Cadillac CTS wins Consumer Reports luxury sedan comparo, still not recommended

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Acura, Audi, Cadillac, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz

Cadillac CTS – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Cadillac CTS sedan outscored its competition from Audi, Acura, Mercedes-Benz and Lincoln in a Consumer Reports competition of luxury sedans over $50,000. The CTS was given an “Excellent” overall road test score of 84, four points better than the closest competitor. CR says that the CTS gives up next-to-nothing to its overseas competition, adding “the ride is supple and controlled and handling is agile and sporty.” The Cadillac’s 3.6-liter V6 and six-speed automatic were also given kudos for punchy acceleration and smooth shifting.

The Acura RL came in second with a “Very Good” road test score of 80. The Acura was given high marks for technology but was marked down for a less than sporty ride and a less than best-in-class rear seat. The Mercedes E350 and Audi A6 3.0T followed with “Very Good” scores of 79. Interestingly, CR says the E350 was marked down because it didn’t handle as well as the last generation E-Class, adding “handling is still capable, but not exceptional, and the ride isn’t as absorbent as before.” The A6 is given generally high marks all around including interior, ride and handling, but its performance evidently wasn’t enough to elevate it to the head of the class. The Lincoln MKS Ecoboost brought up the rear of the group with a “Very Good” score of 75. CR says the MKS has an “ordinary” driving experience, but the testers gave it good marks for a well-resolved interior.

As a bonus, CR engineers also tested the new Lexus HS250h. The dedicated luxury hybrid was given an “Excellent” score of 83 – just above that of the Toyota Prius – though the publication dings the Lexus because it “doesn’t have the refinement, quietness, and ride comfort associated with the Lexus brand.” CR says the HS250h makes up for these shortcomings, though, with terrific real world fuel economy – they achieved an average 31 miles per gallon during its testing.

Though the CTS took top honors in Consumer Reports’ road test, the quality-driven publication still does not recommend the vehicle due to reliability issues. Only the Acura was given a “Recommended” nod, though the A6 and the MKS contain engines that are too new to receive a recommendation. The luxury test appears in the February issue of the magazine. Hit the jump to read over the official press release.

Gallery: 2008 Cadillac CTS – action shots