2018 Cadillac CTS-V
Pros
- One of the most powerful sedans on the road
- Far cheaper than comparably powered performance sedans
- Ultra-sophisticated suspension delivers world-class ride and handling
- Superior support from optional sport seats
Cons
- Less luxurious cabin than those of competitors
- Small trunk
- Tech interface may frustrate
- Ride may be too rough for some
2018 Cadillac CTS-V pricing
in Ashburn, VAWhich CTS-V does Edmunds recommend?
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
4.0 / 5Once upon a time, Cadillacs drew inspiration from the Space Age, with grand tailfins and taillights inspired by rockets and a fanciful future that never came. Well, the real future is here, and the 2018 Cadillac CTS-V definitely doesn't look like a rocket. It does, however, move like one, boasting a mighty supercharged V8 that slams 640 horsepower to the rear wheels. It's even faster than even that sounds.
However, the CTS-V is not some ham-fisted muscle car. No, the CTS-V has a truly state-of-the-art chassis and suspension that allow it to take corners better and impart more communication to the driver than other high-performance luxury sedans. Oh, and it does so while costing considerably less.
That suspension also allows it to have an impressively comfortable ride for a performance car, though if you're looking for a comfy Cadillac couch, this definitely isn't it. Another thing to keep in mind is that although the CTS-V undercuts its German competitors on price, its cabin just isn't up to the level of an Audi, BMW or Mercedes. Cadillac has come a long way, but you do get what you pay for in this regard.
Overall, we're quite fond of the CTS-V. If you're looking for one of the most thrilling high-powered sedans on the market, this Caddy has to be on your shopping list.
2018 Cadillac CTS-V configurations
The 2018 Cadillac CTS-V is a high-performance version of the regular CTS sedan, which is reviewed separately. The V version packs a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that produces 640 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. You can only get it with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. Only one trim level is available.
Standard equipment includes 19-inch wheels, summer performance tires, Brembo performance brakes, an electronic limited-slip differential, a magnetically controlled adaptive suspension, an automatic parking system, xenon headlights with auto high beams, automatic wipers, a driver auto-dimming mirror, remote ignition, keyless ignition and entry, forward collision warning, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems, lane departure warning and intervention, and rearview and curb-view parking cameras.
Comfort and entertainment features include dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power-adjustable front seats (with heating, manual thigh extenders and power-adjustable bolsters), driver-seat memory settings, leather and simulated suede upholstery, a heated power-adjustable steering wheel, a simulated suede headliner, a 12.3-inch all-digital gauge display, a head-up display, an 8-inch touchscreen interface, OnStar communications (with 4G LTE and a Wi-Fi hotspot), wireless smartphone charging, Bluetooth, three USB ports, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a navigation system, and a 13-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system with satellite and HD radio.
The Luxury package adds tri-zone climate control, a split-folding back seat, heated rear seats, a power rear sunshade, manual rear side sunshades, a 110-volt power outlet and Cadillac's rearview camera mirror. A panoramic sunroof can be added to the Luxury package. The Carbon Fiber package adds a carbon-fiber hood vent, spoiler, front splitter and rear diffuser.
Also available are 20-way power front seats, which can be upgraded with ventilation or replaced by Recaro performance seats.
Trim tested
The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V (supercharged 6.2L V8 | 8-speed automatic | RWD).
NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current CTS-V has received a few minor updates, including a revised infotainment system. Our findings remain applicable to this year's CTS-V.
Driving
5.0Acceleration
5.0Braking
5.0Steering
5.0Handling
5.0Drivability
3.0Comfort
3.0Seat comfort
5.0Ride comfort
3.0Noise & vibration
3.0Interior
3.0Ease of use
2.5Getting in/getting out
3.0Roominess
3.5Visibility
3.5Quality
3.0Utility
2.5Technology
Consumer reviews
There are no consumer reviews for the 2018 Cadillac CTS-V.
Features & Specs
Safety
Our experts’ favorite CTS-V safety features:
- Forward Collision Alert
- Uses sensors to detect stopped vehicles ahead, warning the driver through visual and audible signals.
- Lane Change Alert w/ Blind Zone Alert
- Monitors blind spots and alerts the driver should a lane change be attempted when there's a car in a neighboring lane.
- Lane Keep Assist
- Warns the driver should the car start to drift from its lane and can take corrective steering action if needed.
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See your car's valueThe greatest Cadillacs once sprouted grand fins and taillights inspired by the Space Age. Today, the great 2018 Cadillac CTS-V may not look like a rocket, but it sure as heck moves like one. Packing the same supercharged V8 as the top-shelf Corvette Z06, the CTS-V boasts an incredible 640 horsepower that sends it from zero to 60 mph in about 4 seconds. That's as quick as it sounds. Meanwhile, it has the same classy styling and abundant feature content and, thanks to a sophisticated suspension, it still manages to deliver a comfortable ride.
The CTS-V suspension features Magnetic Ride Control, or magnetically controlled adjustable dampers that not only provide a comfortable ride but also tremendous handling capability. A stiff body structure, excellent steering, upgraded Brembo brakes, a race-derived traction control system and high-performance Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires round out the sporty highlights. It's a true driver's car that can compete with the best high-powered sedans from BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
Now, if you're drawn to a full-size luxury sedan with 640 hp, chances are that fuel economy isn't exactly high on your priority list. Nevertheless, the CTS-V isn't the gas hog you might assume thanks to an eight-speed automatic transmission and cylinder deactivation. According to the EPA, it returns an estimated 17 mpg combined (14 city/21 highway).
As a Cadillac, and one of the most expensive ones at that, the CTS-V comes standard with an abundance of features at a price that undercuts its competition. A self-parking system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a navigation system and a 13-speaker Bose sound system are some of the noteworthy standard features. You can also add some extra features courtesy of the Luxury package or Recaro performance seats, but we would think twice about the rather garish Carbon Fiber package that festoons what is a pretty classy car with boy-racer embellishments.
Ultimately, the 2018 Cadillac CTS-V is a tremendous performance luxury sedan. Its cabin isn't quite as well put together as some of its German competitors, and its tech interface isn't our favorite, but on the whole, this Cadillac is every bit an engineering achievement that Americans can be proud of. Maybe not landing-a-man-on-the-moon proud, but it's certainly far more impressive than tailfins. And if it seems like your type of luxury car, make sure to check out the Edmunds inventory pages to help find the perfect CTS-V for you.
2018 Cadillac CTS-V Overview
The 2018 Cadillac CTS-V is offered in the following submodels: CTS-V Sedan. Available styles include 4dr Sedan (6.2L 8cyl S/C 8A).
What do people think of the 2018 Cadillac CTS-V?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Cadillac CTS-V and all its trim types. 0 Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2018 CTS-V.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Cadillac CTS-V and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 CTS-V featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Edmunds Scorecard
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
Which 2018 Cadillac CTS-VS are available in my area?
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Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2018 Cadillac CTS-V?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
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