The Cadillac CT6 is built on GM's Omega architecture which is both incredibly stiff and incredibly light. The stiffness leads to a quieter and more controlled ride, while the lightness leads to better handling and a lowered reliance on big, inefficient engines. In fact, the new CT6 is lighter than both the smaller BMW 5-Series and the Mercedes Benz E-Class, not to mention the bigger BMW 7-series and Mercedes S-Class, cars that more closely match the CT6's cavernous interior.
Power comes from one of four engine options. The base engine is a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder that makes 265 horsepower. Power is sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. For buyers wanting the smoothness of a V6, a 3.6L V6 making 335 horsepower is also available, while at the top of the line is a 3.0L twin-turbocharged V6 making an even 400 horsepower. Both V6 engines also come with an 8-speed automatic, however all-wheel drive is standard with either V6. For buyers who wants something a little different, Cadillac has offered a plug in Hybrid for 2017. Utilizing the 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and a pair of electric motors, the Hybrid boasts 335 hp and an impressive 432 lb-ft of torque.
Building a luxury car in 2017 means equipping it with plenty of toys and the CT6 is no exception. Available features are indulgent and numerous with everything from safety to rear seat entertainment taken into consideration.
Cadillac's OnStar system now adds Wi-Fi connectivity, making the entire car a Wi-Fi hotspot, while a 10.2-inch touch screen multi-informational display mounted in the dashboard serves as the primary input. It's an advanced unit that is even able to recognize handwriting through its touchscreen. It's also cleverly placed to allow usage while the driver or passenger rests their arm on the armrest. An Advanced Park Assist program makes even tight city parking easy, or for those who simply want to do it on their own, a 360-degree camera is available essentially eliminating blind spots.
There is plenty to appreciate in the CT6's cabin besides the various electronic doodads as well. Interiors are swathed in leather, with wood or carbon fiber trim, while LED interior illumination looks modern and distinctive. Seats are heated with woven in heating elements and for the truly indulgent, a seat massaging system is available with five different programs.
Those who spend any time in the back seat of the CT6, can stretch out with over 40-inches of rear leg room. A rear seat package includes articulating 10-inch screens which retract into the front seatbacks as well as adjustable rear seats with up to 3.3-inches of travel. Climate control is, of course, a 4-zone affair while the optional stereo boasts no fewer than 34 speakers.
After its introduction last year, Cadillac could have left the CT6 alone. However, this year they've outdone themselves with a new plug-in hybrid version of the car. Powered by a pair of electric motors combined with a turbocharged 4-cylinder, the CT6 hybrid should be both fast and frugal. With about 30 miles of range in pure electric mode, the CT6 hybrid should use virtually no fuel for quick trips to the grocery store, or jaunts around town. However, with a claimed 0-60 time of 5.3 seconds, the CT6 plug-in hybrid should still feel plenty fast when the time calls for it.
The CT6 competes with full size luxury cars such as the BMW 7-series, the Audi A8 and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. However, with a base price of around $54,000, the CT6 is actually priced similarly to mid-sized luxury cars like the smaller BMW 5-Series and the Audi A6. In essence, the Cadillac CT6 offers large car amenities at a mid-sized car price. The CT6 though, is every bit as modern and capable as its European competitors, offering a huge suite of technology and innovative luxury features to make getting from place to place as comfortable as possible.