Cadillac considers launching CTS-V Sport Wagon


Cadillac’s high-performance CTS-V sedan already has it what it takes to scare of the likes of BMW’s M5, Mercedes’ E63 AMG and Audi’s new RS6, packing a supercharged 6.2L V8 with a healthy 556hp (415kW) and 551lb-ft (747Nm) of torque on tap. The carmaker is now considering going after the touring wagon versions of the previously mentioned German performance thoroughbreds with a V version of the recently revealed CTS Sport Wagon.

Stylish wagons are popular in Europe, one of the most important markets for Cadillac’s own CTS Sport Wagon. A halo model for the new range may just be what Cadillac needs to build a strong brand image and encourage a loyal customer base. Speaking with Edmunds, Cadillac spokesperson David Caldwell said “a CTS-V Sport Wagon could be a relatively easy add.”

But the case for building a V wagon remains contentious because of the low popularity of such models back in North America. There is, after all, a reason why BMW and Audi shy away from the high-performance wagon market in the U.S. - simply put, there are not many takers for the cars. Both Audi and BMW refuse to sell their performance variants in the U.S., while the Mercedes E63 AMG wagon will barely break double digits in sales this year.

However, the issue might be different for a CTS-V wagon because of the much cheaper expected price of the Cadillac compared to its German rivals. For example, the 2009 CTS-V sedan will cost around $60,000, while the BMW M5 sedan costs around $84,000. If Cadillac were to produce a CTS-V wagon, assuming that they could sell it within a $60,000-$65,000 price range, they would still be able to undercut the Mercedes’ E63 AMG Wagon by over $20,000 and effectively attract a much broader range of customers.

While GM mulls over the decision it is not giving away any clues just yet. Caldwell commented that while “a V version of the coupe is obvious” to Cadillac, the V wagon is still a firm maybe, and “not a maybe with a wink and a giggle.”