Cadillac CTS Part 2: Interior & User Experience

With the newest Cadillac CTS, General Motors proves once again that it is making great strides toward producing truly desirable and affordable automobiles.

The first generation CTS was a good car - dynamically competent and distinctively styled. But as soon as you opened the door and climbed in, you were instantly aware of its major shortcoming: the interior. When viewed alongside its imported competition, the interior of the old CTS just didn't compare, with material quality and design both below par.

The new, second generation CTS changes all of that with an interior that can not only stand comparison with any other in its class, but is also quite possibly the best interior by an American car company at any price. Cadillac has clearly listened to the criticisms that have come from both the media and owners, and this car is all the better for it.

One of the first things you'll notice in the cabin of the CTS is the two-tone theme. It works well aesthetically and is also functional, with the darker top of the dash cutting down on reflections in the windshield. The upper and lower dash are split by real wood accents that are tastefully integrated, and thankfully, used sparingly. The whole thing is finished off with a bit of brushed metal-look trim that again is used in the right proportion. It's fresh, it's modern, and at the same time, very restrained and quite elegant. Of equal importance, the build quality also seems to be more than a few steps up on prior efforts.

On the comfort side of the equation, the Cadillac CTS scores again. Strategically sized between the BMW 3-series and 5-series, but a natural competitor to the smaller of those two, there is plenty of room inside the CTS, even for rear-seat passengers. The seats are not only comfortable but handsome as well, with great stitched detailing.

The Bose surround sound system features ten speakers, a 40GB hard drive and a navigation system - with real-time traffic, which helps tremendously in avoiding congestion. It also has a great touch-screen interface and some of the best graphics on the market.

The only negative about the interior of the CTS is that it's a bit difficult to see out of that thick body. But I like the way it looks, so I'd put up with a some limited visibility to retain that wedge-like Cadillac styling.

The interior of the CTS is a great place to be. Offering a generous amount of space with rich materials throughout. In fact, it's the biggest area of improvement over the last CTS, and the biggest step toward challenging those well-established European competitors.

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
Read Part 3: Performance

Cadillac CTS

Performance
- Acceleration: Direct injected V6 pulls adequately (at best) - if you want planet-destroying power, get the 550 hp CTS-V
- Handling: Good compromise between sport and luxury - leaning toward the luxury side of the equation
- Braking: A bit more dive than expected, but effective nonetheless

Design
- Exterior: The best execution of Cadillac's Art & Science design language so far
- Interior: Nothing short of the best American car interior

Utility
- Comfort: Larger cabin than its obvious competitors with every convenience option imaginable
- Space: Bigger than a 3-series BMW, smaller than a 5-series makes for a good amount of space inside

Safety
- Dynamics: Good, stiff chassis has the moves to get you out of trouble
- Technology: Airbags in all the right places, plus one of the best stability control systems out there

Value
- Price: Well positioned given its size and content
- Mileage: Direct injection helps the engine deliver decent mileage - that you can use regular unleaded also helps

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: While a great looking American sedan, there's not much in it emotionally - if you need an adrenaline shot, get the "V"
- Fun to spank: A bit underpowered to be really naughty behavior, but the limited-slip differential helps a ton

SPECIFIACTIONS

Layout: Front engine / Rear wheel drive
Engine: 3.6 liter, direct-injected, DOHC V6
Power (SAE): 304 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque: 273 lbs-ft @ 5200 rpm
Redline: 6500 rpm
Gearbox: 6 speed automatic
Curb Weight: 3980 lbs.
0-60 mph: 6.0 sec.
1/4 mile: 14.5 sec.
Top Speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
Mileage: 17 city / 26 highway
Base Price: $42,105
Competitors: BMW 335i, Mercedes-Benz C350, Infiniti G35