CADILLAC CT4 Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Cadillac shuffled its nameplates again when it introduced the CT4 on the market in 2019 for the 2020 model year, replacing the former ATS as its premium entry-level sedan. Only this time, it looked like it focused more on the vehicle's dynamics than on the comfort side.

Cadillac has been building luxury cars forever, and the CT4 had to live up to its predecessors, regardless of its new nameplate. But there were a few things that the American luxury carmaker knew how to do better to make its cars attractive in an era where electrification was trendy and big block engines were forgotten. Fortunately, the CT4 shared the same platform with the retired ATS, and that was one of the best platforms Cadillac made to that date. But, apart from that, it was a new vehicle, not a redesigned one.

Right from the bat, the design team burned the midnight oil to create a strong image for the car. The massive chromed grille at the front flanked by headlights enhanced with full LED lights created a powerful look for the vehicle. In addition, the lower bumper sported a trapezoidal-shaped center grille flanked by vertical side scoops. From its profile, the CT4 boasted an elegant ascending beltline that the carmaker emphasized with a chromed door trim. The greenhouse followed the design language of the cab-rearward trend. At the back, the sloped-down rear windscreen and the short and tall deck created the image of a sporty vehicle because that's what Cadillac's marketing team considered would be attractive to customers.

Inside, Cadillac created a cabin centered around the driver. The tall center console and the dashboard moved towards the driver's seat, offering them a race-car-inspired sensation. In addition, the automaker installed a classic instrument cluster filled with a mix of analog dials for the speedometer and tachometer and an LCD that showed data from the car's onboard computer. Furthermore, the technology pack included a touchscreen placed atop the center stack that allowed Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. In addition, it could also serve as a hot spot for other occupants of the vehicle. There was ample legroom at the front, and the bolstered seats provided adequate side support during high-speed cornering. In the back, the automaker installed a profiled-for-two bench seat for a reason. The transmission tunnel was quite high, thus preventing a third occupant from sitting comfortably there. Nevertheless, GM installed a third, center-mounted seatbelt.

Those looking for a V8 or, at least, a V6 engine under the CT4's hood were disappointed since the automaker offered the vehicle with a choice of inline-four turbocharged units. Still, the performance was there, and fans of big engines had to admit that the car was quick on its toes. The most powerful version provided more than 300 ponies to the rear or all corners of the vehicle via a standard 10-speed automatic transmission. The lower grades got a 2.0-turbocharged unit paired with an eight-speed automatic.