Cadillac->ke18’s latest edition of the CTS sedan builds off the high benchmark set by 2014’s generation change. Now in its third generation, the CTS->ke1200 is a formidable opponent to the German and Japanese rivals. Debuting for the first time in 2003, the CTS brought Cadillac’s ‘Art and Science’ theme to the forefront with an interesting, angular design that not only looked futuristic, but helped revitalize the brand’s dying appeal.

The CTS’s second generation built an empire atop the foundations laid. With a more luxurious feel and a beautifully trimmed interior, the 2008 became a true competitor in the sport luxury->ke505 class. Things got even better in 2014 with the third generation CTS. The trend continued in 2015 thanks to a slight refresh that included a revised grille and an updated Caddy emblem. Updates arrive for 2016 as well, though it's much more extensive. They include new wheels, a 360-degree camera system, and updated powertrains.

The CTS->ke1200 already has a bevy of telecommunications and connectivity additions, including OnStar with 4G LTE and built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless phone charging, along with an revised version of the Cadillac CUE infotainment system.

The new Cadillac crest debuted for 2015 as well, helping finalize the brand's transition from your grandfather's ride to its modern, vogue decedent. Gone is the wreath surrounding the crest. Now the crest is wider and shorter for a more youthful appearance.

Updated 10/13/2015: Cadillac announced that for the 2016 model year the CTS will receive an all-new 3.6L direct injection V-6 engine combined with a new eight-speed automatic transmission. There are also three new exterior colors, and revised interior color and trim combinations.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Cadillac CTS.

Exterior

The majority of the changes for 2015 revolve around that new crest. The grille has an updated look to go along with the new emblem as well. Gone are the vertical chrome lines that once made the grille look somewhat busy. Now the three, thin horizontal bars run across the front. The new emblem plays well with the car’s accent lines in the hood. The emblem’s corners point outward, seemingly creating a bow wake that runs the length of the hood. The lower front fascia remains unchanged.

That story continues over the rest of the 2015 CTS, as nothing else gets revisions. And that’s not a bad thing. The new -- and it’s still new -- CTS is a sharp-looking sedan with purposeful lines and a clean design.

Exterior updates for 2016 consist of three new color choices and a new 18-inch wheel choice. The new colors include Cocoa Bronze Metallic, Moonstone Metallic, and Stellar Black Metallic.

2015-2016 Cadillac CTS - Exterior Dimensions

New for 2016:

- Three new exterior colors: Cocoa Bronze Metallic, Moonstone Metallic, Stellar Black Metallic

- New 18-inch polished wheel design is standard on Premium Collection

Interior

Many changes abound within the 2015 CTS sedan, though they mostly pertain to the connectivity features in the car. OnStar is now equipped with 4G LTE connectivity with built-in Wi-Fi coming standard. Cadillac’s infotainment system, CUE, also gets some additions. Text Message Alerts are now available to help keep the driver’s eyes on the road while a perpendicular parking feature helps maneuver the CTS into awkward spaces without the driver’s input. Lane keep assist and lane change assist are also added to the Driver Awareness Package.

There are changes to the interior’s color and trim combinations as well. There are eight unique interior color packages available, with two being two-tone options. Each comes with real wood, carbon fiber, or aluminum trim panels. The leather seats are available, including full, semi-aniline leather. The driver still enjoys that massive 12.3-inch TFT display in the center gauge cluster on upper trim levels, while the standard trim comes with a 5.7-inch unit.

Interior changes for 2016 are extensive. Cadillac is launching its version of the 360-degree camera system called Surround Vision. It gives a bird’s eye view above the car for helping navigate tight spaces while avoiding obstacles in its path. Cadillac’s CUE system is also updated with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Lastly, new interior choices for 2016 complement the new exterior colors.

2015-2016 Cadillac CTS - Interior Dimensions

Drivetrain

Though the displacements are the same, the CTS’ powertrain has received extensive updates for the 2016 model year. Changing the least is the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. It receives a start/stop system that helps increase its fuel efficiency by turning itself off while stopped. It also gets GM’s new Hydra-Matic 8L45 eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

The transmission has a wide, 7.0:1 ratio and with a tall top gear that helps boost fuel economy by an estimated five percent over the outgoing six-speed auto. What’s more, the transmission is tightly packaged inside, allowing the gearbox to fit within the same space as the old unit. And despite the extra two gears, weight is down. The 8L45 is even lighter than the 8L90 by 33 pounds – the transmission found in GM’s high-performance machines like the Corvette and CTS V.

Aside from the new transmission, the 3.6-liter V-6 is the biggest change. The engine is basically all-new for 2016 and comes with more power, quieter operation (in a good way), the start/stop system, and all the now-typical GM technologies like direct injection, variable valve timing, and Active Fuel Management. The V-6 also gets the new transmission.

Power is up by 14 horsepower and torque is improved by 10 pound-feet. This gives the new all-aluminum mill 335 horsepower and 285 pound-feet of torque.

The new engine also boasts several improvements that make the change-over worthwhile. The aluminum block is stronger thanks to increases structure in the bulkheads. The rotating assembly is upgraded using a forged-steel crankshaft, polymer-coated pistons, and sinter-forged connecting rods. New heads are faster flowing than the old ones and feature an integrated exhaust manifold for better performance. An all-new lubrication system with a variable-displacement, two-stage oil pump offers high flow rates when needed and low parasitic losses at lower rpm.

The CTS V-Sport’s twin-turbo 3.6-liter V-6 carries over unchanged. It packs a whopping 420 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, making the V-Sport a fantastic stepping-stone between the standard CTS and the Corvette Z06-powered CTS V.

2015 Cadillac CTS - Drivetrain/Specifications

Prices

Pricing isn’t expected to dramatically increase between the 2015 and 2016 model years. For 2015, the CTS carries a starting price of $46,340. Opt for the V-6 and the price increases to $53,965. For those wanting even more power, the twin-turbocharged V-Sport starts at $60,335. Then there’s the CTS V. It starts at $84,990.

Competition

BMW 5-Series

Long a stalwart in the segment and usually heralded as the class leader, the 5-Series enjoyed a revision for 2014. Several visual updates both inside and out help keep the BMW competitive. Engine options include the 2.0-liter, inline four-cylinder; the 3.0-liter, TwinPower I-6; the 3.0-liter, TwinPower diesel; and the 4.4-liter, TwinPower V-8. All the cars are available with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.

Pricing starts at $49,500 for the base 528i and rises to $66,200 for the 550i xDrive. Checking the M button moves the price up to $92,900, but also gets you a 560-horsepower version of the 4.4-liter, TwinPower V-8.

Read more about the BMW 5 Series here.

Audi A6

The Audi A6 is a formative foe with something to prove. It comes to market with an angry face and a stylistic design with plenty of character. Under the hood are two potent powerplants. The base is a 2.0-liter Turbocharged unit making 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The more premium engine is the 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 that makes 310 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. Both are mated to an eight-speed automatic, save for the 2.0-liter cars without Quattro all-wheel-drive. In that case, a CVT does the shifting.

Pricing for the A6 starts at $42,200 and rises past $56,900 for the 3.0T Prestige package.

Read more about the Audi A6 here.

Conclusion

The improvements over the last few years for the CTS have kept GM’s premiere sedan in a hotly competitive spot against its German and Japanese rivals. The new grille and Cadillac badge for 2015, along with the new 3.6-liter V-6, eight-speed transmission, updated CUE system, and color choices for 2016 are doing a great job at keeping things fresh.

One thing is for sure – this isn’t your grandmother’s Cadillac.

Updated History

Updated 08/07/2014: After an initial sneak preview on an OnStar commercial, Cadillac unveiled the official images on the 2015 CTS. Check them out in the "Photos" tab.