2015 Cadillac CTS
Changes for the 2015 Cadillac CTS:
One year after a complete redesign and move solidly into the mid-luxury sedan segment, the 2015 CTS gets a number of technology upgrades. The controversial Cadillac User Experience (CUE) system gains Text Message Alerts, and next-generation OnStar with 4G LTE connectivity and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot is available, complete with a 3-month/3GB data trial.
Additional upgrades include an available DockSpot wireless phone charging pad, and the optional Automatic Parking Assist system gains perpendicular parking capability. The Driver Awareness Package also adds new Lane Keep Assist and Lane Change Alert features. Finally, the 2015 CTS is equipped with a new grille with a redesigned Cadillac crest, new exterior colors, and new interior décor schemes.
Model Lineup:
The 2015 CTS is offered in Standard, Luxury, Performance, Premium, and VSport trim levels, which Cadillac calls “collections.”
Luxury models add leather and several safety technologies; the CTS Performance is equipped with a Magnetic Ride Control suspension, navigation, premium sound, and several comfort features; and Premium models are fully loaded. The CTS Vsport features numerous performance enhancements to transform the car into a world-class luxury sport sedan.
Engines and Transmissions:
All versions of the Cadillac CTS, except the performance-tuned Vsport model, are equipped with a standard turbocharged, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 275 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard, delivered to the rear wheels or all four wheels.
A 3.6-liter V-6 engine is optional, making more horsepower (321) but less torque (275 lb.-ft.). With rear-wheel drive, an 8-speed automatic transmission is standard. With all-wheel drive, a 6-speed automatic transmission is included.
The performance-tuned CTS Vsport is equipped with a twin-turbocharged, 3.6-liter V-6 with 420 horsepower and 430 lb.-ft. of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission delivers the power to the rear wheels.
Fuel Economy Ratings:
According to the EPA, the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is the most fuel-efficient choice, returning 23 mpg in combined driving with rear-wheel drive and 22 mpg with AWD. Upgrade to the 3.6-liter V-6 engine and the combined-driving mileage rating drops just a little bit, to 22 mpg with rear-wheel drive and 21 mpg with AWD. The CTS Vsport returns 18 mpg in combined driving.
Safety Ratings:
Few crash-test ratings are available for the Cadillac CTS. The NHTSA has not tested the car, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has conducted only moderate overlap frontal-impact and side-impact tests on this car, resulting in “Good” ratings for both assessments. Front crash prevention is rated “Superior.”
Technology Highlights:
The Cadillac CTS is loaded with technology. This year, the car’s standard CUE system is equipped with Text Message Alerts technology, and the CTS is available with a new DockSpot wireless phone charging pad. A new OnStar telematics system is standard, equipped with 4G LTE connectivity and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. A 3-month/3GB data trial is standard.
The CTS is also available with a Driver Awareness Package that now includes Lane Keep Assist and Lane Change Alert technology, and the Automatic Parking Assist system adds perpendicular parking capability.
Written by Christian Wardlaw
July 25, 2014
