Performance and Handling
The 304 hp engine was responsive and revved effortlessly and had plenty of power. In fact, taking the traction control off, it was easy to do drama-free burnouts. With 0-60 times around 7 seconds, the car felt faster and highway passing was excellent.
There was one significant problem with the electronic throttle control. If you floor it while at speed, the transmission takes a microsecond to react and the engine pauses briefly. It then engages and rockets forward. It was a bit unsettling and I wonder if the software needed to be recalibrated.
Handling-wise, this is a large car that weighs over 4200 pounds. This said, body lean was kept in check and the car hustled over the twisties in impressive style.
The claimed fuel economy ranges are 18/city and 26/highway. I averaged closer to 16.5 mpg with admittedly spirited driving. Others on the review, who have lighter feet, recorded 20 mpg overall.
Styling
The CTS is a handsome car that really looks like nothing else out on the road. The long rear tail lights tastefully evoke the infamous tailfins of yore while the front end features crisps seams and chiseled angles that seem straight out of the design studio. The adaptive HID lights look menacing in their binnacles and the lenses seem almost jewel-like. Even the small angular spoiler on the roof is dramatic though well integrated into the overall design.
Value
Cadillac compares the CTS wagon to the BMW 535i wagon and Audi A6 3.0T Avant. While base prices are lower for the Cadillac, comparably equipped, they are all in the $55k range. The Cadillac ties the Audi’s gas mileage at 18/26 betters the BMW’s 16/23. The Cadillac has a 100,000 mile power train warranty which is twice as good as the competition. It splits the difference with head room and rear shoulder room, but has the most front leg room (42.4 inches versus 41.5). Cargo-wise, the trunk of the Caddy at 25 cubic feet is larger tan the BMW’s 17.6 but much smaller than the Audi’s 34. Styling-wise, I’d say it is definitely the most unique, if not best, looking.
Conclusion
This is an extremely impressive offering from GM. It has a wonderful ride quality, unique styling, and provides a high quality “made in America” choice in a performance and luxury wagon. However, it does have two significant issues which give me pause; the abrupt throttle behavior and the uncomfortable seats. Both would be daily distractions on an otherwise excellent car. Hopefully Cadillac will iron these out.
| BUILD | INTERIOR | PERFORMANCE | HANDLING | STYLING | VALUE | OVERALL | |
| RATING | 5.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 4.4/A- |
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 Official Cadillac luxury cars and SUVs website – www.cadillac.com |
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I prefer the term Estate as the Europeans call them but wagon is not a derogatory term.Even Shooting Brake as Rolls Royce and Lagonda called them when custom fitted with hand made rifles .They suggest a sporting life and old money in places like Oxfordshire,Bordeaux ,Upperville VA. and Tuscany.This the type of auto the Lord Rothchilds drives to his country homes.Americans see the family Dinosaur wagon.Wagons are my vehicle of choice the shape when done right the rear acts like an air scoop.I have owned Volvo and VW /Audi groups wagons but I am glad there is a Cadillac option.I think this car is handsome and what with the CTS can do after whipping the 5 series this car is ideal.The only problem is with us.Can we show some class and buy this over the hideous Lexus RX.
Great review Twain. I still don’t understand the merits of electronic throttle control. Seems like yet another needless complication of a simple process. I’ve never owned a car with a problematic cable throttle.
I just looked at all the new wagon offerings that were featured at the NY Auto Show a few weeks back. Looks like the cycle from wagon to SUV to CUV is now coming back to the wagon again. Lots of carmakers offering one for 2011.
Can’t wait to drive the CTS-V wagon!
Kurt