Gojirra99

Cadillac CTS Tops Consumer Reports' Tests of Luxury Sedans but Reliability Remains an Issue

CTS outpoints Acura RL, Mercedes-Benz E-350, Audi A6, and Lincoln MKS

YONKERS, N.Y., Jan . 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Cadillac CTS posted an "Excellent" overall score and outpointed competitors from Acura, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Lincoln in Consumer Reports' testing of five luxury sedans for the February 2010 issue.

The CTS earned an "Excellent" overall road test score of 84, outdistancing freshened versions of the Acura RL, which earned a "Very Good" score with 80 points, the redesigned Mercedes-Benz E350 and freshened Audi A6 and which both earned "Very Good" scores of 79 points, and the Lincoln MKS which earned a "Very Good" road test score of 75 points. The CTS trails only the Infiniti M35 among all luxury sedans in the category that CR has tested, but below-average reliability prevents CR from recommending it.

"With excellent driving dynamics, a smooth and punchy drivetrain and a well-furnished interior, the CTS outscores some of the best imported luxury sports sedans," said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut. The CTS trails only the Infiniti M35 among the 13 luxury sedans that have been rated by CR.

The new E350 has a slightly roomier interior and retains the same high quality materials and fit and finish of the previous E-Class, but it doesn't quite live up to its predecessor's great ride and handling. The Audi A6, now five years old, still holds its own against even the newest luxury sedans. The Acura RL has a smooth and refined powertrain, but it's not the most exciting sedan to drive. The Lincoln MKS came with the uplevel EcoBoost turbocharged engine, which is bundled with AWD.

In an Auto Test Extra, Consumer Reports also tested the Lexus HS 250h, a new hybrid sedan that received an "Excellent" road test score of 83, slightly higher than the Prius.

Prices for the luxury sedans as tested ranged from $50,660 for the Acura to $55,245 for the Mercedes-Benz. Only the Acura is recommended. The Mercedes-Benz is too new to have reliability data. Because CR tested the Audi A6 3.0T and MKS Ecoboost with newly introduced engines, CR cannot predict their reliability. CR only Recommends vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on CR's Annual Auto Survey of its more than seven million print and Web subscribers, and performed at least adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test.

Full tests and ratings of the luxury sedans test group and the Lexus HS 250h appear in the February issue of Consumer Reports, which goes on sale January 5. The reports are also available to subscribers of www.ConsumerReports.org. Updated daily, ConsumerReports.org is the go-to site for the latest auto reviews, product news, blogs on breaking news and car buying information.

The CTS gives up virtually nothing to the premium European cars tested in terms of refinement, powertrain, ride, or handling. The ride is supple and controlled and handling is agile and sporty. The Cadillac CTS Premium RWD ($50,995, Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price as tested), is powered by a 304-hp, 3.6-liter 6-cylinder engine that delivers lively performance and gets 19 mpg overall in CR's own fuel economy tests. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts responsively. Braking is excellent. The interior is plush, with well-fitted padded panels and nice touches of wood and chrome. It has a moderately-sized trunk.

The Acura RL is a pleasant and refined car, but the driving experience isn't special enough to justify its $50,000 price tag. The car is full of electronic conveniences, but the ride and backseat are not as comfortable as those found in competing vehicles. Handling is sound, but less sporty than most of its competitors. The Acura RL AWD, ($50,660, MSRP as tested), is powered by a 300-hp, 3.7-liter V6 engine that is smooth and slick and delivers 19 mpg overall on premium gasoline. The five-speed automatic transmission is very smooth and responsive. Braking is very good. The RL's high-quality interior has impeccable fit and finish. For a car in this class, the RL's trunk is modest.

The redesigned E350 doesn't ride as comfortably or handle as well as its predecessor. Handling is still capable but not exceptional, and the ride isn't as absorbent as before, but still the E350 is quick and quiet, solid, comfortable, and luxurious. The Mercedes-Benz E350 RWD, ($55,245, MSRP as tested), is powered by a 268-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers smooth and strong performance and 19 mpg overall on premium fuel. The seven-speed automatic transmission usually shifts smoothly. Braking is very good. The interior is nicely finished with padded panels and high-quality materials. The trunk is good-sized.

Audi freshened the A6 with a new, supercharged engine that improves performance while retaining decent fuel economy. Handling remains responsive and secure, the seats are very comfortable, and the interior is nicely finished. The A6 Premium 3.0T Quattro AWD, ($53,075, MSRP as tested), is powered by a 300-hp, 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine that delivers strong acceleration and 20 mpg overall on premium fuel. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. Braking is very good. The rich interior is trimmed with high-quality materials and panels are tight-fitting. Trunk space is good.

The MKS, which is based on the Ford Taurus, doesn't do much to set itself apart for its higher price. It has many amenities and well-finished interior but the driving experience is ordinary. The Lincoln MKS EcoBoost AWD, ($52,770, MSRP as tested), is powered by a 355-hp, 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 engine that provides strong performance and gets 18 mpg overall. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts quickly and smoothly. Braking is very good. The inviting interior has thickly padded and stitched panels and nicely detailed front perforated-leather seats. The MKS has a good-sized trunk, but its opening is very short.

Though pleasant overall, the HS 250h doesn't have the refinement, quietness, and ride comfort associated with the Lexus brand. The cabin is narrow, and handling is unexciting. The Lexus HS 250h Premium Hybrid, ($38,939, MSRP as tested), is powered by a 187-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder hybrid electric/gasoline engine that delivers adequate performance and excellent fuel economy at 31 mpg overall. It can drive up to 26 mph on electric power alone. The CVT transmission works very smoothly. Braking is very good. The interior trim uses high-grade materials. The trunk is modest.

With more than 7 million print and online subscribers, Consumer Reports is one of the most trusted sources for information and advice on consumer products and services. It conducts the most comprehensive auto-test program of any U.S. publication or Web site and owns and operates a 327-acre Auto Test Center in Connecticut. The organization's auto experts have decades of experience in driving, testing, and reporting on cars. To subscribe, consumers can call 1-800-234-1645 or visit www.ConsumerReports.org.

FEBRUARY 2010

© Consumers Union 2010. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for commercial or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is published by Consumers Union, an expert, independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to work for a fair, just, and safe marketplace for all consumers and to empower consumers to protect themselves. To achieve this mission, we test, inform, and protect. To maintain our independence and impartiality, Consumers Union accepts no outside advertising, no free test samples, and has no agenda other than the interests of consumers. Consumers Union supports itself through the sale of our information products and services, individual contributions, and a few noncommercial grants.


SOURCE Consumer Reports

The G Man

What are the criteria for CR's test and where are the test numbers? I would place the CTS in 3rd or 4th place, but certainly not 1st. If CR place the M35 as their top luxury sedan, they really need to re-evaluate their testing and rating system.

bagwell

CR auto testing isn't about numbers.....

"With excellent driving dynamics, a smooth and punchy drivetrain and a well-furnished interior, the CTS outscores some of the best imported luxury sports sedans," said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut.

The CTS gives up virtually nothing to the premium European cars tested in terms of refinement, powertrain, ride, or handling. The ride is supple and controlled and handling is agile and sporty. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts responsively. Braking is excellent. The interior is plush, with well-fitted padded panels and nice touches of wood and chrome. It has a moderately-sized trunk.

mmarshall

Agreed.....and, for the most part, there's no need for it to be about numbers. Most people don't buy their cars that way (acceleration, braking distances, skidpad figures, etc....), but on comfort, reliability, looks, and versatility. For them, the only "numbers" with ant real meaning are the EPA mileage figures.

There are some "numbers" involved, in the sense that CR assigns so many points to each car for ride, handling, quietmness, acceleration, braking, fit/finish, etc.....Other car magazines, to an extent, do the same thing.

mmarshall

Generally a good assessment, but, even with the nice new interior (a major improvement over the last-generation model) one has to take into account this car's sub-standard reliability record.

Another good assessment, but it doesn't take the superb SH-AWD system into account. The build quality on this car, from what I have seen, is like a tank.

Yes.....I've noted quite a few times on CAR CHAT that the ES350's ride quality cannot compare to that of the superb ES330. That is because they (needlessly) went to a stiffer chassis and lower-profile tires.


It's hard to beat some of the trim materials used in Audis...especially A4 and up. Audi paint jobs are also up there in Lexus territory.

Like with the Acura RL, though, the AWD option offered on the MKS is a real plus. ....I don't know why they didn't mention that. The MKS, though, has definitely lost some ride comfort from the Town Car.....I could tell the difference after not having even driven a block. And, like the Cadillac CTS, the first-year reliability record of ther MKS does not inspire confidence.


Generally correct, but the HS250 is probably too small to be included with the others here......it is in a different class.

Och

iTrader: (3)

The CTS costs over 50K???? Unless they are discounting them heavily, I don't see why anyone would pay that price, I personally would much rather get a GS350 or Acura RL.

Gojirra99

Sorry mmarshall, they are talking about the brand new MERCEDES E350 , not the Lexus ES350

MR_F1

Kinda off topic, but Marshall...

I really appreciate your reviews and everything, but I have just one question? What's wrong with a stiffer chassis? A stiffer chassis allows a suspension to do it's work better, allowing the tyres to work better. Basic chassis engineering. If the suspension was tuned right, it could be even better than the last generation. I don't think the ES350's lesser ride quality has anything to do with the chassis itself.

LexBob2

Good catch...

Off topic, but IMO the ride/handling combination of the ES350 beats the 330 hands down.

mmarshall

Thanks, Andrew. Good catch. How much does a beer run in Vancouver?.....I probably owe you one.

Sorry, guys......no excuse for that one. I just didn't read it properly.

mmarshall

It's not only the chassis....they went to lower-profile tires on the ES350 as well (from 60 to 55). The difference over bumps is not major, but noticeable.

I agree with you that a firm chassis doesn't necessarily have to be uncomfortable. BMW, for instance, in general, does a masterful job of combining ride and handling, even with their Sport packages. And, believe it or not, so does the new Buick LaCrosse CXL....it is probably the best job GM has ever done, in a non-magnetic suspension, of combining the two (even better than the Cadillac CTS, IMO).

But Lexus, while certainly doing a competent chassis, doesn't seem to know how to combine ride and handling quite as well as BMW or Mercedes.....that is a field that the Germans have excelled in for many years. Lexus deliberately stiffened up the ES350 over the 330....and, over bumps, it shows.

Och

iTrader: (3)

If you raise a comparable Lexus and BMW on a lift, you will see that Lexus uses a lot more rubber bushings where suspension components connect to the subframe, while BMW uses more solid steel to steel connections. The BMW's method results in more direct and solid feel, and on normal roads with minor bumps there is no decrease in ride quality (as long as shock rates and tire/rim combination are comparable). But it does allow more noise and vibration to get into the cabin, and when you hit a major bump/pothole, Lexus suspension will absorb the impact a lot better.

IS-SV

btw, almost all Sport package BMW's are quite firm riding and also very good handling cars with OEM low profile 18/19/20 wheel/tires setups.

It's pretty amazing how all the premium car makers today achieve decent rides (on relatively minor bumpy roads) with modern low profile tires.

Obviously it's off-topic, but the ES350 is plenty soft-riding with so-handling. I drove it extensively for 10 days in a variety of suburban, highway, mountain road and commute conditions. Lexus seems to know what they are doing with this car as it continues to sell at a brisk rate each month.

Och

iTrader: (3)

I don't find that low profile tires affect firmness on normal roads with minor bumps. Its more of a noise issue, but once you encounter a large pothole it gets violent.

IS-SV

Good points. The latest more advanced tires address the noise issue better, even taking into account noise as the tire wears which always used to be a problem.