Cadillac CT4-V Review: Performance Meets Luxury

The car you see is the Cadillac CT4-V, an American rear-wheel-drive sports sedan that costs 190,000 Dirhams and competes against models such as the Audi S3, BMW 3-Series M Sport, and the Mercedes-AMG C43. Since the CT4-V is claimed to be one of America’s finest driver’s cars, let’s leave the pleasantries aside and take it for a spin.

Drive

For those unfamiliar with Cadillac’s new naming structure, the CT4 is essentially a replacement for the ATS sedan. Cadillac has maintained similar dimensions, so the CT4 is nearly the same size; it even shares the same wheelbase as the ATS, but has significantly more power!

The standard CT4 is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, but the performance-oriented “V” version features a robust 2.7-liter turbocharged engine that produces 320 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. Yes, 320 horsepower and 500 Nm from a 4-cylinder engine—an engineering marvel!

All of this power is transmitted through a 10-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels. You might expect that such an American car, with its immense power and rear-wheel drive, would slide around every corner and be difficult to control. However, that's not the case.

The mechanical LSD and Continental tires provide exceptional grip, making it feel like the rear tires are glued to the tarmac. You can enter corners at high speeds and confidently exit facing the right way forward. In fact, even when accelerating hard from a stop, there’s remarkably no wheel spin, which leads us to the next point.

As a “V” model, it offers Sport mode, Track mode, a lap timer, an in-built 0-100 km/h timer, and even a G-Force meter to show acceleration, but it lacks the drama that is often sought after in such cars.

The exhaust note is underwhelming, the steering lacks feedback, and while it is incredibly fast, the CT4-V isn’t exhilarating. It includes all the desired features, from Brembo brakes to magnesium paddle shifters, but ultimately it falls short on excitement.

I wish it would spin its wheels with every press of the accelerator, I wish it would slide around corners, and I wish it would provide that thrill that brings joy to enthusiasts. Unfortunately, the CT4-V is precise, clinical, and predictable, bordering on becoming boring.

Interior

The interior design feels sporty, featuring a thick leather-wrapped steering wheel, low-adjustable seats, and a driver-centric cabin. Unfortunately, the quality is compromised by excessive hard plastic on the dashboard, door panels, and center console, which is unexpected in a premium vehicle.

Like many of its competitors, rear space is limited in terms of headroom and legroom, even for shorter individuals. To enhance comfort, the back seats are equipped with A/C vents, cupholders, and a 12V power outlet.

Features

The CT4-V is loaded with features, including a sunroof, ventilated seats, an 8-inch infotainment screen, and an 11-speaker Bose audio system. It also supports Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and includes a wireless charger. Of particular note is the innovative Safety Seat feature.

The driver’s seat is equipped with a vibrating mechanism that responds to inputs from various sensors and cameras around the car. If the vehicle begins to drift right, the right side of the seat vibrates. Conversely, if it drifts left, the left side vibrates. If the car approaches another vehicle too closely, the seat vibrates. It’s an impressive way to convey important messages to the driver.

In terms of driving aids, Cadillac has equipped the CT4-V with Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Alert, Blind Spot Monitoring, Automatic Emergency Braking, Collision Alert, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert—essentially making it nearly self-driving.

Exterior

The CT4's styling is notably superior to its rivals. It exudes a cool and sporty appearance. As the “V” model, it boasts LED headlamps with distinctive LED Daytime Running Lights, a blacked-out mesh grille, 18-inch alloys, blacked-out window trim, and a subtle yet significant “V” badge on the door.

The sporty theme continues at the rear with a rear lip spoiler, tinted LED tail lamps, and functional quad exhausts that emerge from a neat diffuser. The boot space measures 303 liters, which may seem limited, but is competitive with its peers and offers more than what is found in the Audi S3.

Verdict

With a starting price of 134,000 Dirhams for the CT4 and 190,000 Dirhams for the CT4-V, the Cadillac offers superior aesthetics and greater value for money compared to its German competitors. Its only drawback is that it isn’t as enjoyable to drive. So, which model will you choose? Let us know in the comments below. Additionally, if you're looking for the best car insurance that saves you time and money, get a quote from the highly-rated provider in the region, InsuranceMarket.ae™.