Cadillac has not had the best of luck with their products over the last several years. This is an automaker with a storied history of making some of the best vehicles on the market and unfortunately also shares a history of making some of the most forgettable. When done right, their products can rival the best from Germany so we know they have the potential. The 2022 Cadillac CT4 V-Series is the perfect example of a car that is good but could have been so much more if fully cooked.
The Cadillac CT4 V is a good looking car all around, with a clean and modern design. It’s completely unique to Cadillac and can’t be mistaken for anything else. Our tester is painted in Blaze Metallic Orange and catches a ton of attention in a good way. It’s bold yet not flamboyant as a yellow would be, or a non-metallic orange. Sharing the same Alpha platform used in the current Chevrolet Camaro, this CT4 V-Series’ handling chops are just as good if not better than some of its German rivals.
Throw the 2022 Cadillac CT4 V-Series into a corner at speed, knowing that the chassis can handle whatever you throw at it. The level of confidence you have behind the wheel is a revelation if you have never driven an American made sport sedan before. Though the ride is on the firm side, it’s not jarring enough that passengers will complain. GM’s Magnetic Ride Control and performance suspension does a good job and impresses all around. The steering feels great with just enough feedback that you know what is actually happening with the front wheels.
Since this platform is RWD biased, the Cadillac CT4 V-Series separates itself from its front wheel drive competitors such as the BMW 235i Gran Coupe, Audi A3 and Mercedes A-Class. Though they are competent in their own right, they don’t come close to what Cadillac has to offer when it comes down to handling and overall engagement. And yes, you do have the option of rear or all-wheel-drive which allows enthusiasts to have a bit more fun. Most Canadians will opt for all-wheel-drive due to our wild winters.
Power comes via a 2.7-litre Dual Volute turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The displacement is quite large when compared to its competitors and pumps out some rather impressive numbers. Look for 325 horsepower at 5,500RPM and 380 lb-ft. of torque from 2,000 to 4,000RPM. Cadillac states that this CT4 can accelerate to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds. There is some turbo lag right off the bat but once you get into the sweet spot, it gets going, quickly. The 10-speed automatic transmission does a great job finding the right gear.
Buyers looking for significantly more power and the ability to shift their own gears manually can open up their wallets further for the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing, which can be had with a six-speed manual transmission. The CT4’s motor doesn’t feel as refined as some of the four-cylinders from rival makes. Mash on the throttle and the noises are less than pleasant, reminiscent of the GM trukcs that also get this engine.
The interior is also a mixed bag; while it’s cleanly designed and everything is ergonomically placed, things seem rather pedestrian. It lacks any flash to make it stand out against its German rivals. Take a page out of the Escalade and you can see what Cadillac can do when properly focused. Dash and console material quality is fine with a mixture of several textures, but the leather seats are top notch and provide great support.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and work perfectly. The Cadillac CT4-V Series connected with my Android phone quickly and without fail every time I jumped behind the wheel. Navigation is an option and not standard so those that try to conserve their phone data are out of luck. The rather small eight-inch infotainment screen is a disappointment as it seems more suited for a five-year old mainstream vehicle. Rear seat space is limited, but the trunk will accommodate 303-litres of cargo which is also rather tight.
During our test week, we managed to achieve 11.2L/100km in mostly city driving which is reasonable for such a large displacement turbocharged four-cylinder. Cadillac estimates 12.0L/100km in the city and 8.4L/100km on the highway, for a combined 9.8L/100km. Premium 91-octane fuel is required. Pricing starts at $47,798 for the CT4-V Series and our loaded tester comes in near the $60,000 mark. Add a few more options and you step into Blackwing territory. At this point, serious decisions need to be made if you’re a driving enthusiast at heart.
As the market moves towards sport utility vehicles, sports sedan offerings are becoming rarer by the hour. The 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Series teases what the brand can do with a great chassis; however, to fully appreciate this car’s capabilities, consider moving up to the Blackwing. Even though the CT4-V is far from perfect, its positive features outweigh the negatives.
