Virtually every new Cadillac product is offered with the opulent Platinum Package, however the Cadillac CT4, which is brand new for the 2020 model year, is not available with the high-end equipment group.
With the Cadillac CT4 now beginning to arrive at dealers in the United States and Canada, some of our readers may be wondering why the compact sedan cannot be equipped with the Premium Package. We plan to answer that question in this article, but first, let’s go over the trim level strategy for the CT4.
Like every other vehicle in the current Cadillac lineup, the CT4 adheres to the automaker’s new Y-trim level strategy. Under this approach, almost every model is offered in base-level Luxury trim, with the trims then branching out in two directions: Sport and Premium Luxury. Those Cadillac models that fall under the Sport banner are set apart by gloss black exterior trim, unique front and rear fascia, sportier wheel designs and unique chassis tuning. Premium Luxury models, meanwhile, are denoted by polished chrome trim and ornate multi-spoke wheels.
Now that we’ve established the CT4’s trim level structure, we can address the Platinum Package. Cadillac uses the term “Platinum” to describe a fully loaded, range-topping model. Previously, Cadillac’s Platinum models were positioned as trim levels, but with the move to the Y-trim level strategy, the Platinum package is offered as a standalone equipment group that can be added to either Premium Luxury or Sport models. The idea behind this approach is that customers will still have access to all the equipment in range-topping models without having to choose between a Sport model or a Premium Luxury model, which, as we outlined above, each offer exclusive features.
So why won’t Cadillac CT4 buyers have this choice? Put simply, it’s all about pricing structure. A CT4 Sport loaded up with a Platinum Package, for example, would likely encroach on the price of a well-equipped Cadillac CT5, leaving very little room in Cadillac’s lineup for such a car. The Cadillac XT4, which is the automaker’s entry-level compact crossover, isn’t offered with a Platinum Package for this very same reason.
As such, the Platinum Package is offered on larger Cadillac models, including with the Cadillac CT5, Cadillac CT6, Cadillac XT5, Cadillac XT6, and Cadillac Escalade. That’s not to say that Cadillac won’t revise its strategy for its entry-level models going forward, however. If it identifies demand for loaded-up versions of its entry-level models, it would likely respond accordingly.
With all that said, would you like to see Cadillac offer a Platinum Package on its entry-level models like the CT4 and XT4? Let us know in the comments below and as always, be sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Cadillac CT4 news, Cadillac news and ongoing GM news coverage.
This story was written in collaboration with our sister site, Cadillac Society.
Comments
Why would you limit the options on any vehicle. You might lose some sales on customers who would like that, and don’t want to move up to a larger XT5. Seems short-sighted to me. It is just an option after all.
I wish Cadillac all the luck in the World with the CT4 but man I honestly cannot believe that Gear Shift Lever was approved for a so called Luxury Auto Maker. To be honest even the one that pretty much the rest of the Cadillac range uses is Subpar in the Luxury Segment. I know it is a small issue but it will show potential shoppers just how badly Cadillac cut corners with the CT4.
Cadillac needs to offer more for less not subpar for more. The EV’s cannot get here soon enough for Cadillac. Will be their last chance to once again become a Tier One Luxury Auto Maker.
Well optioned cars have the electronic shifter with rotary controls for the infotainment. That gear shift is for lower trims, and other automakers use the same type of shifters in luxury vehicles as well.
“Cadillac needs to offer more for less not subpar for more?” I agree about the CT4’s gear selector although it’s their entry level vehicle that’s nearly the price of a fully loaded Honda Civic except offers worlds better technology, luxury, and performance. However, you completely lost me with the comment about the rest of the lineup. What’s “subpar” about Cadillac’s precision shift gear selector? It appears you’re still living in 2008 back when you may have had a point.
In 2020 the Cadillac brand is doing just that, offering far more for much less. Take the 2014 Cadillac CTS vs. the 2020 Cadillac CT5 for example. The CT5 offers a 10-speed automatic transmission, forward collision alert and safety seat, and a 10-inch infotainment screen all STANDARD equipment which is a hell of a lot more than what you will find in a base model CTS. The Cadillac CT5 is also almost $10,000 cheaper than the CTS. How is this offering “subpar for more”? I’m convinced that a lot of you don’t even know what you’re talking about anymore and are just commenting just for the sake of commenting and being negative.
“Build it and they will come”..It’s the consumer at the end of the day who decides what they want…A consumer might like size and styling of CT4 and would like the option of platinum pkg But would not be willing to buy the CT5 to get it if they don’t like the styling of CTS……Then they look to other manufactures to see what they offer.
I doubt there’s anybody who’s willing to spend top ranging Cadillac CT4 Premium Luxury or Sport Platinum package money which is only probably $1200 within the price of a well equipped CT5 with a better transmission, more space, and better interior but can’t have the CT4 so they’ll walk away because they wanted the CT4’s exterior design. It doesn’t make sense when you can get more car in the CT5 for similar money. I think y’all are being a but dramatic. The CT5’s exterior looks much more polished anyway and much more expensive. Also, if they’re looking at a CT4 and they go looking at the competition they’ll be back when they realize how much of a steal the Cadillac CT4 and CT5 are in price, space and overall value compared to their competitors.
The CT5 Plat Pkg has basically all the options, plus the Sport seats in the better leather and only one color.
The CT4 doesn’t have a Plat pkg, so the Prem Lux can’t get those Sport seats. You can get the sport seats in
the Sport, but then you can’t get the 2.7 engine. If you want Sport seats + the 2.7, get the V.
The Prem Lux can option the 2.7, but not the sport seats.
On the CT4, you can add all the packages individually and create your own Plat Pkg, just without unique higher
level seats. A Plat Pkg often forces us to pay for features we don’t want to get features we do want.
I would not be surprised to later see a Plat Pkg in the CT4 Prem Lux and the 2.7 as a option on the Sport.
The CT4 in person looks a lot bigger than you would expect to see at 4″ longer.
It has somewhat of a small CT6 look, that photos don’t show well.
Sad the Impala with a little Ad money would have outsold it 10 to 1. GM does a lot of strange things.
I don’t buy the price overlap argument–there already is a considerable one.
The irritating part is they make you pay for nearly all the options to get nicer interior materials and different color choices.