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- Highs Beautiful exterior design, actually engaging to drive, most models cheaper than competitors.
- Lows Less roomy inside than rivals, mediocre interior materials, twin-turbo V-8 outrageously priced.
- Verdict The CT6 is a striking and engaging sedan, but it leaves true high-end luxury at the door.
Overview
Once the self-proclaimed Standard of the World, Cadillac has seemingly forgotten how to make truly luxurious vehicles, and that includes the 2020 CT6. On the other hand, the automaker has managed to build cars that are really great to drive and benefit from souped-up offshoots—such as the fire-breathing CT6-V. With 550 horsepower and exclusive go-fast bits, it's the hot-rod rebel of an otherwise proper lineup. All models benefit from all-wheel drive and drop-dead gorgeous bodywork. Likewise, lesser trim levels are cheaper than more extravagant rivals. Unfortunately, the smaller Cadillac can't match their level of quality or prestige. Still, driving enthusiasts and brand loyalists will find something to like about the 2020 CT6.
What's New for 2020?
For 2020, Cadillac slims down the engine lineup on the CT6, drops rear-wheel drive, and adds newly standard features. The previously available turbocharged 2.0-liter and twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 engines are gone. That makes the non-turbo 3.6-liter V-6 the base engine and the twin-turbo 4.2 V-8 the high-powered alternative. The entry-level CT6 model (Luxury) now comes standard with heated front seats, built-in navigation, a sunroof, and numerous driver assists. Every Premium Luxury now has a Bose Panaray audio system as well as Cadillac's Super Cruise semi-autonomous drive mode. The CT6-V now has advanced adaptive cruise, front and rear automated emergency braking, and night vision all as standard. Platinum models wear unique 20-inch wheels. Unfortunately, the production of the CT6 is set to end in January 2020.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We love driving the CT6, and ulterior motives tell us to shell out for the 550-hp Blackwing V-8 on the CT6-V. Even die-hard enthusiasts such as ourselves, however, can't justify spending almost $100,000 in this instance. Instead, we'd recommend the Premium Luxury model that includes more desirable features and high-tech equipment than the regular CT6 Premium. Its list of standard features includes adaptive dampers, rear-wheel steering, head-up display, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, four-zone climate control, a rear-seat entertainment system, and more. While even the Premium Luxury trim doesn't fully live up to the latter part of its name, none of those niceties are available on the base model. Likewise, it features state-of-the-art driver assists such as Cadillac's Super Cruise semi-autonomous drive mode and night vision.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Every 2020 CT6 features a 10-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The Premium and Premium Luxury versions are powered by a 335-hp 3.6-liter V-6. While the base engine isn't particularly quick, it'll satisfy most drivers and emits a pleasant exhaust note. A twin-turbo 4.2-liter V-8—called the Blackwing for added effect—makes up to 550 horsepower and 640 lb-ft of torque on the performance-oriented CT6-V. Its rapid acceleration and smooth behavior impressed us, but at nearly six figures, the price of admission did not. Likewise, a detuned version that makes 500 ponies and 574 lb-ft is exclusively bolted to the Platinum model for an equally high price. Regardless of engine, the CT6 is hands down the most satisfying large sedan out there to drive, even if its actual performance numbers fall short of the competition's. The only issue with the Cadillac's sharp steering, peerless body control, and firm suspension (with both the baseline suspension and the optional adaptive dampers with driver-selectable settings) is that we're not sure buyers in the luxo-limousine segment are looking for those attributes. But we sure appreciate them, since they compromise the CT6's ride comfort only slightly and its interior quietude not at all.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA estimates that the V-6–powered 2020 CT6 will earn 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. Those numbers align with all-wheel-drive competitors such as the BMW 7-series and Mercedes-Benz S-class when equipped with their base engine. Stepping up to the 550-hp CT6-V means a gas-guzzler tax and EPA ratings of 14 mpg city and 25 highway. While we haven't tested one on our 200-mile highway fuel-economy route, the V-6 version we did test achieved 28 mpg on the highway.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The 2020 CT6 simply can't match the awe-inspiring interiors that grace its premium rivals. We'd call it unimaginatively styled, but someone put a lot of effort into cramming wood, carbon fiber, metal trim, and layers upon layers of different types of leather, vinyl, and cloth coverings onto the dashboard. You can't get the same fully adjustable rear seats as you can on other full-size luxury sedans. Despite its dimensional disadvantage and small trunk volume relative to larger rivals, the CT6 can fit a class-competitive amount of carry-on luggage; we fit six cases inside the trunk. As with many of its rivals, the Cadillac has rear seats that cannot be folded down, although there is a trunk pass-through.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Cadillac doesn't skimp on the CT6's infotainment features, loading every version with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, navigation, a trio of USB ports, and wireless smartphone charging, and a trio of USB ports. An 8.0-inch touchscreen is the only size display available, but it's accompanied by a rotary controller and volume knob on the center console for reduced distractions. Cadillac also offers a 34-speaker Bose Panaray audio system that sounds better to untrained ears.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2020 CT6 hasn't been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, the Cadillac has a variety of standard driver-assistance technology as well as futuristic upgrades such as semi-autonomous driving aids and night vision. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Cadillac offers a competitive limited warranty that is bolstered by much more impressive powertrain coverage. However, the 2020 CT6 only includes one free scheduled maintenance period.
- Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 6 years or 70,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit
