The entry-level premium sedan segment has rapidly emerged out as one of the most sought after and prolific segments owing to affordable prices and compact dimensions of cars. Cadillac always had the ATS and CTS but people always regarded the brand as an afterthought while making their decision. It were always the Germans who have been the triumvirate in the segment. To put an end on that era, the American brand now has the CT-5 sedan built on the same alpha platform as its brethren, ATS and CTS and will go against the likes of Audi A4, BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
EXTERIOR
Cadillac was always critically appraised for developing understated unlikable designs and had to give up to its contention for the looks. The CT-5 however, is one of the cars built on their latest architecture and it looks gorgeous. Wearing its new traditional family elements as seen on the XT4 and XT5, it looks captivating from every angle especially with the truculent curvy head lamps and a long flowing LED strip on the sides of the bumper. Unlike its counterparts, the CT-5 doesn’t boast of heavy chrome finishing except for a strip outlining the grille and two highlighting the fog lamp housing.
The car looks the most imposing and arouses opulence from the side which is contributed by the standard 18” rims, a substantially long wheelbase and aluminium embellishment on the window frame and door handles. There is no unwanted treatment made to the side and is crisp with a single crease flowing across the side.
Erstwhile Cadillacs had a jarring stout bulged rear which was inconsistent with the rest of the car. But the CT-5 features a seriously reworked rear fascia with a mélange of curves and creases. What catches one’s attention are the gun-like taillights with bright LED inserts. In keeping up with the vogue, the CT-5 comes with gargantuan chrome exhausts and a shark-fin antenna on the roof.
INTERIOR
The cabin of the CT-5 isn’t as demure as those which it supersedes and comes nicely covered in leather eliminating any unkempt plastics found in its progenitors. Unlike its competition, the CT-5 doesn’t come with a fully digital layout for the instrument cluster and retains the conventional layout instead. What has changed with this necessary update is the infotainment screen which has proliferated in size to 10” and comes loaded with all the contemporary convenience features which include Apple CarPlay, in-built navigation and even Wi-Fi accessibility.
Other features might include dual zone climate control, ventilated seats and voice command. Driver assistance tech has become prevalent in every car these days and the CT-5 should be no exception to that trend. With features such as emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning, it might be on par with its rivals. Clinch in the armor for the CT-5 is the SuperCruise function that is Cadillac’s level 2 autonomous driving feature and allows for hands-free driving experience under certain circumstances.
Emulating its crossover siblings, the CT-5 is also most likely to come with nicely bolstered leather seats and gear selector also seen on BMW cars. Having a 130 mm longer wheelbase than the CT-S, we do not expect any compromise on rear legroom. A sunroof and rear AC vents are likely to surge its rear seat experience.
ENGINE AND PERFORMANCE
There are two naturally aspirated mills which we expect to power this car when launched in the UAE. The standard 2.0 liter inline-4 is expected to churn out 237 hp and 350 Nm of torque while the higher spec versions are likely to come powered by a 3 liter narturally aspirated motor making a 335 hp and 542 Nm of torque. Not only are the figures exciting but also a 10-speed automatic transmission as standard across the range could be a possibility. To augment fuel efficiency, it is anticipated to come available with engine start stop and cylinder deactivation programs. Such power and technology should ensure a frugal yet sporty and nimble driving experience.
VERDICT
The CT-5 comes as a formidable proposition to the aforementioned rivals and we feel it now has become replete with features, punch and the already good practicality. What now remains to be seen is how well does it stack up against its competition and if its potential buyers would be willing to spend the money it would demand post its launch in the UAE and overlook its German rivals which have dominated the most lucrative segment for years.
