The Cadillac CT4 is powered by a choice of turbocharged 4-cylinder engines sending power to either the rear-wheels or all-four wheels via an optional all-wheel drive system. The base engine displaces 2.0 liters and makes 237 horsepower and 258 lb-feet of torque. Power is sent to the wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. Premium Luxury and V-Series models are available with a bigger 2.7L 4-cylinder which makes either 309 horsepower in Premium Luxury trim or 325 horsepower in V trim. Opting for the bigger engine also nets buyers a couple of extra gears as the only transmission choice with the bigger engine is a 10-speed automatic.
Cadillac have smartly identified the interior of the CT4 as a point of emphasis and the new car feels quite premium for a car with such a low base price. An 8-inch touchscreen housed in the dashboard is well integrated with the cars various infotainment and technology systems, while a leather-wrapped steering wheel with optional heating not only feels great, but looks great too, with subtle metallic accents and sharp looking, integrated paddle shifters. Soft touchpoints and a general lack of hard plastics also help to heighten the appeal of the new car's interior.
The CT4 comes in four basic trims for 2020, Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport and V-Series. Standard features on the base CT4 Luxury trim include keyless entry, dual-zone automatic temperature control, a remote engine starter, 3 USB ports, wireless phone connectivity, 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability, SiriusXM satellite radio, voice activation for the 8-speaker sound system, OnStar turn by turn navigation, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with a built-in garage door opener, 8-way power adjustable front seats and leatherette upholstery. Outiside, the CT4 comes standard with automatic LED headlights, a rearview camera, automatic wipers, integrated, mirror mounted turn signals, chrome exhaust tips and 17-inch alloy wheels.
The Premium Luxury and Sport Trims give buyers access to the bigger 2.7L engine as well as 18-inch wheels. Premium Luxury equipped cars also get leather seating surfaces available in a couple of different colors, while Sport equipped cars get blacked out exterior trim, a rear spoiler, transparent tail lamp lenses and sports seats.
The CT4-V is immediately recognizable from the outside thanks to its unique grille, though keen-eyed observers will also recognize the quad-exhaust tips out back. There are of course, plenty of V logos throughout the interior and exterior to also distinguish the top of the line CT4 from its siblings. Underneath, in addition to the extra power, the CT4-V gets magnetic, adjustable dampers which can adjust suspension stiffness at the push of a button. Inside, the V-series gets a Bose premium sound system with 11-speakers.
Sharp Exterior Styling
Tech Features
Sporty, Rear-wheel Drive Architecture With Available All-wheel Drive
Powerful, Turbocharged Engines
The CT4 is Cadillac's brand-new entry-level vehicle, slotting below the CT6 and the just-introduced CT5. Cadillac expects the CT4 to appeal to a younger audience for whom Cadillac is an aspirational brand. Starting at around $33,000, the CT4 is in reach of the upwardly mobile and offers understated style, technology and the prestige of the badge. The compact size and strong fuel economy should also appeal to urban dwellers who worry about where they're going to park.
The CT4 is positioned to take on the Audi A3 and the Mercedes A-Class, entry-level German cars that combine compact size with a healthy dose of tech features and luxury. The CT4 is therefore priced to compete, with a base price of just below $34,000, undercutting the German offerings. Like the European classmates, the CT4 uses a rear-wheel drive setup, paying big dividends for handling balance all while costing similar money to the front-wheel drive based A3 and A-Class. It also offers all-wheel drive as an option and strong fuel economy numbers of 34 combined mpg.
