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The class of over-sporty power sedans is clearly divided: Mercedes-AMG E63, BMW M5 and Audi RS6 - that's it. Or? Not at all! From the United States scratching a candidate not quietly to show it to the German competition really: The Cadillac CTS-V. His recipe is a 6,2 liter V8 with supercharged and crazy 649 PS. Since the competition can not keep up. But manages the Caddy to keep the German premium competition while driving from his neck or is he just a paper Tiger? Driving report.
Design - Male edges, feminine curves
Let's talk in typical clichés: The epitome of a real guy is muscular, edgy and tall, while female forms rather the "Coke Bottle" design is understood as a symbol - so curved and round. If we look at the Caddilac CTS-V, the question is probably clarified which of the two clichés of the Ami rather fulfilled: Here is a genuine guy who has moved his main residence to the gym.
And the caddy is not really inconspicuous either: its huge, barred grill puts its self-confidence in the spotlight as well as the eye-catching red paint job. In addition, there is an angular bonnet with air outlets, in which the arms of a long-time bodybuilder can disappear. The design of the light is also unusual: the main headlamps stretch sharply into the fenders and look like grimly squinted eyes, while the vertical daytime running lights extend in two parts down to the lower part of the front apron. Together with the great cooling air gullies, this results in a front that leaves no doubt about the power of the Cadillac CTS-V.
The side shows the Ami the usual edgy design: Sharp edges characterize the view. The design is not boring, but modern and carries the typical features of the current vehicle design, such as a tight-fitting Greenhouse or a coupe-like sloping roofline to the rear. Here is also the sheer size of the American. 5,05 meters are simply not a cardboard style. The bulk of the vehicle is also evident when you take a look at the wheels: 19 inch wheels all around with 295 tires on the rear are not small per se - quite the contrary. But they look almost slender on the expansive Caddy's body.
The rear of the Cadillac CTS-V signalizes the same strength that has already been perceived at the front with an appreciative nod. This begins with the correctly shaped crease in the rear apron, goes over the four arm-thick tailpipes and ends with the sweeping rear spoiler made of carbon. When cranking then knows any hassle completely beating, what's the matter: The Cadillac CTS-V snorts from full lungs the song of destruction on the four tailpipes in the environment. Great cinema that puts all neck hair in alarm.
Driving impressions - He wants. ALWAYS!
Well, the engine is already running, so let's see how the Ami beats while driving. Listening to the automatic on D and the gentle gas giving the sounds of the V8 with quiet compressor-Säuseln - glorious. The kick on the gas is still deliberately careful - we are talking here of 649 PS and 855Nm, which are released on the rear axle. And so you cautiously approach the American. It is striking that the CTS-V can also be completely unobtrusive. Cozy cruising in the city? No problem! The 8 automatic transmission keeps a correspondingly high gear ready and thus the drive in the low speed range - power is already available in abundance anyway. And the spring-damper vote was generally compatible: rumbling, nasty blows or even uncomfortable hardness are alien to the Caddy. Instead, the strong sedan convinces with a pleasant suspension comfort, which is combined with appropriate tightness.
This is also evident when driving quickly on country roads, once you have got used to the performance characteristics. The steering wants to be grasped with a tight grip, but is beautifully targeted and sorts the concept of hectic into nirvana. High cornering speeds are possible and can be achieved without any significant side tilt. But one thing should be avoided as much as possible: accelerating hard. Otherwise, the ESP must intervene and catch the wedging rear. Caution is advised.
On the autobahn, when the right foot jerks heavily and pushes the kickdown, the rear end is also brought to life and ensures wide eyes even at speeds of 130. It only takes a fraction of a second until the machine downshifts one, two or three levels and the hellfire breaks out. The traction control has its hands full, keeping the impetuous hindquarters in check while gaining speed sustainably. A spectacle that has to be experienced. If you are not prepared for a riot and avoid contact with the floor pan, you can quickly advance into speed regions without a heart attack, where the German premium competition has long since checked out.
200 km / h adjusts itself and the consumption even drops. 250 km / h are not a problem, only from around 290 km / h it is a bit tough. Then the automatic switches to one of the highest driving speeds - and that is long. Although the Caddy wins even then steadily in speed, just not with the previously perceived vehemence. Here, vehemence is exactly the keyword of the CTS-V: From zero to 100 km / h is - with emotional gas use - in 3,7 seconds, an end wants to know the Americans only at 320 km / h. Impressive! However, one can also vehemently put down one or the other drift - there is no shortage of performance - which, assuming competence, does not have to end in an uncontrolled spin.
Interior - Hiding was yesterday
Speaking of spin: These are no longer available in the interior of the Cadillac CTS-V. Rotary gadgets shine through absence. Instead, infotainment features a dull silver bar, which controls the volume. You just slide your finger over the noble metal and it gets louder - or even quieter. At the same time, the Bose sound system always has basses in the bag, which easily put the V8 in the shade. That can sometimes seem diametrical.
Pleasant, however, is the design of the interior. Hard plastic? What's this?! It does not matter where you touch it, the American pleases with high quality material. Plastics are hardly ever available and everything covered with fine leather or Alcantara. Added to this is the use of carbon here and there, creating a sporty and classy ambience, complemented by tastefully set paneling in piano lacquer.
It is used mainly in the field of infotainment, which - after getting used to the volume control - gives little mystery. It is operated in smartphone-style swiping gestures and also gives the display resolution no reason for criticism. If you connect a smartphone, depending on the device - enable Android Auto or Apple CarPlay with its corresponding interface. A fine thing, as you have access to your music database, already entered navigation destinations and fixed apps.
And even with the space, the Cadillac CTS-V does not need to hide. Front you take on well-formed Recaro seats, which are not annoying with exaggerated severity, but provide sustained support. Only the thigh support could be longer for tall people. Once the seat is set, there is no shortage of space for either the driver or the passenger. Sitting in the first row also average large adults, also results in row two enough space, so that the trip is four in the way. Only the trunk is somewhat limited with a volume of only 388 liters. Strangely enough, it does not look as small as the statement suggests, but pleases with its good usability in everyday life.
Conclusion - All sorts of good things are V8!
Premium competition? Dress warmly! The Cadillac CTS-V is a really bad boy and can undoubtedly hold a candle to its competitors. Neither in the choice of materials nor in the processing he fails. The available space fits and the drive is of the kind that brings tears of enthusiasm horizontally towards your ear. The supercharged V8 has pressure in every situation and inspires with its goose bumps. However, it's not the kind that gets on your nerves after a short time, but always brings a smile to the corners of your mouth. It is no secret that this driving fun is not available for free. 20 liters of super petrol are more standard than the exception. But power also needs fuel - no wonder. One can also wonder about the starting price of almost 100.000 euros. Not a little - probably true - but well below the level of the competition and therefore a real bargain. Especially since full equipment is already included here. And for that you get a car that doesn't park on every street corner.