Used 2019 Cadillac CTS-V

In our last Expert Review of the Cadillac CTS-V, we likened it to an American arrow aimed right at the hearts of expensive European sports sedans such as the BMW M5 and Mercedes-AMG E63. Melodramatic? Perhaps a bit, but we still feel that way. With its 640-horsepower supercharged V8 engine, rear-wheel drive, performance-tuned suspension and agile chassis, the 2019 Cadillac CTS-V — a true 200-mph automobile — has the goods to compete on the global stage. All for thousands less than those hallowed Europeans.

Although the 2019 Cadillac CTS-V comes to life with an aggressive bark, the engine quickly settles into a pleasant burble at idle. At small throttle openings, this Cadillac sports sedan feels docile, composed and relaxed, an easygoing everyday machine. But with more aggressive use of the gas pedal, such as when passing that big rig when climbing the Cajon Pass, the supercharger sings its tune and rockets the CTS-V forward like precious few other cars on the road. The paddle shifters of the 8-speed automatic transmission facilitate quick gear changes, and the big Brembo brakes scrub vehicle speed with a confident ease. Switch to Sport mode and the gauges change to black-on-white as the suspension firms accordingly. Track mode, which loosens the reins of the electronic stability control, is entertaining but best reserved for the track.

The interior of the Cadillac CTS-V is unchanged for 2019, so it continues to look like a high-end version of the 5-seat cabin you’ll see in a standard CT-S. The V’s cabin is awash in high-end materials, from the soft semi-aniline leathers and suede-like microfiber inserts to the carbon-fiber trim. The 12.3-inch instrument panel conveys information clearly, and Cadillac’s CUE infotainment system responds much more quickly than it did originally. While the CTS-V’s back seat isn’t the roomiest, it holds three in a pinch. Available Recaro seats, with adjustable bolsters, are ideal for aggressive drivers looking for added cornering support. Two rear USB ports are standard, as is Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

Almost every body panel is unique to the CTS-V (including its carbon-fiber hood), so this Cadillac sports sedan looks menacingly handsome from just about any angle. Especially when fitted with the optional Carbon package, the V looks particularly intimidating, thanks to its wide fenders, big tires and vented hood. Young people, in particular, seem drawn to the V’s mix of luxury and menace. If you want to save $6,250, skip the Carbon package and enjoy a stealthier CTS-V.

SUPERCHARGED V8
The 6.2-liter V8 engine deserves star billing. With 640 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque, it’s the same engine that’s under the hood of the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and Camaro ZL1. In this Cadillac application, it feels smoother and a bit more refined.

MAGNETIC RIDE CONTROL
This system is far from new, but the 3rd-generation magneto-rheological dampers of the CTS-V work like magic, now even faster at making continuous damping adjustments that give this Cadillac unreal composure and comfort. Selectable drive modes include Touring, Sport, Snow and Track.

The recipe for the 2019 Cadillac CTS-V starts with the supercharged 6.2-liter V8, which drives the rear wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission with magnesium paddle shifters. Beyond that, there’s a strengthened chassis, adaptive suspension and lightweight wheels at each corner, where you’ll also find monstrous Brembo brakes (with 6-piston front calipers, 4-piston rears). Inside, there’s an attractive mix of leather and carbon-fiber trim, along with the CUE infotainment system, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a large 12.3-inch LCD instrument display that is reconfigurable. A Bose surround-sound audio system is standard, as are front and rear parking sensors. A curb-view camera is handy, helping to prevent the CTS-V driver from scraping those expensive wheels.

Crystal White Tricoat paint is a $600 option. Also available: a $6,250 Carbon-Fiber Trim Package that includes a hood vent, front splitter, rear spoiler and rear diffuser all made of the lightweight material. The $2,500 Luxury Package includes tri-zone climate control, a rear camera mirror, a split-folding rear seat (with armrest), heated outboard rear seats, power rear sunshades and a 110-volt power outlet. Recaro front seats, with 16-way adjustability, are a $2,300 option. If you plan to attend track-day events with your CTS-V, a $1,600 performance data and video recorder will add to the fun.

Only one engine is available in the CTS-V, and it’s a good one: a supercharged and direct-injected 6.2-liter V8 that produces 640 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque. It powers the rear wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission with quick-acting paddle shifters on the steering wheel. You can shift for yourself, or let the car’s computer do it for you with remarkably good timing and precision. Considering the horsepower under the hood, the CTS-V manages a decent 21 mpg on the highway, thanks in part to Active Fuel Management, which deactivates selected cylinders on the highway for improved fuel economy.

6.2-liter supercharged V8
640 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
630 lb-ft of torque @ 3,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/21 mpg