For 2008, Cadillac has redesigned its popular CTS sedan. Priced against entry-level cars from other luxury marques — such as the Audi A4 , BMW 3-series and Infiniti G35 — the CTS actually defies this label because it’s about the same size as a BMW 5-Series . Interestingly, the CTS doesn’t seem as big as it is — thanks to the crisp lines of Cadillac’s “art and science” design.
The 2008 CTS’ exterior design is more evolutionary than revolutionary, but it builds on the successful design of the previous-generation car and looks thoroughly modern. Chrome accents — like on side vents and around the greenhouse — give the car a decidedly upscale look and body panel gaps are on par with offerings from other luxury marques. The only questionable styling cues is the over-sized front grille, which some customers may take issue with.
The 2008 CTS’ interior is hands down the best ever in a GM car and could be considered one of the best in the segment. If you covered the Cadillac Crest on the steering wheel, you could mistake the CTS for a much more expensive car. Front seats offer a comfortable driving position and have plenty of bolstering for spirited driving. The subtle use of a V-shaped medallion on the seatbacks — formerly used in the Cadillac symbol — adds a surprising amount of character to the interior.
The center stack is handsome and functional — featuring a brushed aluminum face and an upscale looking center-mounted analog clock. The integration of the dual climate control is well placed and a very smart design — each side has its own LCD screen and controls to adjust temperature. Atop the center stack is a retractable LCD screen — which can be electronically raised or lower by a button just below the screen — used for radio and navigation functions. When the car’s GPS is not being used, the screen remains in its lowered position.
The CTS’ gauge cluster is clear and intuitively laid out — although deeply recessed — and the use of wood and chrome accents throughout the cabin give the interior a rich feeling. The dash design looks great — featuring stitching along the car’s belt line — but we feel the imitation leather material used for it does cheapen the interior a bit — ditto to the material on the steering wheel face. Overall fit and finish is excellent and the interior’s styling is one of the best on the market.
Our test car had the direct-injection 3.6L V6 — rated at 304 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque — and was rear-wheel drive. While the CTS had plenty of power on tap, it never quite felt like a 300+ horsepower car and the engine didn’t sound as refined as its German and Japanese rivals. The CTS’ six-speed automatic transmission did a good job of keeping the engine in its powerband and delivered power smoothly, although we wished it was available with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.
On track, the CTS’ suspension did a remarkably good job of absorbing bumps while still allowing for aggressive driving. Body lean and dip were virtually non-existent and the chassis was extremely willing. Steering was nicely weighted but still allowed for plenty of feed back. Acceleration wasn’t overwhelming but was brisk and should be more than adequate for normal driving. GM did a great job of tuning the CTS for both comfort and sport — a very difficult balance to achieve. The CTS felt just as capable in the twisties as it did over the rough stuff.
The redesign of the 2008 CTS gives GM a legitimate contender in the highly competitive entry-level luxury car segment. While the CTS does trail some of its rivals in certain categories — albeit by a very slim margin — overall it’s an excellent car and should be on anyone’s list shopping this segment.
Prices for the 2008 CTS start at $32,990 for a rear-wheel drive model with a VVT V6 and $35,290 for a rear-wheel drive model with the direct-injection VVT V6. The CTS can also be equipped with all-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission. Depending on powertrain options, the CTS returns fuel economy between 17-18 city and 25-26 highway.
