2017 Cadillac CTS-V: A 640HP Supercharged Luxury Powerhouse
The 2017 Cadillac CTS-V redefines American performance luxury with its supercharged 6.2L V8, track-ready engineering, and head-turning Carbon Black Package. This in-depth review explores how it stacks up against German rivals like the BMW M5 and Audi RS7.
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Unmatched Performance: 640 Horses of Supercharged Fury
At the heart of the CTS-V lies a 6.2L supercharged V8 (LT4) producing 640 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque – a significant upgrade from the previous generation's 556HP. The smaller, more efficient supercharger delivers:
- 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds (faster than BMW M5's 4.2s)
- 200 mph top speed (electronically limited)
- Instant throttle response with no turbo lag
"The CTS-V's acceleration isn't just fast—it's violent. The supercharger's whine announces imminent thrust, while the 8-speed automatic snaps off lightning-quick shifts. This is one of the few sedans that can rival exotic cars in straight-line performance."
Performance Comparison: CTS-V vs German Rivals
| Model | Engine | Horsepower | 0-60 mph | Base Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Cadillac CTS-V | 6.2L Supercharged V8 | 640HP | 3.7s | $86,590 |
| BMW M5 | 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 | 560HP | 4.2s | $95,095 |
| Audi RS7 Performance | 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 | 605HP | 3.6s | $111,650 |
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Aggressive Exterior: Carbon Black Package
The $6,950 Carbon Black Package transforms the CTS-V's appearance with:
- Black chrome mesh grille (replaces standard chrome)
- Carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser
- Functional hood vent for improved cooling
- Taller rear spoiler for increased downforce
- Carbon fiber interior trim
Interior: Performance-Focused Luxury
Recaro Seats: The Gold Standard
The optional $2,300 Recaro performance seats blend track-ready support with daily comfort:
- Sueded microfiber inserts prevent sliding during hard cornering
- 14-way power adjustment with heating/cooling
- Aggressive bolsters without sacrificing comfort
Tech & Ergonomics: Hits and Misses
The Cadillac User Experience (CUE) system offers:
- Standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- 12.3" digital instrument cluster
- Haptic feedback touch controls (often criticized)
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Notable tech features include:
- Rearview camera mirror (part of Luxury Package)
- Curbview front parking camera
- Wireless charging hidden behind center stack
Driving Dynamics: Winter Performance Surprise
Equipped with Pirelli Sottozero winter tires, the CTS-V demonstrated:
- Remarkable steering feedback despite winter rubber
- Minimal traction loss in cold conditions
- Stable braking performance on snow
Safety Considerations
While packed with performance tech, safety ratings were mixed:
- Marginal rating in IIHS small overlap front test
- Collision warning without automatic braking
- Low-resolution parking cameras compared to German rivals
Value Proposition: American Performance Bargain?
At $86,590 base ($103,360 as tested), the CTS-V offers:
- More standard performance than German competitors
- No required performance packages for full capability
- Lower entry price than RS7 Performance ($111,650)
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