But as far as comfort goes – while the front passengers enjoy as much legroom as those in the CTS sedan, those in the rear get short shrift – and their headroom’s deeply compromised by that stylishly raked glass. Although the coupe looks big on the outside, it feels small on the inside. While only 2” shorter than the sedan – rear passengers get six and half inches less shoulder room, and two and a half inches less headroom.
And those oh-so-cool gun-slit windows and high deck lid result in fairly abysmal visibility – drivers will be grateful for the rear backup camera.
It’s not the potent, fire-breathing CTS-V, but most folks won’t feel short-changed by the 304 hp V6. It’s powerful, smoothly competent and is capable of 0-100 km/h in 6.4 seconds – not record-breaking, but respectable enough. Power meets the pavement in a seamlessly linear progression thanks to a first-rate six-speed automatic transmission (also available is a six-speed manual gearbox).
As an unruffled boulevard cruiser, the V6 coupe lives up to its legacy.
When the roads get twisty, and some spirited driving is in order – selecting the “sport” setting re-maps the transmission’s shift points and its whole character becomes downright aggressive. Unlike others that upshift at the most inopportune moments, it holds the gear until you’re through that sweeping right-hander, staying right in the V6’s gruff powerband.
But at almost 4,000 lbs, the CTS coupe is a whole lotta weight for the V6 to throw around. The steering is somewhat on the heavy side and its tendency towards understeer reflects on its more comfort-oriented, grand-touring nature. Those low-profile tires transmit a harsh interpretation of any pavement imperfections if pushed hard.
Hard-core enthusiasts looking to hunt down Bimmer M Coupes and Audi RS 4s may want to opt for the more steroidal CTS-V Coupe – a track day monster whose drive-train and suspension are tailor-made for devouring the tarmac.
And besides, corner-carving isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.
A cutting-edge (literally), premium vehicle with a touch of class, the CTS coupe makes a compelling choice for the statement-making buyer.
And those oh-so-cool gun-slit windows and high deck lid result in fairly abysmal visibility – drivers will be grateful for the rear backup camera.
It’s not the potent, fire-breathing CTS-V, but most folks won’t feel short-changed by the 304 hp V6. It’s powerful, smoothly competent and is capable of 0-100 km/h in 6.4 seconds – not record-breaking, but respectable enough. Power meets the pavement in a seamlessly linear progression thanks to a first-rate six-speed automatic transmission (also available is a six-speed manual gearbox).
As an unruffled boulevard cruiser, the V6 coupe lives up to its legacy.
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| It’s not the potent, fire-breathing CTS-V, but most folks won’t feel short-changed by the 304 hp V6. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush/Auto123.com) |
When the roads get twisty, and some spirited driving is in order – selecting the “sport” setting re-maps the transmission’s shift points and its whole character becomes downright aggressive. Unlike others that upshift at the most inopportune moments, it holds the gear until you’re through that sweeping right-hander, staying right in the V6’s gruff powerband.
But at almost 4,000 lbs, the CTS coupe is a whole lotta weight for the V6 to throw around. The steering is somewhat on the heavy side and its tendency towards understeer reflects on its more comfort-oriented, grand-touring nature. Those low-profile tires transmit a harsh interpretation of any pavement imperfections if pushed hard.
Hard-core enthusiasts looking to hunt down Bimmer M Coupes and Audi RS 4s may want to opt for the more steroidal CTS-V Coupe – a track day monster whose drive-train and suspension are tailor-made for devouring the tarmac.
And besides, corner-carving isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.
A cutting-edge (literally), premium vehicle with a touch of class, the CTS coupe makes a compelling choice for the statement-making buyer.
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