2019 Cadillac CT6

Which CT6 does Edmunds recommend?

Overall rating

The 2019 Cadillac CT6 is a full-size luxury sedan that has aggressive styling and a refreshing execution that is a departure from the cookie-cutter sedans by the European and Asian luxury car manufacturers.

For 2019, the CT6 receives updates that resolve some of the issues we felt hurt its chances compared to its rivals. A new base engine and transmission combo should be more efficient, while items that were previously options have been added to the standard features list. From a usability perspective, knob-based controls for the infotainment system replace the clunky touchpad Cadillac previously used, and we're excited to give it a shot.

But what differentiates the CT6 from the competition is some of its trick available features such as Cadillac's Super Cruise advanced driver assist system and Surround Vision Recorder. This latter tech records a 360-degree-view video around the car when it is parked and works as a dash cam when the car is moving. The CT6 also comes with a few standard features that set it apart from the competition, such as a camera-based rearview mirror, a customizable digital instrument panel, sporty suspension calibration and, of course, a roomy interior.

Aside from high feature content, the CT6 is priced competitively to established large luxury sedans. And it is generally simpler to shop for thanks to its uncomplicated trim and options structure. Unfortunately, that simplicity also means you don't get the customizability or truly exclusive options that the high-end luxury sedan segment is all about. Competitors, such as the Audi A8 and the BMW 7 Series, supply that customizability, as well as plusher ride qualities. And you can't discount the impact of their badges. Meanwhile, the Genesis G90 and the Lexus LS 500 have even softer rides.

Ultimately, if style, value and technology are your priorities, the Cadillac CT6 should be a prime consideration.

2019 Cadillac CT6 models

The 2019 Cadillac CT6 is a large luxury sedan available in four main trim levels. The CT6 Luxury is well-equipped, while the Premium Luxury trim adds high-end safety and convenience features. The Sport trim comes with a V6 and aggressive bodywork. Finally, the Platinum makes all options standard and features a turbocharged V6 or an optional turbocharged V8.

The CT6 Luxury comes standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine (237 horsepower, 258 lb-ft) and a 10-speed automatic transmission that drives the rear wheels. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard, as are LED headlights, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, driver-seat memory settings, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

On the technology front, the CT6 Luxury includes GM's OnStar system (with 4G LTE connectivity and Wi-Fi hotspot capability), a 10.2-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, USB ports, satellite radio, a wireless charging pad, and an eight-speaker Bose sound system.

An optional Driver Awareness and Convenience package adds a panoramic sunroof, automatic high-beam headlights, power-folding mirrors, heated front seats, a navigation system and an array of extra safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping assist and rear cross-traffic alert. The CT6 Luxury is also available with a V6 engine rated at 335 hp and 284 lb-ft, which is exclusively paired with all-wheel drive and 19-inch wheels.

The Premium Luxury trim starts with all of the above equipment, including the Driver Awareness and Convenience package, and adds an automatic parking system, a hands-free  trunklid, upgraded front seats, a surround-view 360-degree parking camera system, rear window shades, upgraded interior lighting, and a 10-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system. A Surround Vision Recorder is also standard with this trim, allowing drivers to record video from the CT6's front and rear cameras onto an SD card.

A Comfort and Technology package is offered for the CT6 Premium Luxury, adding ventilated front seats and heated rear seats, a unique rearview mirror that displays streaming video from a rear-mounted camera, a rear camera washer, a larger 12-inch digital instrumentation display, and a head-up display. A Rear Seat package is also available, adding a rear-seat entertainment system, four-zone climate control and an air ionization system. Like the CT6 Luxury, CT6 Premium Luxury model buyers can upgrade to a V6 engine and all-wheel drive.

Based on the Premium Luxury model, the Sport trim comes with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that makes 404 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque, and all-wheel drive is standard. Otherwise, upgrades are cosmetic and include a different grille, 19-inch wheels, a lower body kit, a rear spoiler, darkened window surrounds, and carbon-pattern interior trim.

Optional on the Sport and the Premium Luxury models equipped with all-wheel drive, the Super Cruise package installs Cadillac's advanced driver assist system that allows for hands-free driving on select highways. The package also includes adaptive cruise control, night-vision assist, rear wheel steering, a Magnetic Ride Control adaptive suspension, and 20-inch wheels.

Split off just the performance parts, and the Active Chassis package equips the car with magnetic ride control, rear wheel steering and 20-inch wheels. The Comfort and Technology package and the Rear Seat package are also available for the CT6 Sport.

At the top of the totem pole is the Platinum, which takes a Premium Luxury model and includes the Super Cruise, Comfort and Technology, and Rear Seat packages all as standard equipment. It then adds the Sport's turbocharged V6 engine or an optional turbocharged V8 (500 hp, 574 lb-ft of torque). Other extras include all-wheel drive, 19-inch wheels, front seats with extra adjustments and massage functions, premium leather upholstery, power-adjustable outboard rear seats (with heating, ventilation and massage functions), and a 34-speaker Bose Panaray sound system.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Cadillac CT6 Platinum (twin-turbo 3.0L V6 | 8-speed automatic | AWD).

NOTE: Since this test was conducted in 2016, the Cadillac CT6 has received some revisions, including a new four-cylinder base engine, 10-speed automatic transmission, exterior styling and usability improvements. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's 2019 Cadillac CT6.

Driving

Comfort

Interior

Utility

Technology