New CTS is the Cadillac of luxury sedans

The display periodically froze on the first song I played, declining to show any more songs, though it did actually play them. Sometimes it didn’t recognize my iPod, and at other times it restarted on a static-y AM radio band when I’d been enjoying digital XM satellite radio before shutting the car off. All of these problems are known bugs, fixable by a visit to the dealer for a software patch, Cadillac reports. Sigh. (Msnbc.com is a joint venture of Microsoft and NBC Universal.)

Behind the wheel and under way, the CTS’ dynamics are unassailable, at least when outfitted with the test car’s optional FE3 sport suspension. Firm, communicative steering that would flatter any European product combines with a compliant but controlled suspension. Point the CTS into a curve and it goes where the driver intends, providing updates through the steering wheel along the way to confirm adherence to the intended flight path.

A remark regarding the FE3 suspension is that it includes Michelin Pilot Sport high performance tires — these are summer-only tires and are well-regarded for their contribution to the performance capabilities of some prestigious sports cars. However, driven in near-freezing temperatures the tires provide very little grip, even on dry pavement, and on wet roads they were even worse. Most drivers will be happier with the standard all-season tires, as these are really only suitable for use in the Sun Belt or during summer months.

The tested CTS featured the optional 304 horsepower direct-injected version of GM’s 3.6-liter V6 engine. The engine provides the refined power this segment demands from any competitor, though while trolling along at medium speeds you can hear a faint under-hood clicking that may be the direct injectors blasting fuel into the cylinders at seemingly impossible pressure.  I’ve not noticed the sound in direct-injected Audis, so there is some room for improvement here.

But the six-speed automatic transmission’s computer is smart enough to know when to shift gears and when not to — an accomplishment that isn’t necessarily a given when it has six gears to choose from.

From a practical standpoint, the back seat is acceptably comfortable for two adults or three children, which isn’t usually a priority among luxury sedan customers but bears mentioning. The seat bottoms are low to the floor, without an abundance of thigh support, although leg room and head room are just enough for a six-footer to sit without being squeezed.

The rear seat back does not fold for access to the trunk space, but there is a ski pass-through in the center armrest for long objects. The trunk itself is impressively capacious, but the lid’s size is compromised by the CTS’ racy looks, so wrestling a steamer trunk though the small aperture could be a challenge worthy of Hulk Hogan.

Professional athletes, entertainers and reality TV stars like Hogan have long been attracted to Cadillac’s Escalade SUV because of its brash style and expansive cabin, but these and other wealthy trendsetters have stuck with foreign sedans for their combination of style, prestige and responsive driving characteristics. 

That could be about to change. The no-excuses, no-apologies CTS serves notice that Cadillac is back as a top contender in the automotive segment. You could even call the CTS the Cadillac of compact luxury sedans.

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