WAY too expensive. Their almost base tester (paint and cold weather pack) costs almost exactly the same as a 328i M-sport with metallic paint, leather, cold weather pack, dynamic handling, and lighting pack. Hell a similarly-optioned 335i is only about $3k more.

 

The "Premium" trim level is the highest trim level and, as such, includes most features.

 

While Cadillac was designing the ATS to compete with the 3 Series, BMW was redesigning the 3 Series to be larger, smoother, and more luxurious. It makes for an interesting comparison with the Cadillac now being sportier than the BMW. The ATS is quite small with a tiny rear seat. Even in the base trim, the ride is stiff for luxury car but it handles great. The new 3 is much smoother riding and is much roomier in rear seat and trunk. The ATS V-6 is a pretty close match for the current IS350.

With the new IS, 3 Series, and G37(sorry, Q50) getting larger, the ATS may find itself alone as a small sport sedan. With top prices near $50K that may be a pretty lonely place to be.
Steve

 

I'm going back to the D.C. show this afternoon. I hope to get a chance to sample an ATS...Cadillac is going to have its local test-drive circuit set up today (they didn't have one earlier this week). Also plan to sample the XTS.