This fresh entry into Cadillac’s lineup delighted our testers by providing engaging, European-inspired driving dynamics. Although it is slightly roomier than the ATS it replaces, we feel the CT4’s cramped interior and boisterous engine might deter buyers looking for a sedan with luxury accommodations and sporty performance.
The handling, steering, and braking help the CT4 perform like a top-notch sports sedan. There’s hardly any body roll when pushed in turns, contributing to the tied-down feeling that rewards enthusiastic driving and makes the CT4 a delight to pilot down curvy roads. The precise steering response adds to the experience. The braking is excellent, with short stops in dry and wet conditions, better than most of its competitors.
The ride is taut, adding to the high performance experience, and yet the suspension does a decent job swallowing up harsh impacts. But driving over rough road surfaces can create choppy motions.
The 2.0-liter turbo engine is responsive enough, but it lacks vigor and sounds hoarse. The eight-speed automatic transmission is prompt. It actually shifts smoother and in a more timely manner than the 10-speed unit in the CT5. As is common in this class, the CT4 is offered in rear-wheel or all-wheel-drive versions.
This is a solid-feeling, quiet sedan with almost no wind or road noise—impressive for the class.
The front seats are firm with supportive cushions, flanked by mild torso bolsters. They are nicely shaped, without being restrictive, and the four-way lumbar adjustment is appreciated. Some long-legged drivers might find that thigh support comes up short. But the cockpit is too snug, with the center console rubbing some drivers’ right knee.
It is unusually difficult to enter the back seat due to the small door opening, limited space between the seat base and the ceiling, and narrow floor space for stepping into. Further, the seat bolster rubs as you enter.
Once inside, passengers will find there is tight toe space, restricted headroom, and their knees need to bend too much. The back seat is downright inhospitable for adults.
The scant cabin storage space becomes apparent as soon as drivers and passengers try to find a spot for a water bottle, phone, and other common stuff.
As in many recent Cadillacs, the controls are user-friendly, with the volume and tuning knobs skewed to the left, which makes them easy for the driver to reach. The infotainment screen is responsive. A physical Home button helps and it is easy to switch between Android Auto or Apple CarPlay and the native screen environment. The traditional gear selector is welcomed too. However, the climate system buttons are low and challenging to differentiate when driving.
Forward collision warning (FCW), automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning (BSW), and rear cross traffic warning (RCTW) are standard.