Automotive
In 2015, Cadillac made its grand return to the full-size luxury sedan segment by debuting the 2016 CT6 at the New York International Auto Show. This flagship model marked the brand’s return to rear-wheel-drive architecture after nearly two decades of front-wheel-drive vehicles following the discontinuation of the 1996 Fleetwood.
The 2016 CT6 was built on an innovative platform utilizing an aluminum-intensive structure composed of 11 different materials to achieve optimal strength, performance, and efficiency. Cadillac positioned this model as a direct competitor to the BMW 7-Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and Audi A8. Despite its promising features, the CT6 had a relatively short production run in North America, with only about 40,000 units sold in the U.S. – significantly fewer than its competitors managed to sell in a single year.
Styled according to Cadillac’s Art and Science design philosophy, the 2016 CT6 showcased a sophisticated appearance with sharp, angular lines. Its distinctive stacked full-LED headlamps swept back over the front fenders, complemented by slim, vertically positioned daytime running lights. These were flanked by a wide chrome grille prominently displaying the Cadillac emblem. The front bumper featured a continuous air intake with a narrow trapezoidal element in the lower center section.
Built on an RWD platform, the CT6 exhibited a sporty profile with a short overhang. Its design featured a long hood and raked windshield flowing into a gently sloping roofline. The rear glass was angled forward, meeting a compact trunk lid, creating a dynamic yet luxurious silhouette. A unique feature was the small triangular window between the rear doors and D-pillars. The model was offered in three trim levels – Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Platinum – and came with 18- to 20-inch alloy wheels.
The interior was the vehicle’s standout feature, offering a spacious and opulent environment. The front cabin boasted a flowing, curved dashboard with a central touchscreen for the CUE infotainment system, supporting both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A three-spoke steering wheel framed a digital instrument cluster. Standard leather upholstery was available in nine colors, complemented by jet black or maple sugar accents.
The CT6’s generous wheelbase provided exceptional interior space, with up to 40.4 inches (102.6 cm) of rear legroom – only two inches (5 cm) less than the front seats. The wide 56.2-inch (142.8 cm) shoulder room accommodated three passengers comfortably, although the transmission tunnel did impact the middle rear passenger’s comfort on long journeys.
Under the hood, buyers could choose between gasoline and hybrid powertrains. The standard configuration included up to 403 horsepower (409 PS), an available all-wheel-drive system, and an eight-speed automatic transmission, making it a formidable competitor in its class. Additionally, a high-performance variant was offered with a twin-turbocharged V8 engine.
