The CTS is a central part of Cadillac's significant shift towards an edgier style and more athletic performance. And with its sporty and angular looks, capable and confident handling, refined and roomy interior, premium features and robust 3.6-liter engine, the 2011 Cadillac CTS is again among the top picks in the luxury sedan segment.
While there's no doubt the 2011 CTS certainly has a lot going for it, an informed final buying decision is enhanced considerably by taking a look at strong rivals as well. Top competitors worthy of consideration in the areas of quality and handling would include sedans such as the Audi A4, the BMW 3-Series the Infiniti G37, the Lincoln MKZ and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, while the Hyundai Genesis is impressive for its similar luxury level at a lower price.
Trims, Standard Features And Options:
The 2011 Cadillac CTS is classified as a five-passenger midsize luxury sedan and is offered in five trims: 3.0 base, 3.0 Luxury, 3.0 Performance, 3.6 Performance and 3.6 Premium (with the numbers referring to V6 engine size). The CTS-V, Coupe and Wagon will be addressed separately.
Standard features on the base CTS 3.0 include full power accessories, cruise control, an 8-way power driver seat, premium vinyl "leatherette" upholstery, remote keyless entry, 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, automatic headlights, a rear center armrest with a pass-through, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel and an 8-speaker audio system with a CD player and satellite radio.
The 3.0 Luxury adds leather upholstery, 10-way power front seats, driver memory settings, a wood-and-leather steering wheel, heated front seats, a 6-disc CD changer, Bluetooth and interior ambient lighting.
Moving up to the CTS 3.0 Performance then adds an upgraded FE2 sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels, a limited-slip rear differential, performance brakes, adaptive HID headlamps and foglights, while the 3.6 Performance comes with a larger V6 engine and a 10-speaker surround-sound audio system with an iPod/USB interface and digital music storage.
In terms of options, both Performance models can be equipped with the Luxury Level Two package that includes remote engine start, keyless entry/ignition, rear parking sensors, heated and cooled front seats, a power tilt/telescoping steering column and a split-folding rear seat.
The CTS 3.6 Premium comes with all the Level Two features plus a hard-drive-based navigation system with real-time traffic and weather, and a panoramic sunroof.
In addition, the panoramic sunroof is optional on all other models, while a rearview camera and the navigation system are available for all models except the base CTS. There's also a 19-inch Summer Tire Performance package offered on the 3.6 models that includes 19-inch wheels with summer tires, an upgraded FE3 performance suspension and enhanced power steering. 19-inch wheels with all-season tires are also offered.
Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:
Powering the 2011 Cadillac CTS is a choice of two V6 engines. The base 3.0-liter V6 is good for 270 horsepower and 223 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.6-liter V6 generates 306 horsepower and 273 pound-feet. The gas mileage for the 3.0 V6 is EPA-estimated at 18 mpg city and 27 mpg on the highway, while that of the more powerful 3.6 comes in at an identical 18 and 27, respectively.
The 3.0 base and Luxury models are paired with either the standard 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 6-speed automatic. On all other models, the 6-speed automatic is standard, however, 3.6 models also offer the manual as an option. All models also come standard with rear-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option across the board.
In performance tests, the 3.6 V6 with the automatic transmission was timed from a standstill to 60 mph in a very quick 6.7 seconds.
Safety:
Standard safety equipment for the 2011 CTS include stability and traction control, antilock disc brakes (ABS), front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and GM's OnStar telematics system.
In government crash tests, the CTS earned the highest possible rating of five stars for side-impact occupant protection and four stars for frontal-impact protection. In performance testing, the CTS 3.6 Premium with the FE2 suspension and all-season tires was able to stop from 60 mph in 117 feet, which is quite good for this class. Performance was even better at 109 feet with the 19-inch wheels and summer tires.
Interior:
Like its exterior, the 2011 CTS' cabin follows a modern and angular design theme. It's attractive and well-built with plenty of soft-touch materials. And those opting for the optional navigation system will find a clever innovation that eliminates the need for a separate control panel thanks to a screen that retracts down into the dash but leaves a small visible section as an audio system touchscreen display.
However, while the design is handsome and upscale, there are some interior flaws. Overall comfort, for example, is not one of this sedan's strengths, as the seatbacks are flat and can feel stiff after a while. Long-legged front-occupants can also be challenged for knee room due to the wide and protruding (although attractive and user-friendly) center stack. Taller rear passengers can also be challenged by the low roof line.
Trunk space is fine at about average for the segment, but the opening is on the narrow side, making for some jostling around with larger items when loading.
Drive:
The driving performance of the 2011 Cadillac CTS is certainly a strong selling point. It simply offers an awful lot of athleticism in the corners while its power is robust and its steering is precise and responsive. When it comes to handling, it's really right up there with its European counterparts.
That said, its high-grade driving dynamics can come at the sacrifice of some ride quality. The FE2 suspension on the Performance models may be too firm for some, while the even firmer FE3 sport suspension may seem downright harsh for those expecting the velvety smooth drive typical of a Cadillac from years gone by.
Power from the base 3.0-liter V6 is adequate but uninspiring compared to the more robust 3.6-liter engine. And if it's in the budget, the 3.6 makes a compelling case for itself since it provides more power while getting the exact same fuel economy.
Update: Weak Economy Leads To Lower CTS Prices:
Car sales have been on the weak side historically for close to the past two years now. And General Motors/Cadillac has recently been offsetting at least some of the market weakness through strong incentives and easier-to-get discounts. It remains a buyer's market right now, resulting in an excellent opportunity to get the lowest price.
The bottom line? Car dealers will "wheel and deal" bigtime right now if you know how to push their buttons to get the best price. Here's an article on the best negotiating technique to take advantage of the current slow car market (definitely read before ever going to a dealership): How To Get The Best Price On A New CTS In The Current Market
Price: 2011 Cadillac CTS:
Base, RWD, 3.0L: list price: $35,165, invoice price: $33,231
Base, AWD, 3.0L: list price: $38,365, invoice price: $36,265
Luxury, RWD, 3.0L: list price: $38,220, invoice price: $36,118
Luxury, AWD, 3.0L: list price: $41,420, invoice price: $39,142
Performance, RWD, 3.0L: list price: $39,765, invoice price: $37,578
Performance, RWD, 3.6L: list price: $41,565, invoice price: $39,279
Performance, AWD, 3.0L: list price: $41,665, invoice price: $39,373
Performance, AWD, 3.6L: list price: $43,465, invoice price: $41,074
Premium, RWD, 3.6L: list price: $47,620, invoice price: $45,001
Premium, AWD, 3.6L: list price: $49,520, invoice price: $46,796
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