Heels on Wheels: 2012 Cadillac CTS-V Sedan Review

HEELS ON WHEELS
By Katrina Ramser
San Francisco Bureau
The Auto Channel

INTRO TO THE CTS-V VEHICLE

The Cadillac CTS-V Sedan is a luxury five-passenger sedan with a massive powertrain, impressive interior technology, and racetrack-inspired options like Recaro sport seats and Brembo brakes – a stunning and refreshing reinvention of a prestigious, if not older, brand.

After driving the 2012 CTS-V Coupe for one day, I was able to secure a longer loan with the 2012 Cadillac CTS-V Sedan. It is also powered by a supercharged 556-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 engine that goes from 0-60 in 3.9 seconds. Yet this version was equipped with the available six-speed automatic transmission along with the driver-selectable Magnetic Ride Control suspension for firmer handling. Like the Coupe, it’s available in just one trim with the following standard features: leather upholstery; heated front seats; ten-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system with XM Radio; navigation display; leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted controls; Bluetooth; rearview backup camera with park assist; nineteen-inch wheels; high-intensity headlamps with adaptive forward lighting; and Brembo brakes. My test drive featured the $3,400 upgraded 14-way power Recaro performance seats, the $600 midnight Sapele wood trim package, and a $300 suede steering wheel and shift cover. Total vehicle price came to $70,115.

Main competitors to the Cadillac CTS-V Sedan include your usual European luxury brands like the Audi S6 and BMW M5. The 2012 model hasn’t changed much, and the 2013 doesn’t have drastic changes lineup either.

HEELS ON WHEELS REVIEW CRITERIA

Stylish But Comfortable Results: The CTS-V’s cabin ambiance in both the Sedan and Coupe is sophisticated, dark and bit masculine. Refined materials are evident throughout, from the supple leather upholstery to the exquisite wood trim. While expensive, the options are quite worth it, especially the suede steering wheel and upgraded Recaro seats. The glide-up eight-inch navigation screen allows you to hit pause on live radio, get directions from OnStar, and work the ten-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system. My only complaint is a need for extensive backup camera visuals, like a multi-view or parking lines. Head and legroom is generous, while the cargo dimensions are more challenging.

Reliability & Safety Factor: Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, traction control, side blind zone alert, and everything OnStar, from the emergency services to turn-by-turn navigation.

Cost Issues: The Cadillac CTS-V Sedan starts at $64,515. A BMW M3 coupe starts for less at $60,100, but comparably equipped costs about the same. An Audi S5 begins with a price of $53,900.

Activity & Performance Ability: Muscular, planted and earth-shattering describe the CTS-V Sedan’s 6.2-liter V8 engine. The six-speed automatic was not nearly as thrilling as the six-speed manual tested in the Coupe version – you have to throttle hard to feel supercharged – but benchmark performance is most certainly achieved. The Magnetic Ride Control suspension keeps the chassis composed when carving out corners,

The Green Concern: An engine of this size is perpetually thirsty: The 6.2-liter V8 engine gets a gas-guzzling 12 miles-per-gallon city and 19 highway for a combined 14. You’ll go through a tank of gas in under one week. The CTS-V also gets hit with a $2,600 gas guzzler tax.

FINAL PARTING WORDS
Fuel economy results tucked aside, the 2012 Cadillac CTS-V Sedan drops quick and arresting speed, cutting-edge technology, and an undeniably posh cabin for a brand that continues to spin lasting prestige.

©2012 Katrina Ramser