The CT4 made its inaugural debut for the 2020 model year—filling the void left by the outgoing ATS as Cadillac’s new compact executive sport sedan. Now only in its second model year, Cadillac is already adding more safety features, next-generation technology and enhanced exterior design elements to the 2021 Cadillac CT4 that will undoubtedly make it even more appealing to buyers.
Cadillac Ventures Into Uncharted Territory
The ATS was a revelation when it debuted in 2013, marking Cadillac’s first ever foray into the compact sport sedan world. This was a class traditionally ruled by the German triumvirate—BMW, Audi and Mercedes. No American manufacturer had seriously made an attempt to enter this prestigious and competitive segment, perhaps in fear of being embarrassed when Car and Driver or Motor Trend pitted the sedans against one another in comparison tests.
The ATS was built on GM’s groundbreaking Alpha chassis. Featuring high strength steel and aluminum construction, the Alpha chassis was developed to be compact, lightweight and feature a near 50/50 weight distribution. It was the ideal platform for a sport sedan. Consequently, the ATS handled so brilliantly that GM decided to use its underpinnings on the sixth generation Camaro when it later debuted in 2016.
When the range-topping ATS-V was unveiled the same year, not only had Cadillac secured its seat at the sport sedan table—they were positioned clearly at the head. The new CT4 inherently takes all of the design elements that made the ATS such a success and aims to push the boundaries of performance, handling and technology to even greater heights.
CT4 Unveiled as Cadillac’s Next Generation Sport Sedan
The CT4 is built on a revamped Alpha II chassis—further enhanced to feature world class driving dynamics with its lightweight and high strength architecture. Following Cadillac’s new “Y” trim strategy, the CT4 is available in Luxury, Premium Luxury and Sport trims—each available in RWD or AWD configuration.
All three trims come standard with a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine that delivers 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. While that’s certainly satisfactory in a sedan this agile and light, a larger 2.7L force-fed four-cylinder is available on the Premium Luxury model that yields 310 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque.
The CT4 Premium Luxury Trim will also see a new Diamond Sky special edition package for the 2021 model year featuring exclusive exterior and interior components. With Diamond Sky Metallic exterior paint, Brembo V Performance front brake calipers and Sky Cool Gray/Jet Black leather seats featuring exclusive Diamond Fall inserts—this special edition CT4 is sure to turn heads.
V-Badge Unleashes CT4’s Performance Potential
For those looking for the highest-level of performance the Cadillac CT4 currently has to offer, the V-Series is your answer. Featuring a more aggressively tuned version of the Premium Luxury’s available 2.7L mill, the CT4-V delivers 325 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. High-performance Brembo front brakes deliver unmatched stopping power, while Magnetic Ride Control takes the CT4’s handling to new limits in RWD configuration.
When put to the test, Car and Driver recorded a 4.5 second zero to 60 mph time and 13.2 second at 102 mph quarter-mile pass in the CT4-V. It’s the most potent GM four-cylinder powered vehicle to date—easily capable of making you forget how many cylinders are under the hood at the touch of the throttle.
CT4-V Features Next Generation Technology
Though its performance garners most of the attention, the CT4-V is also a technological marvel packed with a laundry list of next generation features. A new available high-definition 12-inch digital instrument cluster, Enhanced Super Cruise with Lane Change on Demand, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be added for 2021 models.
Super Cruise provides hands-free driver assistance on compatible highways in the U.S. and Canada, which is sure to make highway commutes far less stressful. Cadillac’s new Buckle to Drive will also be added to the CT4’s standard safety suite in 2021, which prevents the shifter from leaving park for up to 20 seconds or until the driver’s seatbelt is buckled—whichever comes first.
2021 Cadillac CT4 Pricing and Release Date
The 2021 Cadillac starts at $34,390 in Luxury trim, $38,590 in Premium Luxury trim and $39,690 in Sport trim. The high-performance 2021 Cadillac CT4-V starts at $45,890. 2021 CT4 models featuring Enhanced Super Cruise with Lane Change on Demand will be available in early 2021.
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