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July 13, 2010
Having just stepped out of a new Mercedes E-Class, the comparisons were inevitable. Granted, that car is considerably more expensive than the CTS, but this is what Cadillac is shooting for. The Merc’s interior is richer, more finely detailed, and isn’t betrayed by the odd hard plastic bit that can be found in the Caddy. Similarly, the faux metal surface of the console would benefit from a richer (ie. less fake) looking finish. Just trying to help out, Mr. Cadillac.
 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon 3.6 AWD. Click image to enlarge |
If this were my nickel, I would certainly go for the double sized “Ultraview” powered sunroof ($1,660), which really brightened up what could have been a pretty dark cabin.
My biggest gripe here is with the heated and ventilated sport seats that come with the Luxury Performance Package. Although they look well bolstered, I found them too hard and not particularly supportive. Both Dave and I felt we were sitting on them – not in them.
No complaints with the excellent 10-speaker Bose sound system with a 40-gigabyte hard drive. So what do a couple of musicians listen to on the way to Canadian Tenors gig with the world of satellite radio at their fingertips? Blue Collar Radio; Yeeee-ha.
Performance from the 3.6-litre V6 is adequate, but blunted somewhat by the wagon’s portly 1,851 kgs and AWD system. Since the V6’s maximum torque of 273 lb.-ft. isn’t fully accounted for until 5,200 r.p.m., you don’t get the low end kidney-punch delivered by pressurized German mills like BMW’s turbo 3.0-litre straight-six (300 hp, 300 lb.-ft at 1,400 r.p.m.) or Audi’s supercharged 3.0-litre V6 (300 hp, 310 lb.-ft. at 2,500 r.p.m.). You’ll find yourself down a couple of gears and spinning above 4,000 r.p.m. to get the real action (paddle shifters would have been welcomed here). Happily, the V6 makes a pleasant snarl in the upper reaches.
  2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon 3.6 AWD. Click image to enlarge |
With a 70 per cent default rear bias in the AWD system, this is a fine handling wagon with accurate steering and decent body control – not as engaging as the BMW 535 xDrive Touring ($71,000) or as silken as the A6 Avant 3.0 TSFI quattro ($66,700), but it does offer a quiet and compliant ride with the standard 18-inch wheels.
Opt for the performance package on the RWD 3.6L ($54,045) and you’ll get more sport in your Sport Wagon – performance handling suspension with automatic rear-level control, paddle shifters (should have these in every CTS), revised steering and 19-inch wheels wearing P245/45ZR19 Y-rated summer performance tires.
During intermission at a St. Catharine’s concert I brought the Canadian Tenors out to check out our ride. Like every one else who laid eyes on this blue CTS Sport Wagon, they thought it was a visual tour de force. And these Armani-clad lads know a thing or two about style.
Perhaps the real beauty of this exceptionally well turned out American wagon lies in that fact that choosing it over its European competitors will save you enough coin to buy your own Armani wardrobe.
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Pricing: 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon 3.6 AWD
Click here for options, dealer invoice prices and factory incentives
Specifications
Competitors
Crash test results
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