2021 Cadillac CT4-V

The trims on offer remain identical since its launch last year and the 2021 Cadillac CT4 is available in a total of 4 trim levels. The lower trims like the Luxury and Premium Luxury focus more on comfort, sticking to the Cadillac roots. Pricing is also impressive, starting at just $35,000 for the Luxury model that gets a comprehensive list of features. However, the range-topping V-Series we’re focusing on is a lot dearer, starting at $46,000. For the extra price, the optional 2.7L engine is included as standard along with an upgraded 10-speed automatic transmission. The feature list is also improved with additions like a digital cluster, upgraded audio system, bigger wheels, and more.

Being the range-topping model, the CT4-V gets almost all the features as standard. However, there are two notable packages on offer to further enhance the experience, the Driver Assist Package and the Driver Awareness Plus package. Some of the features in these packages include:

Driver Assist Package - $900

• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Automatic emergency braking
• Heads-up display

Driver Awareness Plus Package- $ 800

• Drive mode controller
• Underbody protection
• Off-road settings

We Recommend

Since there is only one variant of the high-performance V model, customers can only choose between the few optional packages on offer. For the modest price bump, we recommend both the driver assistance package and the driver awareness package for the extra features on offer.

Release Date

After its recent launch last year, the 2021 model has already reached showrooms with a few updates to keep it exciting, especially on the safety front.

As standard, the CT4 gets a 2.0L turbocharged Inline-4 engine that produces 237 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, providing adequate performance. There have been no updates to the powertrain for 2021 and the engine is paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The second and more powerful engine on offer is the 2.7L turbocharged Inline-4 unit that bumps up the figures to 325 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. The 8-speed unit is swapped out for a 10-speed automatic transmission with the bigger engine. The CT4-V model gets the 2.7L unit as standard, while it is available as an option on the Premium Luxury trim with a slight performance downgrade to 309 hp. There is all-wheel drive on offer with the CT4 series as an option.

The sprint to 60 MPH is achieved in an impressive 4.5 seconds, and the CT4-V goes on to reach the quarter-mile in 13.2 seconds. The performance on offer allows it to compete with the high-performance offerings of competitors. Models with the smaller engine are slightly slower, reaching 60 MPH in 5.2 seconds.

Being the high-performance offering, the 2021 Cadillac CT4-V manages to beat both the 2021 BMW 330i and 2021 Mercedes-Benz C300 in terms of outright performance, offering a lot of bang for the buck. However, the Audi S4 still remains the fastest offering here with its bigger V6 powertrain and standard all-wheel drive. It must be noted that the Cadillac CT4-V is not available with all-wheel drive as standard, giving its competition an edge in terms of performance.

2021 Cadillac CT4-V Ride and Handling

Staying true to its name, the CT4-V provides a good balance of handling and ride quality. The cabin remains comfortable and refined at speed, mostly because of the standard magnetic ride control system that smooths out road imperfections with ease while still remaining stiff and tractable around corners. Simply put, the CT4-V is one of the best handling options in the segment, which is even more impressive when compared to its athletic European rivals. As expected, opting for the all-wheel drive system will improve handling and performance when driving through less ideal conditions.

2021 Cadillac CT4-V Braking Performance

Although upgraded Brembo brakes are available as an option, the standard CT4-V gets a slightly smaller and more balanced setup with 12.6-inch rotors at the front and 12.4-inch rotors at the rear. Braking performance is crisp and sharp with good modulation, especially on the CT4-V model, making it a joy to drive hard. All the usual features like ABS and the automatic emergency braking system are provided as standard with the 2021 model.

Like its performance, the 2021 Audi S4 takes the win again, offering the biggest brakes in the segment with good modulation and feel. However, the extra heft does limit braking performance compared to lighter rivals. The 2021 Cadillac CT4-V takes the second spot with balanced braking at both ends and a lighter body. With less performance on offer, both the 2021 BMW 330i and Mercedes-Benz C300 offer modest braking hardware in comparison.

With the larger 2.7L engine included as standard, the CT4-V loses out on efficiency, returning just 20 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. While these are respectable figures for the performance on offer, the CT4 is redeemed slightly with its large 17-gallon fuel tank, resulting in an impressive range of nearly 500 miles on the highway.

Because of their bigger engines and higher output, both the 2021 Audi S4 and 2021 Cadillac CT4-V lose out in terms of efficiency, although the Cadillac manages to claw back some points with its large fuel tank. The 2021 BMW 330i is the clear winner here, boasting the highest efficiency figures, while the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C Class nudges ahead offering a better range with the largest fuel tank here.

The interiors of the CT4 follow the latest design theme by the brand, focusing the center console towards the driver and following a European design. The overall design looks minimalist and elegant with concealed buttons in the center and conveniently located switchgear. The wide center console houses a few cupholders and a stubby gear lever just beside the media control knob. The front passengers get plenty of space with a good amount of adjustability on offer, although the same can’t be said for the rear passengers. The sloping roofline limits headroom and adults will feel cramped on longer journeys. As with all luxury offerings, even the base models get plenty of creature comforts as standard including power adjustable seats, dual-zone climate control, and more.

As expected the CT4-V model gets an updated interior with some sporty touches like alloy pedals, black trims, and a long list of standard features. However, the biggest downside of the CT4 continues to be its limited trunk capacity at just 10.7 cubic feet, limiting practicality.

In terms of passenger capacity and comfort, the 2021 Cadillac CT4-V goes back to its roots with a luxurious interior that matches its popular german competitors. However, it loses out on rear-seat space when compared to the 2021 Audi S4 and 2021 BMW 330i. The unique design of the Cadillac also limits trunk capacity to a mere 10 cubic feet, making it the least practical option here and a far cry from the 2021 BMW 330i which offers an impressive 17 cubic feet. While it may look premium, the materials and interior quality of the Cadillac CT4-V are still not a match to its German rivals.

Some of the key interior features available include:

• Leatherette seats
• Power-adjustable front seats
• Dark sill plates
• Digital gauge cluster
• Alloy pedals
• Magnesium paddle shifters

How intuitive is the 2021 Cadillac CT4-V’sinfotainment system?

All trim levels of the CT4 get an 8-inch infotainment display in the center with touchscreen controls, running the latest CUE interface. All the usual features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth are included as standard for better connectivity. The V model also gets a 14-speaker premium surround sound system from Bose as standard. The interface is easy to use and made more accessible with the media control knob on the center console.

Some of the most notable infotainment features available include:

• Wireless charging
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• HD Radio
• 4G LTE Hotspot
• Bose 14-speaker premium surround sound system

Like all the latest generation Cadillac offerings, the CT4 also gets a sleek and modern design with several traditional elements thrown in like the front grill and vertical taillights. From many angles, the CT4 can look ungainly, especially from the rear. Cadillac offers bigger wheels as an option to spice things up. The front is dominated by the massive grill resembling the Cadillac badge, flanked by two thin headlights with vertical DRLs. From the side, the CT4 resembles a regular sedan with a sloping roofline, ending at a polarising rear with taillights that resemble older models.

The dimensions and weight remain unchanged for 2021 and the CT4-V weighs in at just 3,616 lbs for the standard RWD model, which is among the lowest in the segment. The proportions are also in line with every other compact luxury sedan.

Because of its rear-drive setup and shorter wheelbase, the 2021 Cadillac CT4-V is the most compact offering here by a small margin. However, in the age of polarising and dated designs, Cadillac has done an excellent job to distinguish the CT4-V from the competition. The 2021 Audi S4 is the biggest and heaviest option here, followed by the 2021 BMW 330i and the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C 300.

Some standout exterior features include:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Rear body-color spoiler
• Adaptive LED headlights
• Sport Summer tires
• Sunroof
• LED taillights

With the addition of features like automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection as standard, the 2021 Cadillac CT4-V is one of the safest options in the segment. Cadillac also offers the new super cruise feature with the 2021 model as an option. Both the NHTSA nor IHS haven’t released any official safety ratings for the CT4 yet, but given the extensive number of features on offer, we can expect Cadillac’s smallest offering to bode well in a crash. Some standout safety features include:

• Front pedestrian braking
• OnStar connected services
• Forward collision warning
• Teen driver system
• Safety alert seat
• LED reflective windshield alerts

2021 Cadillac CT4-V vs 2021 Audi S4

As with all Audi offerings, the S4 also aims to balance both performance and comfort into one package, similar to the Cadillac CT4-V. However, with a bigger engine setup, better performance, and all-wheel drive as standard, the S4 justifies its higher price tag. The S4 also gets a better interior with premium materials and a simpler design, although equipment levels are similar between both. Both the S4 and the CT4 also suffer from limited practicality with a smaller trunk. Both are good choices, but the CT4 manages to stand out with its unique design and offers more value.

2021 Cadillac CT4-V vs 2021 BMW 330i

Despite being one of the more expensive options in the segment, the 2021 BMW 330i gets a smaller powertrain when compared to the Cadillac CT4-V, limiting performance by a considerable margin. However, the BMW 330i hits back with better interiors and exceptional handling. Even the 330i model is a hoot to drive with good balance and precision, although it is not as exciting as the Cadillac CT4-V on the straights. BMW also offers a wide lineup of trim levels to choose from and several optional packages which are missing from the Cadillac. The interior space on the BMW is also impressive along with a large trunk. Overall, if you’re looking at outright performance, there's no beating the 2021 Cadillac CT4-V for the price.

2021 Cadillac CT4-V vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz C300

For a similar price, the Merecedes-Benz C300 fails to excite as much as the Cadillac CT4-V with a smaller engine setup and limited performance. Unlike the Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz offers multiple body styles to choose from along with potent AMG options, giving customers a lot more choices. However, most of the trims are priced significantly higher than the Cadillac CT4, losing out on value. Interior space and comfort are similar between the two. The elegant design of the Mercedes-Benz looks better than the CT4 in most angles. For the price, the 2021 Cadillac CT4-V is still the better option, especially if we look at performance and the fun factor.

With its latest offerings, Cadillac reentered the market with a bang, taking on its European rivals head-on. The 2021 Cadillac CT4-V continues to excel in the compact luxury segment, bringing a lot of performance and features to the table compared to rivals. The excellent ride and handling balance coupled with the bigger engine makes the CT4-V a hoot to drive. However, there are still some compromises to consider like the cramped interiors and limited trunk capacity. The design is also polarising from some angles compared to the elegant and simpler rivals. Overall, if you’re looking purely at fun and capability and want something different than what Europe has to offer, the Cadillac CT4-V is worth your money. Since there are no major updates to the 2021 model, a used Cadillac CT4-V is also recommended.