2020Cadillac CT4-V

Cadillac is best known for building big and brutish luxury SUVs, but its range of performance sedans has done an admirable job of catching up to its German rivals in recent years. The 2020 Cadillac CT4-V is the brand's entry-level performance vehicle, but that doesn't mean that it skips out on performance: powered by a 2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, this American sport sedan produces a healthy 325 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque which it sends to the rear or all four wheels via a ten-speed automatic transmission. With the 2020 Cadillac CT4-V sedan carrying a price of $44,495, it's value immediately becomes apparent. The CT4-V goes up against subcompact luxury competitors such as theMercedes-AMG CLA35andAudi S3and might just have what it takes to be a genuine alternative to these dominant players.

There is a single-engine and transmission option available for the 2020 model year. Under the hood of the CT4-V, you get a 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-4 that produces an impressive 325 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque on premium gasoline. A rear-wheel drive drivetrain is standard while AWD is extra. Power is handled in between the engine and wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. Power delivery is strong at the bottom of the range, resulting in a 0 to 60 attempt in the high-four-second region, but runs out of steam up top. The 10-speed can be reluctant to shift up in higher gears and sometimes requires switching to manual mode to keep things boiling.

Cadillac has come a long way in terms of its performance sedan offering, and the CT4-V is possibly one of the best US performance sedans around, especially at the cost, and undercuts its German rivals by a fair margin. Not only does this fast Caddy look good, but it's got an attractive interior, a solid list of standard features, and most importantly, excellent driving dynamics. Performance from the 2.7-liter turbo engine is impressive, and we love the way this thing handles, mostly thanks to its Camaro-related underpinnings. We are, however, disappointed with the cramped back seat and the fact that Cadillac still hasn't managed to design an interior that feels quite as memorable as those of the Germans. There are also a lot of features that have been left on the options list. Overall a review of the 2020 Cadillac CT4-V proves that it's a performance bargain and is a worthy competitor in a class filled with strong performers. Reliability remains to be seen, and we're still awaiting a safety rating, but we're hopeful nonetheless. Need something more? Thankfully a Blackwing version (reviewed separately) is on hand to deliver even more thrills and offer a manual gearbox.

Since there is only one trim level on offer, you'll have to head towards the options list to make your CT4-V truly your own. If we were buying, we'd choose to send power to the rear wheels, not only for the fun factor but to save on fuel bills as well. Other than that, the Driver Assist Package sounds like a good idea, especially in a car with this much performance potential. For those who like a bit of luxury, climate-controlled leather seats could be a nice option.