buying a Cadillac again in my life. purchased it new, still problems everyday. No matter how much you pamper garbage it’s still garbage.
David, sadly you are not the only one who is paying for a flawed 3rd gen. CTS, maybe if they addressed quality, there would not be 3 problematic cars on this forum alone.
Henry, are you having the same issue?
Not exactly, but my mother HAS replaced 4 RF tires, 1 wheel, 3 worn piston rings, a rear main seal, the plastic key hole cover on the pass. door, the heated steering wheel module, and a missing cabin air filter. All of these had to be fixed in a period of 37 mos. and less than 45,000 miles. But on the bright side, the warranty paid for everything except the tires which were about $600 each.
I’ve heard that the new Silverado’s have the same problem, and multiple owners have said it is a combination of the power steering pump and the motor mounts.
Four. This is the first time I wish my car was leased. It’s definitely the last Cadillac.
Cadillac needs to ditch the slab-sided profile and stop the Germen-Sport performance thing and be Cadillac again.
Only according to you. Most think it’s beautiful. Let the big boys talk. Go play in your sandbox.
I thought the Carbon Black package was just what the car needed , it looked menacing in person . Hopefully you will be able to buy the parts from the General or after market for those that want it .
The car is in it’s 5th year and sales will continue to dwindle and it’s getting a tad old compared to the competition .
Updating CUE is great , let’s hope it works faster than the older edition .
I read elsewhere where Cadillac is ditching the name CUE altogether with this new version. And this info came from a cadillac infotainment executive.
The new infotainment system has issues as well. Cadillac is not concerned with quality or customer satisfaction.
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums/2014-cadillac-cts-general-discussion/966986-beware-new-cadillac-cue.html
The CTS V_Sport needs an AWD option. If Cadillac refuses to offer a V8 in the base CTS at least offer AWD as an option with the Turbo V6
I’m taken aback by how similar CTS and Chrysler 300 look from profile and rest.
Chrysler was smart designing a discount Caddy and it still looks better than Lincoln.
I think you’re on to something. Great observation. The 300 has the classic luxury style at a discount. It reminds me of a present day LeBaron Landau Sedan from the early 90’s, it was luxury on the cheap.
the Chrysler 300 is one ugly turd and Cadillac needs to move beyond the ATS, CTS styling and and start making Cadillacs look like the concepts….hick I can’t tell from a CTS to a CT6 as the CT6 is just a anlarged CTS.
I hope Cadillac keeps the squared off upright rooflines…anything below the roofline drops the ball on the current Cadillac cars.
All these updates and still no 3.0TT on CTS and ATS. GM WTF ARE YOU DOING? Waiting till 2025 to release things. I love cadillac but they are so far behind in updating things. WTF
I bought my cts coupe. Piece of $hit engine, trans, suspension. Cadillac needs to up the game. Yes more concept designs, ditch the timing chains and actually work with customers. My car started giving problems with 5miles on it. Yeah should have returned that garbage but dumb ass dealer kept lying and my first mistake was trusting Cadillac. Dealership can’t even do decent work. Trash electronics and all across the board Cadillac is a turdmobile. Never buy a Cadillac again. No friends or family of mine will purchase GM period. They are getting sued left and right can’t wait till they shut down.
They need to fix the battery drain problems in the CTS or they will lose a lot of Cadillac buyers. When you have to start a car every four or five days so the battery needs a jump start, that is a big problem.
You sure your reading light isn’t on? what battery drain problem?
I can attest to this, sometimes after only 2 days the cars sounds like it won’t start at first.
why is the main image an outdated cadillac with the old logo? wouldn’t you at least show the 2017 model year seeing as not much exterior wise is changing from 2017 to 2018MY
I own a 2017 CTS Luxury Sedan and love it. Although I’ve owned 14 New Cadillacs previously, I considered a Mercedes, BMW, Jaguar and Audi before making the final decision. I believe the Cadillac CTS offers as much or more Luxury and performance as the competition at a significantly lower price. And I think its better looking than the others. My 2017 CTS is my 5th New CTS and my 15th New Cadillac. Its a great car and a great Value. The problem is that Cadillac is keeping that a secret. Cadillac’s Advertising campaign is the worst in the Industry. They need to fire the Agency and the CMO.