Mr. Trump said recently, in Europe and especially in Germany rather few Chevrolets to see on the streets. Aside from when the businessman with a side job "President" may have been on a local highway or even in a big city city for the last time - there are still a six-figure number of Chevrolets on German roads; Models like the small car Spark or the compact Cruze were not a storekeeper. But finally, the original American brand 2014 in favor of Opel (!) Voluntarily withdrew from Germany and later even from across Western Europe.
In contrast, a Cadillac, the much-acclaimed epitome of an American luxury car, is far less common in Germany than a Chevrolet. Yes, the brand still exists and it is by no means uncommon to find it on the streets of North America. And in Germany, too, you can officially acquire a Cadillac, without having to go to a private importer. And with it, by the way, at the same time ensure its contribution to the balancing of the German-American trade balance, which is constantly being reminded by interested parties. So why not a Cadillac, we thought? And - if already, because already - then also the top sedan, because the CT6 wants to succeed against the German elite called S-Class or 7-series BMW. Then he can show right away whether he can do what and what he can do.
Since last fall, the 5,18 meter long sedan is available in Germany. And as it should be, the Americans renounce not only and not surprisingly on one, in the home anyway unsellable, diesel, but also on any electrical support for the six-cylinder gasoline engine. Why carry a battery when you have three liters of displacement under the hood?
And the Twinturbo is by and large a drunkard in the old US manner, but a modern unit, even with cylinder deactivation. Sure, 11,2 liter test consumption (standard: 9,8 liters) are not really economical, but overall and in view of 417 PS but fine. There is also strong praise for the well-tuned suspension, which makes the CT6 surprisingly agile and comfortable despite 20 inch wheels. That should also be due to the low unladen weight. Almost two-thirds of the body is made of light metal, the CT6 weighs only 1,95 tons. This is much less than a similarly motorized S-class brings to the road. Too bad that the steering this dynamics can not convey the driver properly, but she just gives too little feedback. Again, at the height of time, on the other hand, the eight-speed automatic transmission shows, only in some situations, for example when starting, she tended to slightly jerk.
Even the standard four-wheel drive contributes to the surprisingly athletic appearance of the American. In the normal position, 60 percent of the torque is directed to the rear axle, 40 percent forward. Turning on sports mode, 20 percent is diverted from front to back. Thus, the Caddy can be moved with a lot of driving pleasure, without losing his long-distance fitness. By the way, the thick leather seats with massage function contribute their part. The instrumentation in the interior convinces overwhelmingly, only through the not always a logic following functions of the large touchscreen monitor you have to work through first. Oh yes, the holiday baggage caution is appropriate. The trunk offers with 433 liters but too little storage space. Here you have probably diverted a few inches of depth for the rear passengers, because the sit really well.
Visually, the CT6 is a statement and shows with its razor-sharp creases and the huge radiator grille typical American self-confidence. Where the German premiums attach great importance to restraint, the Ami goes to work much more carelessly and signals: My driver has made it and everyone is allowed to see it.
What you can not expect by the way is a dumping price. There is a well-equipped luxury version for 73.500 Euro. That's a good offer. Actually, the only thing that really makes fun is the Platinum version that we drive. For whopping 21.000 additional Euro everything is on board, from the adjustable in three stages chassis (Magnetic Ride) on an active rear-wheel steering, electric reclining seats and head-up display to the Bose sound system with 34 speakers and much more. And how to make money in Europe, the Americans have always known: All colors are free of charge, as long as it is the black base paint. All other tones cost between 750 and 1.500 Euro surcharge. Honestly, Mr. President, that's not a really fair deal now. (Peter Eck / SP-X)
