Cadillac has gone through some significant changes in recent years. When the average buyer thinks about the iconic brand, they probably picture a long, wide luxury car – a status symbol you could land a helicopter on with room to spare.
However, while Cadillac still aspires to be America’s top luxury brand, they decided to start building Cadillac performance cars like its brutally aggressive CTS line (essentially luxury muscle cars). Some gearheads began wondering if Cadillac knew what it was about during its mercurial redesigns.
The 2013 Cadillac ATS Coupe largely feels like a return to the original concept of Cadillac at a more approachable form for car buyers. Essentially Cadillac’s entry level luxury sports sedan, the ATS is comfortable, packed with technology and easy to drive – though it lacks the power and performance of the CTS line.
Starting around $33,000, the Standard ATS includes a 2.5 liter, 4 cylinder engine with an automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, navigation system, Bluetooth, iPod input , satellite radio, side and curtain airbags, stability control and traction control. You feel every bit of that technology as the car feels like a rolling recording studio with so many lights and dials. Give Cadillac credit here for not holding back on any bangs and whistles even in this entry level luxury car.
All of the tech and that collection of safety features remain consistent throughout the ATS line with the $37,000+ Luxury version adding a 3.6 liter V6. The next tier Performance version will set you back $42,000+ for a more powerful turbo-charged 2.0 liter 4 cylinder. Finally, the $45,000+ Premium model pushes up to a 3.6 liter V6 engine for maximum horsepower.
Across all model variations, city and highway mpg number range from around 21 city to 31-33 highway. Those numbers are a high point for the ATS as it would’ve seemed unimaginable to our parents that any Cadillac would ever achieve mileage numbers like that.
The driving experience is comfortable and carefree, but it lacks personality or thrills. There’s adequate power available regardless of the variation, and the acceleration applying that power is smooth when employed. But there’s a floating sensation bled out of the suspension that softens the ride. It’s a fair comment that a driver should turn to the CTS line for that eye-opening adrenaline rush, but a little more oomph out of the ATS would add a lot to its charm.
Much of that impressive elite technology suite within the ATS separates the driver from the road. Yes, it makes a ride safer, comfier and endlessly reliable, but the resulting sensation is numbness.
As is, the ATS reminds the driver of an entry level Lexus – refined and techy, yet lacking a bit of passion. In fairness, it is intended as a luxury car and should have better manners than a sport coupe that aspires to be a roadster.
In the end, a would-be purchase all comes down to whether the sports car driver prefers the ATS and its comfort and control over sensation and adrenaline.
