Make no mistake about this: the powertrain is comfortably the weakest link of the CTS package. Peak power of 307bhp and 276lb ft of torque from 3.6 litres and six cylinders are perfectly respectable outputs, but peak torque doesn’t arrive until a heady 5200rpm.
By contrast, a BMW 530i’s 236lb ft is available at just 2750rpm and a Mercedes E350 delivers 269lb ft from 3000-5100rpm.
Couple that with the fact that at a claimed 1798kg (although it tipped our scales at 1855kg) the Caddy is 193kg heavier than the BMW and the result is slightly lethargic performance.
Cadillac claims the 3.6 CTS will reach 62mph in 6.3sec, 0.2sec faster than the same sprint in a BMW 530i, but we managed 0-60mph in only 6.7sec. That’s not a dreadful result, but nor is it particularly impressive.
In reality the CTS feels slower than that. One problem is the gearbox, which, despite smooth shifts, is slow to kick down in full auto mode and slow to select a new gear in manual mode. The other major factor is the curiously peaky nature of the CTS’s engine.
On smooth, flowing A-roads, body movement is relatively well controlled and squat and dive from acceleration and braking, although noticeable, are never disconcerting.
If you are expecting a wallowy Yank tank, you will be pleasantly surprised by the CTS’s handling. If, however, you are expecting it to compete on equal terms with the best European competition, you may be a touch disappointed.
The suspension heaves and floats over road surface imperfections and undulations over which a Jaguar XF would glide serenely and a BMW 530i would feel flat and controlled, if a little harsh.
Pitch it into a corner and while the CTS generally feels balanced and neutral, there is occasionally the sense that you are in control of a lot of mass that could get away from you, should you be required to perform an extreme or unexpected manoeuvre.