By Larry Lark, contributor
With apologies to Oldsmobile, “the 2020 CT4 Premium Luxury sports sedan is not your father’s Cadillac.”
Smallish in size, the CT4 benefits from rear-wheel drive architecture and turbocharged propulsion to deliver a powerful, crisp, precise driving experience that frankly caught me by surprise.
“We developed CT4 to appeal to youthful buyers in the luxury market who may be new to the Cadillac brand,” said Andrew Smith, executive director of global Cadillac design. “The vehicle was intended to draw attention, using a combination of great proportions, taut surfacing and Cadillac family details that hint at the athletic driving experience this vehicle offers.”
CT4 represents Cadillac’s next step in the realignment of its sedan portfolio.
The CT4 offers plenty for the senses, starting with its RWD proportions and an athletic design. A bold color-and-trim palette features 11 exterior color options along with eight distinct interior color, material and trim options. Customers will have no trouble making a statement. My tester basked in a “Shadow Metallic” enamel exterior contrast against “Whisper Beige/Black” interior accents.
Powered by a 2.7-liter, turbocharged dual-volute engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, the pair generates 309 horsepower and 348 lb-ft of torque. The engine features a three-step sliding camshaft design and includes active fuel management and automatic start/stop.
The sedan seats four adults, five in a pinch, with a generous trunk that can accommodate full-size golf bags and carts. The CT4 receives a 29 mile per gallon EPA fuel rating down the highway, and a combined city/highway rating of 23 mpg.
“Cadillac is dedicated to building the most exhilarating sport-luxury sedans,” said Rob Kotarak, Cadillac chief engineer. “Every element of the CT4 is designed to bring innovative technologies right to the driver, providing discerning driving dynamics with cutting edge precision.”
Critical to the execution of this vision:
Bosch premium electric, rack-mounted power steering system.
Capable, precise and dependable eBoost brakes with patented DuraLife coated rotors.
Brembo front brakes standard on Sport and V-Series models.
ZF MVS (Multi-Valve System) passive dampers.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) available on all models.
Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 (V-Series RWD).
My tester came with several optional packages including navigation and Bose premium surround sound audio system with 14 speakers ($1,700), Driver Assist Package with adaptive cruise control, enhance automatic emergency braking and reverse automatic braking ($1,200), Climate package with heated and ventilated front and power lumbar front seats, and heated steering wheel ($1,200), Technology package with air purification ionizer and windshield heads-up display ($1,150).
Other creature comforts include keyless entry with pushbutton start, two-zone climate control, Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto connectivity, HD rear vision camera, auto-dimming rearview mirror, LED interior lighting with stealth mode, and more.
Safety technology completes the package and is highlighted by Intellibeam headlamps, lane change and side blind zone alerts, lane keep assist with departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert, which comes in handy with a cypress tree blocking my view when exiting the driveway.
Base Price: $38,490
Price As Driven: $50,265
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
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