2018 Cadillac CT6

Pros: Lightweight structure helps provide an agile driving character; excellent rear-seat space; surprisingly robust performance and refinement from base turbocharged 4-cylinder engine; pricing undercuts most class competitors

Cons: Trunk is small for the class and oddly shaped; ride is a bit less serene than in rival premium large sedans; interior materials are slightly less posh than some class competitors; available sunroof intrudes on headroom

CG Says: The 2018 Cadillac CT6 introduces Super Cruise; a hands-free, semi-autonomous driving aid that can control the car while traveling on freeways. Super Cruise controls steering, acceleration, and braking to maintain speed and position in a selected lane. However, it can not change lanes and requires the driver to pay constant attention to the road. The available automatic parking assist now controls the pedals, as was well as the steering. Cadillac’s flagship sedan competes with traditional class stalwarts such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7-Series, Jaguar XJ, and Lexus LS–but its competitive prices also make it a compelling alternative to premium midsize players such as the Audi A6 and BMW 5-Series. The CT6 is lighter than other large luxury cars thanks to a lightweight, aluminum-intensive structure. The base engine is a 265-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. The step-up 3.6-liter V6 develops 335 hp. The top-line engine is a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 with 404 hp. Both V6s have cylinder deactivation for improved fuel economy. There is also a plug-in hybrid that combines a turbocharged 2.0-liter liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 335 horsepower. The PLUG-IN is capable of travelling 31 miles on electric power alone and has fuel economy of 62 MPGe. The four-cylinder and plug-in hybrid are rear-drive only, while the V6s have standard all-wheel drive. The four-cylinder and V6s use an 8-speed automatic transmission. The CT6’s chassis and suspension are tuned for engaging handling, so its ride is a bit less cushy than some competitors. GM’s Magnetic Ride Control adaptive suspension and Active Rear Steer are offered in an Active Chassis Package (which is standard on the Platinum model). Safety and technology options include Pedestrian Collision Mitigation, Enhanced Night Vision, and surround-view cameras. A unique feature is a rearview mirror that displays a camera image with a wider field of vision than a conventional mirror. As befits a flagship sedan, the rear-seat passengers can be pampered with heated/cooled/massaging reclining seats, quadzone climate controls, and dual-screen entertainment system. The 2018 Cadillac CT6 isn’t quite as regal as the traditional German large luxury cars, but it also is significantly cheaper than those competitors. The CT6 offers premium large-car interior room and available amenities at prices that are in line with most premium midsize competitors. That, along with its engaging driving personality and long list of available luxury features, make the 2018 Cadillac CT6 well worth checking out.