One of the biggest questions about the all-new Cadillac CT5 is whether it will offer Magnetic Ride Control (MRC). We asked Cadillac managers responsible for the CT5 that very question and got the following reply:
“We’re not announcing anything yet on that, stay tuned,” Cadillac CT5 chief engineer, Mike Bride, told us during our interview here at the 2019 New York International Auto Show.
So far, Cadillac has announced that the standard suspension for the Cadillac CT5 are the ZF passive dampers on both Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport models. In fact, the differences between those models are purely cosmetic and do not extend to suspension tuning.
On the outgoing Cadillac ATS, Magnetic Ride Control was standard on the range-topping trims, including Premium Performance (for the 2017 model year) as well as ATS-V. On the outgoing Cadillac CTS, the technology was standard on Premium Luxury, V-Sport, and V trims.
If we were to speculate, we’d bet that Magnetic Ride Control will make its way to the Cadillac CT5 at some point, but it’s unknown on what model. Yesterday, we reported that a CT5-V model is definitely in the works, and that Cadillac has elected to discontinue the V-Sport light trim level.
It’s probably a safe bet that we’ll see MRC on a CT5-V… but given that only few and far between will buy that model, the real question is whether the advanced suspension technology will ever make its way to lesser CT5 models.
We’ll report as soon as we hear more, so be sure to subscribe to GM Authority for the latest Cadillac CT5 news, Cadillac news, and GM news coverage.
Comments
I hope it ain’t so, but it sounds like GM is “trimming the fat” again.
Cadillac biggest problem is their unwillingness to think out of the box and some thought things were changing with the development and production of the CTS-V; but over the years, Cadillac has reverted back to what the company had been about, just big cars that weren’t very much fun to drive or willing to stretch the envelop of what a modern luxury vehicle should be as it’s amazing that Cadillac has a couple of crossover vehicles while Lexus will be introducing a LM Minivan and it made me think of Cadillac’s ULC concept car which demonstrated that luxury didn’t need to be big and would have been powered by a 1.0L 3-cyl hybrid.
I’ve had the current CTS with and without MRC, and it makes a huge difference. You get a good difference in suspension feel when you toggle between the different drive modes. I think it needs to be on the CT5. Honestly, it should be standard when you step up to the Sport and Premium Luxury trims. Don’t force people to step up to a V model. MRC is a key differentiator in the $50K market space and would set Cadillac apart. Every reviewer raves whenever they experience MRC.
“Cadillac has announced that the standard suspension for the Cadillac CT5 are the ZF passive dampers on both Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport models.”
What this says to me is that Cadillac is listening to the import lovers who seem to think that Cadillac’s need to be track cars? Can someone please explain the logic to any cars having such stiff suspensions, large rims/tires, firm steering and overly hard seats? I’m not being sarcastic. I’m not talking only about Cadillac. I’m asking an honest question and trying to wrap my head around this “sports car” mentality. And I’m speaking directly about luxury cars, not sports cars like a Mustang, etc.
Above, omegatalon says “Cadillac has reverted back to what the company had been about, just big cars that weren’t very much fun to drive or willing to stretch the envelop of what a modern luxury vehicle should be”. I’m not saying he (or she) is wrong for thinking what they think. What I am questioning is why they feel that way about the current line of Cadillac’s? The way I see it, there isn’t a single new Cadillac sold today that has what I and many others are looking for: A very quiet, tranquil, comfortable and isolated ride experience. To me, they all ride way too firm with too much engine noise (real or piped in) with uncomfortable seats.
“The way I see it, there isn’t a single new Cadillac sold today that has what I and many others are looking for: A very quiet, tranquil, comfortable and isolated ride experience. To me, they all ride way too firm with too much engine noise (real or piped in) with uncomfortable seats.”
The vehicle you’re looking for is probably a Lincoln crossover.
Funny you would say that as I am finding myself more and more leaning towards a Lincoln as my next ride. I drive a Buick Encore now which, for a small crossover, does have a nice and quiet ride. But the standard rims are 18″ and it has very wide tires. Even though quiet, there are times I wish it had 17″ and narrower tires to give a better ride with less tire noise.
I’m certainly interested in this new Corsair coming out and will certainly be taking one for a ride next March (my time to trade).
Does Lincoln offer Magnetic Ride Control?
Great point! If Lincoln doesn’t offer MRC then why would it be the go to alternative if the reason for not looking to Cadillac is the absence of MRC? Such is the logic I dealt with and got in trouble over at the other place we posted together under this name and DaBangBang.
What amazes me is that without Cadillac actually saying that the MRC is available or not.. some are ready to crucify them on rumor or lack of information alone. What if by some strange situation Cadillac is simply not calling it Magnetic Ride Control anymore? The tech is technically owned by Bejiing West Industries after the sale of Dephi. Perhaps GM has re-invented the wheel and have their own version outside of agreement with the owner of the licensing.
From Car and Driver:
and we’re somewhat reassured by the assertion that the CT5 will offer performance-enhancing options such as adaptive dampers and summer tires.
Then from Automobile we see:
Magnetorheological adaptive dampers and Super Cruise Level 2 semi-autonomous functionality won’t be available until after launch..
Hey MiatsoCi:
Not even sure if I’m following this thread correctly or not. If I am and the talk about MRC here is about my thoughts of going to Lincoln, I’d like to put a thought out there.
I’ve trained on MRC when I was with GM/Cadillac. I think it’s a great system and does a super job. In other words, I’m certainly not against it. What I feel may be missing here (again, if I’m following this thread correctly) is that it’s not about MRC for me. For many years, we’ve had cars without adjustable suspensions and the cars had a very nice ride. Maybe the handling wasn’t as good as today, but it’s not all just about the suspension system. The makers (let’s stay with Cadillac here) have decided to go so far to the handling side in chasing the German/European brands, that the ride has deteriorated too much. Now comes tech like MRC which allows them to tune the car for the best handling but not kill the passengers with every little bump. Problem is two-fold. First, this only gave them the ability to go overboard with the handling to the point where people like me are turned off. Second, hi tech suspensions like MRC only add to the cost of ownership down the road with huge increases in replacement costs and repairs.
Why not offer a softer seating/suspension setup for people like me (Luxury trim??) with a non-MRC type suspension with damping maximized for comfort? Offer the people who are wanting higher performance/handling (sport trim??) the firmer seats and suspensions with lower profile tires and bigger rims. It’s not that difficult and they have done it in the past, so they can certainly do it now. Personally, I think Lincoln is moving slightly back towards the type of car I prefer, with names I like and a ride/tranquil interior in which I appreciate.
A lot of times, you can fit an inch smaller wheel diameter, unless you option for bigger brakes.
I was curious enough to look up a ’17 Encore on tire rack.
They list comfort treads for the 18″ wheels. They also list 16″ wheels; pick the narrowest width wheel for the softest ride & handling. (Not intended as spam).
Wheels and tires are a very popular way to customize a vehicle. It shouldn’t be a deal-breaker if you mostly like the car otherwise.
@anonymous guest:
I totally get what you are saying here and it’s a good way to go if the ride due to tires/rims was too much for me to handle. However, living in southern California (here yet for my kids) is killing any form of budget I ever had. So going out and spending money to replace the stock rims just to improve my ride some is not something I can do. Then there is the issue of living in an apartment where I have zero storage! So it’s a good thought but not one I can do. Plus, I do like the look of my factory rims (I’ve never said that I don’t like the look of bigger rims/tires. I just don’t like the ride harshness or cost to replace).
In the past when I lived in IL where the cost of living was WAY cheaper, I actually did some mild tire/wheel mods on some cars. Always did it for the look and not the “handling” side though.
Yes, there is one…..the CT6. Go drive one.
Not to say you are wrong, but the market changed. Cadillac had to follow, and I don’t think that Cadillac will ever go back to building anything that is equally soft to what they built 30+ years ago. Still I think that “A very quiet, tranquil, comfortable and isolated ride experience” is still true about modern Cadillacs, they just ride firmer not harsher than I think you are letting on.
@STS-VOwner:
The last Caddy I drove for any significant amount of miles was a 2014 ATS Luxury 4dr with the standard rims/tires. Not bad, but certainly not what I would spend my money on as it was too firm and harsh over road imperfections. I attribute most of this to the rims/tires they put on the car, but the seats they put in the cars most certainly don’t help. But a nice looking car? Yes. I’ve driven numerous V-series at a ride and drive event in 2017 and again in 2018. I’ve owned numerous Caddy’s both new and used. There is no reason Caddy can’t build cars that will offer both softer rides with smaller rims along side the V-series with the firm rides, low profile tires and firm seating.
I’m in no way suggesting they attempt to build the cars like they did 30+ years ago and I haven’t suggested that. Just give us a choice as we don’t all want to drive the sport models or a V-series.
MRC should be standard on all Cadillacs…
Amen!!!
The designer is claiming that the new ZF dampers with make the ride better without losing the cornering.
If true, maybe MRC isn’t needed.
MRC is needed for sure but the bigger mystery, take it or leave it, is why no rear heated outboard seats for this car? That is more of a bigger mystery since it seats people comfortably.
Are you saying you seriously don’t know why or are you just being Sarcastic?
It’s always GM Beancounters….ALWAYS!!!
SMH at you!
Either you are so focus of how much GM beancount on any simple little thing or you are just being dumb.
The XT4 has heated rear outboard seats available on the Luxury model. So, if this model is in the C segment of CUVs, than why is the car the size of the E-Class in the D segment don’t offer heated seats is a bad oversight and needs to be corrected.
The exact same issue that you can get massage seats as an option for the XT4 but not in XT6? Either GM is cost cutting on purpose or there was a reason behind the omission. The CT5 has no evidence of beancounting. Lack of heated rear seats is not beancounting but a serious omission.
Johan is the answer. Once he left, guess who took over at Cadillac?
Beancounters is always, always the answer to why Cadillac is lacking in features that other Luxury makers are not missing. It really is just that simple.
Johan knew Cadillac needed to play catch-up (Ala Audi back in the day) so he knew Cadillac needed to offer more for a little bit less. GM Beancounters are just not about that life at all. Johan lost the fight unfortunately. If GM lets the Beancounters get their way on the upcoming EV’s, I fear that might be it for Cadillac as even a Tier Two Luxury Brand. GM will never spend what it truly takes for Tier One Luxury status. They have proven that to all of us for 40 years now. It really is sad what GM has done to Cadillac. They are so close yet so far away due to the finer details GM will just never approve.
Those taillights are gorgeous! Cannot wait to see this car in person
What paint color is that? Is it silver with lighting that makes it look purple or does the paint actually have a purple hue? It’s not a color I’d choose personally, but it’s definitely interesting looking.
I suspect the non-V Cadillacs will simply get Multimatic spool valve dampers as standard — which are VERY GOOD.
I Hope Cadillac CT5 will offer 4 weels drive option in Canada, particularity in quebec we have snow and ice 6 months a year.