2020 Cadillac CT4-V Review By Larry Nutson

2020 Cadillac CT4-V
Very much fun

By Larry Nutson
Executive Editor and Bureau Chief
Chicago Bureau
The Auto Channel

My drive in Cadillac’s new CT4-V was preceded by a brief drive experience in its stablemate, the larger and higher performing CT5-V. I was looking forward to my CT4-V drive as I have read and heard many good things about this car. I did wonder if my previous CT5-V drive would now lead to a letdown.

To cut to the chase, there was no letdown. The compact 5-passenger CT4-V delivers plenty of driving enjoyment, comfort and also loads of fun.

A couple weeks before my drive I joined my colleagues in the Midwest Automotive Media Association to learn not only about the CT4 but to hear about Cadillac’s new platform, Cadillac Live. A live product specialist in a studio gave us a virtual tour of the CT4 and other Cadillac models. This virtual showroom, sort of like a personal auto show, complements a local auto show or dealer visit with the intent to broaden a shopper’s online interest into a sale.

The CT4-V as well as the new CT5-V join the CT6-V in Cadillac’s V-series lineup giving a corresponding choice of an inline-4 compact, a V6 midsize or a V8 full-size luxury car with high performance capability.

The new-for-2020 CT4 is the successor to the previous ATS. Built on Cadillac’s Alpha rear-wheel drive architecture along with the CT5, it’s also available with all-wheel drive.

The CT4 model lineup consists of the Luxury, Premium Luxury and Sport trims powered by a 237hp turbo 2.0L turbo. The Premium Luxury is also available with a 309hp turbo 2.7L. At the top sites the V-series with a 325hp turbo 2.7L.

My drive experience in the CT4-V was in a sharply finished Evergreen Metallic AWD model. I think the CT4 looks good from any angle, but especially the front is quite stylish. The black trim on the V-series is much to my liking and helps to moderate the sloping rear roofline.

The jet black interior with contrasting seat stitching looks good as your eyes scan across the instrument panel. The lower door trim and center console are hard plastic and could use some upgrading.

Under the hood the 325hp turbo 2.7L is mated to a 10-speed automatic. A center console mounted shift lever is complemented by shift paddles for those spirited driving events.

The V-series features uniquely tuned Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, selectable drive modes that includes a V-Mode personal setting, Brembo front brakes and a limited-slip rear differential. Making the road connection are 40-series summer tires on 18-inch wheels. All-season tires are also available with AWD, because summer tires should not be driven in winter conditions.

The drive train delivers plenty of performance with 0 to 60mph in sub-5 seconds. Launch control helps you get there. Top speed is “way too fast.” While driving around my Chicago home I saw nothing lacking from the powerful and responsive engine. I enjoyed the crisp engine start-up. The 10-speed auto is a delight with its rapid upshifts and well programmed downshifts.

Ride and handling is refined and balanced with an overall good level of comfort. The sport mode tightens up the suspension which makes the ride a bit harsh on city streets, as my wife commented. The V-mode button on the steering wheel lets you pre-set the drivetrain, steering, suspension and brake settings so when the road before you presents an opportunity you are ready in with the simple push of a button.

Overall the CT4-V delivers loads of performance while also being very well suited for a long road trip or daily everyday household use. The front seats provide plenty of room for two. It’s a bit tight in the rear but not so much so that a couple of friends couldn’t join you for a jaunt. The trunk is roomy enough for groceries or luggage for a weekend trip.

EPA ratings for comparison to other sport sedans are 23 mpg combined with 20 city mpg and 28 highway mpg. I didn’t make any long drives with the CT4-V or try to even measure real-world fuel consumption because I was too deep in the throttle too often.

A full suite of driver assistance safety features is available. Although not on my test car, the CT4 is available with Cadillac’s exclusive Super Cruise, the first true hands-free driver assistance feature for limited- access freeways, is available on more than 130,000 miles of limited-access freeways in the U.S. and Canada.

Bose 14-speaker surround sound, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Qi wireless charging, Onstar service and 4G WiFi round out the tech.

Pricing for the CT4-V starts at $44.495. All-wheel drive adds $500 plus a mandatory Cold Weather Package priced at $600.

Additional information and specs can be found at www.cadillac.com.

Coming in Summer 2021 there will be more driving excitement with the CT4-V Blackwing that will provide the ultimate in performance and craftsmanship by combining the Cadillac’s racing heritage with luxury and comfort to create the most track-capable Cadillac ever. Think V6!

I am admittedly of the big-V8 kind. I’ve adjusted over many years to appreciate high performance four and six cylinder engines. The engineers today are finding a lot more horsepower in a liter of displacement than ever thought possible decades ago. That’s good for us who like to drive.