Test Drive Cadillac CTS 2013 - NV Sedan

Perfect illusion

BMW 530i.
Released since 2003.
Currently, the BMW of the 5th series is equipped with gasoline six-cylinder engines 2.2 liters (520i), 125 kW with a manual transmission; 3.0 l (530i), 170 kW with mechanical and automatic transmission and most powerful V8 Valvetronic (545i) 4.4 liters, 245 kW, as well as diesel 3.0 l (530d), 160 kW. In the fall, the BMW-520i is added with the automatic and BMW-525i with a 2.5-liter gasoline engine 141 kW.
Options for the Russian market are all but diesel. Orders are accepted since July 2003.
Price - from 45,900 euros (BMW-520i). The price in this configuration is 69,900 euros.

Cadillac CTS.
Released since 2001.
Execution options: V6 gasoline engines, 2.6 l, 133 kW; 3.2 l, 160 kW. Mechanical or automatic gearbox.
The configuration for the Russian market correspond to European. For sale since July 2003.
The price of the basic configuration is from $ 39,900 (2.6 liters, mechanical gearbox) to $ 50,965 (3.2 l, automatic). The price in the specified configuration is $ 53 140.
In the additional configuration - the color of a white diamond ($ 580), a sports package with 17-inch tires, ESP, xenon headlights ($ 159).

Now in fashion the original approach is the main thing. Beauty is not popular - it is ordinary. Get along the face between beauty and notice to avoid the deformity, the task, probably, is not the easiest, but very attractive. All the more bold lines of the body only are convinced of this. Take a look at the new five - there is almost nothing left of the classic BMW lines, at the same time the family features are still readable. Cadillac CTS with its rectangular forms and chopped faces is also quite consistent with the new image of the brand, although nothing resembles its predecessors, even relatively recently.
New Classic
Classical layout machines are not dinosaurs in the current automotive world. And the case is not at all in the preferences of the legislators of the mod in the face of Mercedes and BMW to the rear leading wheels. The classic layout of business sedans is technically justified - these cars are extremely rarely transported by five passengers, and four large transmission tunnel are not a hindrance. Some shortcomings manifested on a slippery road are now easily compensated by electronic stabilization systems. And on dry asphalt, modern tires and suspension allow a lot, so that rear-wheel drive is nothing. But the layout advantages of the longitudinal location of the engine are obvious - any problems are placed in the engine compartment, from an economical six, just two liters up to five liters of eight of 300 horses. So rear-wheel drive is not an anachronism, but a classic, especially on good roads.
By the way, in the middle of the nineties Cadillac completely refused from rear-wheel drive cars, going to the front-wheel drive platform. The current CTS is another attempt to create a car for buyers, first choosing Cadillac. In the US, the price of it begins with $ 30,695 with a 3.2-liter engine. And more: CTS is not a new body for Opel Omega, but a completely independent car, produced in the United States and separating with Opel only the engine.
Joy of movement
Cars of this class are designed not only to provide remand comfort, but still possess alive, energetic. Let's just say, and BMW, and Cadillac - rather clockwork and do not have an active ride. The machines smoothly, but very distorting the transmissions, even there is almost no twitch in full throttle. In both steering wheel, it is immaculately accurate on straight and pour with elastic reactive force in turn. Of course, active steering on BMW allows him to do not even intercept it, but is there many mountain serpentines in Russia, where can I enjoy this? So ... both cars are excellent in turns, even on uneven coverage; Differences, again, in detail. Cadillac is reliable, steady and fast. BMW is all the same plus a more lively steering wheel and a less thoughtful chassis. The five driving movements react with hasty a much smaller car - despite a rather soft suspension.
Adapted for Russia option is not yet ready, the first machines are supplied with conventional springs and shock absorbers. On the smooth roads, such a suspension leaves a pleasant impression, but at high speed she still lacks energy intensity. His contributing was made and resistant to punctums ultra-low-powered tires. Their rigid sidewall improves the feeling of the car in turns, but comfort on small irregularities leaves much to be desired.
Glass for courage
Honestly, the obtained digits of the dynamics and maximum speed noticeably did not reach the manufacturers declared. Moreover, the BMW dynamics were more upset - in addition to the sluggish troken from the place, the Bavarian car has not resolved 9 km / h maximum speed. Of course, it is possible to sin on gasoline, given that when measurements we poured a ninety-fifth, and not ninety-eighth, on which the BMW indicators are removed, but ... it is difficult to confirm the devices, but from the impression that on the first two programs the motor five is thoroughly invented , not get rid. Moreover, by typing 120 km / h, BMW is playing the lost seconds, easily laying the arrow of the speedometer for 200.
Actually, the Kadillac motor is not original: this was already installed on Opel Omega. The characteristic angle of collapse of cylinders (54 degrees) and the shape of intake pipelines will be given it, which emblem nover. It surpasses in terms of the volume of the Bavarian motor approximately on the glass and although it is a little inferior in power, no worse on the torque. Moreover, on low revs, it goes more lively, with a characteristic muttering, recalling the real American values. However, it is not only well pulls at the top, but it sounds pleasantly. In general, the numbers here are quite eloquent - Cadillac from the traffic lights goes noticeably more. The only minus is a little bigger than that of the Bavarsa, the consumption of gasoline. In our test, the difference was about 1 l / 100 km outside the city and 1.5 liters in traffic jams.
Calculate Prijambasa
In the current business sedan, it is not necessary without a climate setting with separate regulation, electric drives with memory, a solid audio system with a subwoofer and a multichannel amplifier, cruise control and on-board computer. And, of course, the leather seat upholstery and decorative inserts from the valuable tree of the tree are required. This is the same standard as a hotel service: settling five stars, the client has the right to demand a terry bathrobe, slippers and coffee in bed.
Cadillac equipment fully complies with class requirements. But finding something outstanding in it is difficult. And in BMW, at least two serious innovations: adaptive cruise control and smart transverse stability stabilizers.
In Russian conditions, classic cruise control is useless. Because cars with this non-slip device on our roads are rare, the flow rate is set by the right foot of the driver. On the descents are going faster, on the lines - slower. One who moves at the same speed immediately becomes universal noise. Adaptive cruise control BMW-530i outside looks like a third fog on the left side. But in motion it is much more noticeable. It is only necessary to install the desired speed, and the car will support it. But as soon as the car appears ahead, he independently slows down. When the interference disappears, it will return to the specified mode. The choice of three distances: short, medium, long (depending on speed). In real conditions, perhaps the first two are suitable. The system is performed only by official braking: in an emergency, there will be a driver itself, although the electronics for the fraction of a second before it sucks the alarm.
Contrary to expectations, the system turned out to be workable and on repaired areas of roads, and on a highway with a bilateral movement. Once again we emphasize: in front of the roller on the side of the BMW himself will not slow down.
Smart shock absorbers and transverse stability stabilizers are part of the Dynamic Drive system who debut on the seven. The shock absorbers with adjustable damping and stabilizers of stiffness variable allow you to practically get rid of rolls and at the same time save the acceptable stiffness of the suspension - a useful compromise for a car that is not entitled to manage the handling for comfort.
The matrix is \u200b\u200balready here
Have you too watched this movie? Full nonsense, but how beautifully removed! Does Cadillac CTS have seen in it? Agree, there he is in its place: it looks natural and organic. Fantastic? Nothing like this.
In a modern car, feedback with the driver is increasingly charged with electronics. Do you still think that you manage the machine, press the pedals, twist the steering wheel, set up the receiver? No, the car does it for you - using the controls, you only declare intentions. Although the better it fulfills your wishes, the stronger it is its design.
We will be frank: we assumed the BMW victory, but with a more convincing account. At least, as much as the price of BMW exceeds the price of Cadillac - that is, one and a half times. There was no such advantage. And the original appearance of the aliel from the new light will certainly leave indifferent adherents of bright and fashionable design. At least at refueling, the Cadillac has always attracted more attention. Reality will not wake up emotions - for this you need a perfect illusion. Is not it?

Front panel: everything is new.

There are only two dials - all former had four.

The neck does not have to strain.

This is a radiator of the gender gearbox.

Stylish monumentality.

Neatly fitted panels, but modest plastic.

The original digitization of the speedometer is difficult to read.

Massive front seats occupy a lot of space.

In the center is a controlled thermostat.

It is all of the planes and faces.

The top support of the front suspension rack is forged aluminum.

SUMMARY
BMW 530i.
+ Rich equipment, understandable electronic equipment interface, excellent brakes, gearbox operation, manageability in standard modes, extremely comfortable seats.
- smoothness of the course on large irregularities, the dynamics of the troggy from the place, the energy intensity of the suspension, the price.
Cadillac CTS.
+ Good engine traction on bottoms, smooth gearbox work, suspension comfort, catchy appearance.
- Unsuccessful doors outdurious material, open screws in the trunk, poor standard equipment, thick backs of the front seats.

 
 
Anatoly Fomin. Photo: George Sadkov

Source: Journal "Behind the wheel"