2019 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe Review: Power And Luxury

A good-looking, fast, and comfortable Cadillac. That's what your grandpa used to daydream about in the '60s right? Well, we're glad to say that America's favorite luxury car brand has managed to claw themselves out of the doldrums of the last 40-odd years and finally cracked the code to building cars that not only look good but drive as well as the best that Europe has to offer. The 2019 ATS-V delivers the goods with its twin-turbo V6 engine producing over 460 horsepower, sublime chassis, and entertaining handling. There might be material and build quality issues, and the standard safety features list is a bit on the short side, but this Caddy coupe delivers where it truly counts and has managed to convert some of those who swore that sporty executive coupes were only to be found in Europe. The ATS-V starts from $67,795 which includes a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty.

What's the Price of the 2019 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe?

The 2019 Cadillac ATS-V starts at an MSRP of $67,795, but due to its discontinuation, you should be able to pick one up at a bargain price. Be careful of adding too many options, however, as the price can climb quickly, and you'll end up with a Caddy that costs as much as more exotic and more accomplished machines. By comparison, the BMW M4 starts with an MRSP of $69,150, climbing to $103,100 for the hardcore CS model. The Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe starts at $68,750 and goes up to $76,450 for the 500 hp+ S version.

Handling and Driving Impressions

Many manufacturers have tried and failed to match the driving experience of BMW's M cars or the Teutonic beasts from the AMG stable, but Cadillac, a brand no one would ever suspect of building worthy sports cars, is getting close to offering a similar experience. What the Caddy gets right is to offer a refined driving experience when out and about, but being able to easily switching over to beast mode when the need arises. Turn-in is sharp and accurate, and the steering loads up nicely while providing good feedback, something that has gone amiss with its German rivals, who feel overly assisted in the steering department. Suspension lean through the corners is predictable, and you'll be amazed at how well the ATS-V will hang on in the corners, before breaking into a predictable slide. The BMW M4 might be a more precise weapon, and the AMG a better-balanced car, but the ATS-V gets close, and is arguably a more entertaining car to drive fast.

Verdict: Is the 2019 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe A Good car?

Cadillac has made giant leaps from where they were in the early 2000s to where they are now. The ATS-V proves that American car companies can build premium sedans that can stick with the best that Germany has to offer. The Cadillac ATS-V falls short in a few areas, however: the interior build quality needs improving, and the general design would benefit from a more distinctive look. Standard safety equipment can also be increased to match industry standards. Apart from those issues, the ATS-V is every bit as capable and fun as the BMW M4 or AMG C63. The 3.6-liter engine is an absolute gem, delivers mountains of torque in a seamless fashion, and is one of the car's highlights. Interior features are up to scratch with the rest of the class. At $67,795, the 2019 ATS-V is priced right next to its acclaimed German rivals, so it will be a tough decision to make, but as soon as you get behind the wheel, you'll know what to do.

What Cadillac ATS-V Coupe Model Should I Buy?

The 2019 Cadillac ATS-V is a standalone model that is only available in one trim, which makes the purchasing decision that much easier. The big decisions will have to be made when it comes to choosing features off of the options list. The exterior of the ATS-V can be optioned out with a sunroof or three different styles of alloy wheels. On the inside, the Recaro seats are a must-have, especially for those who are serious about driving their cars close to the limit. A non-negotiable is the Driver Awareness Package which adds driver assistance tech such as rain-sensitive windshield wipers, lane keep assist, lane departure warning as well as forward collision alert.

2019 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe Comparisons

2019 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe vs BMW M4 Coupe

Who would've thought the day would come when a Cadillac would square up against Bavaria's finest? Well, the ATS-V is, on paper at least, a worthy rival. The M4 is powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six that produces 425 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque at 1,850 rpm. This number is significantly lower than that of the ATS-V, but trick electronics, a quick-shifting auto transmission, and a lower curb weight allow the BMW to accelerate to sixty in similar times. Fuel consumption is slightly better than that of the Caddy, coming in at 18/25/20 mpg city/highway/combined. On the road, the BMW is a more refined car, especially inside the cabin, where the build quality and design are second to none. Dynamically, the M4 will be quicker around a track but can't entertain as much as the ATS-V. The steering feels overly assisted and arcade-like, but turn-in and mid-corner grip are both excellent. The BMW, once the hooligan's choice, has grown up, and it's got a young upstart barking at its heels.

2019 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe vs Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe

Mercedes' ultimate compact coupe performance car is an old school muscle car camouflaged with modern styling. As is the tradition, whereas BMW M cars offer a focused driving experience, the AMG C63 delivers a hammer blow of performance. The ATS-V is barking up the right tree, then. The AMG's power is supplied via a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 that produces 469 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque further down in the rev range as compared to the Caddy. The Merc carries extra weight, but the sheer pulling force of that V8 cancels out any disadvantage, and the S version offers up more than 500 hp. Fuel consumption is still better than what the Caddy can muster: the C63 will manage 17/26/20 mpg city/highway/combined. The interior of the AMG C63 is a spectacle to behold: every detail oozes premium class, and the cabin feels more special overall. The same goes for the standard features and safety list. Driving the Mercedes-AMG C63 is a more refined and relaxed experience, but the ATS-V is more entertaining at the limit. The C63 is a safer car, with the closely related C-Class sedan scoring a Top Safety Pick Plus award from the IIHS. Plus, the C63 only costs a hair over a grand more. The sheer luxury and capability of the C63 are enough to win most over.