How the Cadillac CT4-V gives refined edge to power

Drivers who fancy a speedy, stylishly contoured car that won’t leave their bank balance in ruins have plenty to choose from these days. Many US manufacturers have been producing vehicles of this sort for decades, in fact, and a lot of them have been understandably popular.

Harder to find is a car that ticks all of these boxes, but is a little less shouty – and, by virtue of that, rather more refined. The new Cadillac CT4-V joins this rarefied group, though.

Now in its fourth generation, the CT4-V is a sedan for drivers who want a bit of grunt under the bonnet, combined with what we might term as "restraint".

It is a vehicle that doesn’t leave drivers feeling duty-bound to take it to the Yas Marina Circuit drag strip for a tussle with the local speed fiends (there’s nothing wrong with a heads-down-and-charge muscle car, but they’re not for everyone).

There is lots of power in the CT4-V, but it veers more towards the luxury sedan end of the market. It has the feel of a muscle car, but is considerably more refined. So the Cadillac is evidently an attempt to appeal to a younger audience after some motoring power, but who are less keen on the rowdiness that frequently comes with that.

Along these lines, it's worth noting there are four CT4-V trims available: the Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport and V-Series.

It’s the smallest model Cadillac produces, but that doesn’t actually make it a small car, judging by the size of some of the brand’s other creations. Its sibling, the CT-5, is larger and more luxurious in points, but it’s also more expensive.

Driving the CT4-V gives pleasure both in what it will do, and the environment you find yourself in when on the road. The interior doesn't have the wow factor as some in its class, but there is nothing to complain about with regard to the comfortable cabin. It has a 12-inch instrument cluster with voice recognition, and a number of driver assists, including forward collision alert, emergency braking and lane-change alert, among others.

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The CT4-V and 5 are not the sort of car US manufacturers would have made in the days of yore, but, increasingly, stateside companies are taking cues from other brands around the world – notably prominent German rivals BMW, and Mercedes, and Audi, who have been dominating the market for years with vehicles of just this sort. In relation to this trio, the CT-4 could be said to be directly pitted against the BMW 3-Series, Mercedes C-Class and Audi A4.

Much like we said with the Hyundai Azera, the gap is narrowing between the traditionally dominant brands in all motoring sectors, and the CT4-V marks another nudge closer to the opposition. It's a cheerful and fun ride, with plenty of equipment to boot. Frankly, you could do a lot worse, and you get a lot for your money.