The Cadillac CT6 nameplate was initially introduced for the 2016 model year, and while the first three model years saw no major changes, the 2019 model year brought a major refresh that included a number of alterations to the exterior styling. These changes helped to bring the CT6 more in line with the rest of the contemporary Cadillac stable, including the Cadillac XT6 crossover SUV. Now, we’re taking a closer look at the exterior changes implemented with the Cadillac CT6 facelift.
For reference, we’ve listed the various Cadillac CT6 model years below, dividing them into two categories – pre-facelift model years, and post-facelift model years.
Pre-Facelift Cadillac CT6 Model Years:
- 2016
- 2017
- 2018
Post-Facelift Cadillac CT6 Model Years:
- 2019
- 2020
As for specifics with regard to the exterior changes, let’s start in front, where we can find the biggest visual changes between the pre- and post-facelift model years.
Pre-facelift 2016-2018 Cadillac CT6
Post-facelift 2019 Cadillac CT6-V
For example, the headlamp housings are longer and leaner in post-facelift models, and don’t come with the same divided inner lighting elements as the pre-facelift models. The pre-facelift vehicles also come with a smaller upper grille section with horizontal inserts and a curved lower fascia. Meanwhile, the post-facelift model comes with a broader upper grille and straight lower fascia. What’s more, the post-facelift model gets new intakes in the bumper corners.
Additionally, the pre-facelift model introduced the first-ever Cadillac CT6-V, which comes with a unique V-Series mesh grille, not to mention a list of performance enhancements as well.
Pre-facelift 2016-2018 Cadillac CT6
Post-facelift 2019 Cadillac CT6-V
Viewed from the profile, we find the pre-facelift Cadillac CT6 shows off with polished window trim, alternatively known as Daylight Opening, or DLO. Wheel sizing is set between 18-inches and 20 inches.
Moving over to the post-facelift Cadillac CT6, we find fewer differences than we did in front, with the same proportions, roofline, and sheetmetal. However, the window surrounds are also offered in black with the Sport and CT6-V trim levels. To note, the Cadillac CT6 Sport trim was discontinued for the 2020 model year. Once again, we find 18- to 20-inch wheel sizing, although CT6-V models introduce three unique roller designs.
Pre-facelift 2016-2018 Cadillac CT6
Post-facelift 2019 Cadillac CT6
Additional changes are found in back, with the taillamp housings. The pre-facelift Cadillac CT6 utilizes vertical lamps and chrome surrounds, while the post-facelift models use bracket-shaped taillamp housings. We also notice that the trunk lid is different, with a larger indent in post-facelift models, as well as a chrome trim line that connects the two taillamp housings.
Pre-facelift 2016-2018 Cadillac CT6
Post-facelift 2019 Cadillac CT6
The pre-facelift model also comes with a lower horizontal chrome trim line, while either dual or quad exhaust tips, as determined by the engine and model in question, integrates with the lower rear bumper. By comparison all post-facelift Cadillac CT6 models come with quad exhaust tips.
The net effect of all these changes is a substantial restyling, something which we think makes for a far more visually appealing vehicle overall.
For now, the future of the Cadillac CT6 in North America is unclear. Production at the GM Detroit-Hamtramck plant is scheduled to end later this month, but it’s possible Cadillac may import the model from China, or even move production elsewhere, such as to the GM Lansing Grand River facility.
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This report was written in collaboration with our sister publication, Cadillac Society.
Comments
Say what you will about Johan De Nysschen but moving Cadillac away from the Art and Science language once and for all under his short tenure was a smart decision. As much as the vertical lighting elements made Cadillacs stand out, it kept a lot of people away from the brand. It’s too bad the changes were made too late for the CT6. It might have had more of a fighting chance.
I still see the Art and Science design influence in the CT6 updates with the vertical-oriented daytime running lights. I respectfully disagree that design philosophy is what’s making Cadillac lose sales. With that said, I think the CT6 refresh is an improvement; the previous headlight design looked too similar to an XTS, even though both cars overall look very different from each other.
On another note, there’s still no official word on the fate of the CT6? The end of the article states that GM has not said yet.
recycling is good but didn’t the same article appear less than a week ago by a different writer?
https://gmauthority.com/blog/2020/01/updated-2019-2020-cadillac-ct6-vs-2016-2018-cadillac-ct6-visual-comparison/
Still perplexed as to why they would spend the money , time and effort to redesign a vehicle and kill it in less than two years. Then add to the mystery they build a completely new engine and do the same thing. A complete waste of money time and effort.
This is coming from from a company whose claim is to become more financial stable. That’s hard to swallow when they waste money like that.
Read the sad story of the Fiero or the Allante’ or the Oldsmobile division. This has been the GM way for years. They invest in a product or brand after insufficient initial investment (CT6, Fiero, Allante’) or neglect (Oldsmobile) and successfully address the shortcomings but never give the marketplace time to respond. They kill the products at the precise moment the fatal flaw holding back sales has finally been corrected. It’s insane but it’s how they roll.
The thing is “New GM” is run exactly like “Old GM” because Mary Barra is an old-school GM lifer steeped in the GM mismanagement tradition.
Truer words have never been spoken!
Must be that new math thing. You save money by wasting money. I should be a rich man because my wife use that same math. 😂
Maybe they will turn what they have with the ct6 which I like now into the new corvette sedan
Like a lot of Fortune 500 companies GM is another example of America’s piss poor management in business problem.
Good one!
As I’ve stated before (yes, I’m a redundant babble monkey), GM is 100% certifiably Bipolar.
I’m pretty sure they wipe their mouth after taking a poo. They have no clue how to construct a consistent game plan.
Why?
What is really puzzling, they have awesome engineers, resources, and potential.
Why “always half-a$%@@” bull-crud?
Shouldn’t they be in business to be the best they can be?
Baffling….
Saw one on the street today. Instantly recognizable and commanding appearance. May pick up a CPO after a couple more years with my XTS Plat. which is a very nice car.