2020 Cadillac CT6 Sedan Review: The Blackwing Bandit
Johnny Cash once sang about wanting a Cadillac so badly that he would steal one part at a time from GM's Detroit plant over several years, and put one together himself. But if Cash had been working for Cadillac in 2020 stealing parts to build a CT6 sedan, he'd never have completed one. That's because after four short years, the CT6 is bidding us adieu and bowing out early, while rivals like the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class soldier on.
For many, this will surely be a disappointment, as the CT6's Omega platform was the only one capable of utilizing the newfangled Blackwing V8 engine, with 500 horsepower and 574 lb-ft of torque on tap in the Platinum trim. However, an affordable asking price and a spacious cabin, along with striking styling, mean there's life left in the CT6 while it's still on sale, and buyers who are willing to compromise on perceived material quality will be in for a true value-for-money treat.
What's the Price of the 2020 Cadillac CT6 Sedan?
The most affordable way of entry into the CT6 lineup is the base-level Luxury trim that has an MSRP of $58,995. Its price point is way below that of the BMW 7 Series and the S-Class Sedan's $97,250 asking price. At mid-level, the Premium Luxury has a starting price of $74,495, considerably higher than the base model. The top of the range Platinum trim boasts a twin-turbo V8, but this comes with a much heavier MSRP of $96,495. A $995 destination fee is applicable to your purchase of any CT6 model.
Handling and Driving Impressions
There are bonus points to be earned in the full-size luxury sedan segment for vehicles that can handle and thrill as much as they can simply waft down the road with complete grace. That's where the CT6 claws back at German rivals, and with the demise of the Jaguar XJ, it's now hands-down the most exciting luxo-barge for the driving enthusiast.
Don't let the pared-back engine lineup and excessive weight fool you, the CT6 can handle, and it feels damn good while doing so. The BMW 7 Series and Mercedes S-Class tend to float down the road, and even with adaptive dampers placed in sportier settings, they still feel barge-like. Not so with the CT6, which is perhaps a little too firm to be a true contender for the title of Comfort King, even with its own set of adaptive dampers. But that means its tied down, and the razor-sharp steering and wonderfully taut body control mean the CT6 turns in with alacrity and maintains composure under duress. Unfortunately for Caddy, that's not what your traditional S-Class buyer is looking for, so the CT6 will never appeal to the usual shopper in this segment.
Verdict: Is the 2020 Cadillac CT6 Sedan A Good car?
The Cadillac CT6 paints a very tempting picture: a very large and attractive luxury sedan that's over $30,000 more affordable than its direct peers. Money talks, but so does a premium cabin and comfortable ride. The CT6 has missed the mark on both of these fronts, and while the latter may be in favor of tied-down driving dynamics that are wonderful to experience, we fear Cadillac's missed the mark entirely when it comes to what buyers in this segment are looking for. While that's all fine and well when you consider the substantial cost saving of a base model CT6, the engine you really want is the Blackwing V8. But this bumps the price up substantially, and when you're asked to pay S-Class money for the CT6, the rest of the package just doesn't hold up.
What Cadillac CT6 Sedan Model Should I Buy?
With the trim lineup slashed to just three models for the new year, our pick of the simplified litter would be the mid-spec Premium Luxury as it adds a significant amount of extra features over the base model, and offers a more luxurious experience, thanks to the addition of a digital instrument cluster and quad-zone climate control. Adaptive cruise control and a head-up display are also added to the trim. We think it's the best CT6 of them all because it offers more convenience over the Luxury models, but avoids the exorbitant asking price and bigger fuel bills that accompany the Platinum model.
2020 Cadillac CT6 Sedan Comparisons
2020 Cadillac CT6 Sedan vs Cadillac CTS Sedan
Given their similar DNA, the CT6 and the CTS look quite similar, too. However, the CT6 gets sharper, more attractive exterior styling and a far better interior over its more affordable relative. The CT6 also offers more power at a base level, but the CTS gets far better fuel economy estimates from the EPA. It's likely that shoppers who are seriously looking for something like the CT6 will turn a blind eye to the CTS, as it's not nearly as premium, occupying the smaller midsize segment. The inside of the CTS feels outdated against the CT6 and the more affordable Cadillac offers less space, as well. Its trunk is also smaller than the already small trunk in the CT6, again showing the weak point of the smaller sedan. While it might be fun to drive, the CTS has had its day, and the newer CT6 is the better buy - well worth the extra price premium.
2020 Cadillac CT6 Sedan vs Cadillac XTS
The CT6 sedan has effectively taken the place of the XTS in the Caddy lineup, and as the newer development, its virtues shine through proudly. Not only is it packaged better with more interior space than the XTS, but the exterior design is better resolved as well. Throw in a pair of exciting engines (the XTS gets the same base V6 and a twin-turbo version with 410 hp) and the CT6 quite simply leaves the XTS for dead. Cadillac hasn't always hit the nail on the head when it's come time to replace aging models, but this time around, the CT6 is a clear winner.
