Built on General Motors’ highly-acclaimed Alpha platform, the Cadillac ATS is the entry-level model into the posh automaker’s line-up. The ATS is available is both sedan and coupe form factors, and was first launched back in 2012. As for the compact executive sedan and its coupe sibling, both are also sold in their respective high-performance (ATS-V sedan and ATS-V coupe) versions. In markets such as the UAE, the Cadillac ATS sedan competes with the likes of the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, Lexus IS, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. As for the different variants, the standard ATS sedan has four, while the standard Coupe has two -- whereas the souped-up ATS-V avatars each have two trim levels on offer. However, Cadillac has already announced a replacement for the ATS line-up, which will be arriving somewhere late this year or early next year. The ATS has been quite an important model for the American luxury automaker, especially as it helped boost the marque’s popularity for designing and building a great handling, powerful, and sophisticated compact luxury vehicle.
Exterior
While the standard Cadillac ATS is a fairly modern design and looks pretty upscale, its overall styling isn’t too flattering. It looks decent and maybe even a touch elegant when viewed in profile, but the rear end comes across as disproportionate and the front fascia also doesn’t impress right away. However, all’s not lost as the high-performance V variants are easily the sportier and more attractive siblings in the ATS family. To uplift the mood and eliminate the dullness found on the regular model’s front fascia, Cadillac has fitted the ATS-V with a completely revised hood, bumper and grille. The hood now features a functional air extractor, while the chrome mesh pattern of the grille allows for better air flow and looks upscale, too. The upswept projector headlamps with the integrated LED DRLs are identical to that on the standard model, whilst the lower apron of the front bumper incorporates additional air intakes and a splitter.
The ATS-V sits lower to the ground, too, and there the upgraded 18-inch wheels, sportier side sills, and noticeable “V” emblems on the front doors. The flared fenders, rising shoulder line, thick C-pillars along with the sloping roof all amalgamate quite well. At the back of the ATS-V, there’s a large fixed rear spoiler that’s incorporated into the boot lid. There are also some fancy LED tail lamps, chrome embellishments on the rear bumper, and quad-exhaust tailpipes. The Cadillac ATS-V measures 4.674 meters in length, 1.811 meters in width and 1.415 meters in height.
Interior
The interior of the Cadillac ATS looks fairly modern and stylish, with its gentle contours and a healthy mix of various materials and textures. The V gets unique sports pedals, front Recaro sport seats, touch-capacitive HVAC panel, and high-quality leather surfaces as well. There’s enough room up front, but the rear can feel cramped even if you’re not too tall. The build quality of modern Cadillacs are good, though the Germans still do interiors better.
As for features, the Cadillac ATS-V gets adaptive xenon headlamps, adaptive cruise control, adaptive sports dampers, 5.7-inch digital driver’s display, heated/cooled front seats, head-up display, electronic handbrake, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, push-button start, paddle shifters, 10-speaker premium audio system, and an 8-inch touch-infotainment display with navigation among others.
Engine and performance
The base ATS variant comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-popper that makes 272hp and 400Nm, and can hit 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. Meanwhile, the potent ATS-V gets a 3.6-liter V6 with 464hp and 603Nm, all which goes to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. This means naught to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 300 km/h.
Verdict
The Cadillac ATS sedan range costs between AED 151,000 (base variant) to AED 308,900 (ATS-V). Meanwhile, the ATS Coupe line-up is priced at AED 192,500 and AED 316,500 for the entry-level trim and V trim, respectively.
