When it comes to luxury sedans, there are plenty of choices; but if you’re looking for those with domestic origins – not so much. Luckily, the 2021 Cadillac CT4 is a very good option with unique American heritage styling and decent performance that comes along with it. A standard 2021 CT4 off the lot nets 237 horsepower via its 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine. But we’d recommend upgrading to the 2.7 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is capable of a respectable 309 horsepower. And if that’s still not enough, hold out for the upcoming CT4-V Blackwing that promises a whopping 472 horsepower via a twin-turbo 3.6 liter V6 engine.
With its initial debut just last year, the CT4 is already offering upgrades such as an available Diamond Sky Edition package with enhanced performance and cosmetic upgrades that gets Brembo brakes, lowered side-skirt body kit, two-tone leather upholstery and Diamond Sky log emblems. An upgradable 12.0” all-digital instrument cluster is also made available for model year 2021. Driver-assistance features including pedestrian detection, automated braking, and automated driver assistance is now made standard for this year as well.
POWER & DRIVE
The 2021 Cadillac CT4 will come standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing a respectable 237 horsepower while offering an upgradable option to a more powerful 2.7 liter turbocharged engine that produces 309 horsepower as part of the Premium Luxury Trim. The performance-oriented CT4-V trim will get a specially tuned engine that slightly boosts its output to 325 horses. An 8-speed automatic transmission is made available to the smaller 2.0 liter engine while the 2.7 liter engine variant will receive an upgraded 10-speed for improved power and response. All-wheel drive is also made available as purchase options for better traction in slippery and wet conditions.
The entry level 2.0 liter engine propels the CT4 from 0-60 in just 6.2 seconds, while the 2.7 liter engine is capable of 0-60 in a blistering 4.8 seconds!
Cadillac’s CT4 drives seamlessly in both city and highway environments with smooth acceleration within a comfy interior with good sound insulation. A punch of the throttle roars the V6 power, while the 10-speed automatic transmission helps extract power out of it with quick and seamless shifts. Manual shift mode via the steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters also performed well and adds another level of driving excitement especially when switched to Sport mode for enhanced throttle response.
EXTERIOR & INTERIOR
Cadillac’s unique American heritage design is immediately noticeable at an appreciable level. The 2021 CT4 even comes in an emerald, green exterior that blends lavishly well with its LED headlamps and chrome front grille design. The bold looking trapezoidal tail pipes and integrated rear spoiler all come together to help the CT4 stand out with a presence of maturity and masculinity.
Powering the CT4’s infotainment system is an 8” touchscreen running on Cadillac’s latest CUE software that’s compatible with Android Auto and Apple Carplay. Navigation is conveniently included across all trims, and if you like sound, an upgradable 14-speaker BOSE audio surround system is a worthwhile purchase.
Just like the rest of its model lineup, Cadillac CT4’s interior is a no-gimmick basic and subtle cabin space. Given the overall dimensions and slightly compact form factor, interior space is adequate, but rear passengers may experience a tighter fit with limited legroom. Still, several luxury standard features boost the overall appeal with dual-climate controls, electronic gear shift knob, and 12-way power-adjustable front seats.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The 2021 Cadillac CT4 can be had for as little as $36,198, which gets you the smaller 2.0 liter engine. We would highly recommend opting for the larger 2.7 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine to get a much more thrilling ride. Unfortunately, you’ll have to opt for the Premium Luxury trim that bumps the price up to $43,713. Despite the big jump in price, the luxury upgrades that comes with it justify the price tag, which include heated and ventilated front seats, exclusive premium luxury alloy wheels, leather seating and upgraded ambient interior lighting.
