Test Drive: Caddy Hits A Hole In One with CTS

As if we didn't already know how brilliant/handsome this effort is...

Good for Cadillac!

It is a pretty sharp car. My neighbor just got one and in Black it looks razor sharp. I am not crazy about the cheap interior, but from the exterior it is very nice.

How is the interior cheap? Compared to what? I went to the Caddy Dealership about two weeks ago and the stiched leather dash was fantastic. The buttons had very nice feel and the seats felt comfortable. The car I looked at had the black interior and I couldn't find any faults or cheap pieces. I've been in a Camry and that's cheap, which is why I can't understand why people would rave about an interior like that. It really burns me when people make unfounded comments like that but then I have to remember everyone is entitled to their "opinion"

The BMW 3 Series interior is definitely cheaper than the CTS interior.

The 3-series interior looks dated by at least 5 years when compared to the beautifully crafted/executed CTS interior.

Note: Try not to allow yourself to become to mesmerized by the blue/white roundel there bud.

I am not mesmorized by the roundel. In regards to cheap, could it be the generic GM buttons and trim on the dash. Or could it be the painted to make it look real aluminum. In regards to the 3-series, what part of the dash is cheap? THe wood is real. The leather may not be as plush as the Cadillac, but that is due to offering better support. I sat in my neighbors CTS. As I said before, the exterior is really sharp. His is Black with Black Leather. I just dont like the center console. It looks way too plastic the way it goes from the shift lever to the top of the dash. His doesnt have the wood trim, which may help. But the dash reminds me of every other GM car. Just my opinion

"In regards to cheap, could it be the generic GM buttons and trim on the dash."

It absolutely does not. Here are some examples of "generic GM buttons:"

http://images.motortrend.com/auto_shows/
coverage/los_angeles/112_0611_2006_la_show_05z+2008_
buick_enclave+interior.jpg

http://z.about.com/d/cars/1/7/m/a/
ag_07aura_interior.jpg

http://www.carspace.com/arvin1/Albums/
Interior%20Car%20Pictures/originals/
chevrolet-corvette-z06-1550.jpg/photo/v./original.jpg

The CTS got all of its own buttons and materials. It is a huge step forward for GM interiors. Take a look at all of those, and then look at this...

http://imgup-lb.automotive.com:8080/
files/1075178.w634.jpg

Not a single button from any other GM model.

While I prize BMWs for their handling abilities and solid build quality...there are certain parts I would certainly not put on any kind of pedestal…one of them being their interiors. I’m not saying their interiors are “cheap” by any measure but they are not the most inspiring design say like Audi. Your argument about generic buttons or cheap plastics is about 1 generation too late…save that for the 2007 and older models. Like many other GM haters you will continue to rant about cheap interiors well after others have moved on and forgotten those days and GM is building quality cars with very good interiors.

My understanding is that the dash materials are from the same company that Mercedes uses.

That is true!

Yep Drexl Maier, they do Mercedes and they are pioneers of the hand built cut and sew interiors.

The RWD LSD CTS with direct injection is on my shopping list after a recent test drive.

I always said that i will never buy american cars.
I think this is not true anymore.

I went to a cadillac deallership this week and i was really impress by overall quality of the car.

This car would look nice with big rear tires and BBS mags.

GM has said that 19" are in the works...in time for the 2009 Model!

I love it.

Most of the important elements are "fair", brake, suspension, steering. Meaning, CTS is so far from Audi.

I'm waiting for a dynamic comparison not in US, but in Europe where the dynamic test means high speed driving as well.

Once again, GM is proving they are getting the big picture. Good job, keep it up. Make the rest of the Cadillac line like the CTS (interior syling, quality, etc) and the American buyers will respond positively.

Compared to Audi, the new Caddy CTS is not so generic. I can say that because I just purchased a new CTS, and if the new CTS coupe measures up as good as my sedan, it will probably replace my BMW 330iC.

looks very sharp, I think odd in pics, but GM is a step ahead with this car.