The Best Luxury Car Under $40K Might Be The Cadillac CT4

The 2021 Cadillac CT4 is General Motors’ last remaining compact luxury sedan. Though most manufacturers have shifted their focus toward exclusive CUVs and SUV production, Cadillac understands there are still enthusiasts out there who prefer the sportier driving dynamics of a proper saloon.

The deft handling, agility and nonexistent body-roll of the CT4 are aspects that a CUV with a heavier curb weight and higher center of gravity simply can’t replicate. The CT4 was built for enthusiasts who believe that driving isn’t merely a chore of day-to-day operations, but rather a spirited adventure each time you climb behind the wheel.

2021 Cadillac CT4 Exterior Styling

One glance at the 2021 CT4, and it’s adamantly clear that this isn’t your grandfather’s Cadillac. With a distinct flair that’s undeniable from every angle, the CT4 oozes sport, luxury and sophistication with distinctive sheet metal characterized by clean lines and sharp angles.

The most striking feature of the CT4’s exterior design is undoubtedly its vertical LED daytime running lights that seamlessly flow into standard LED headlamps—forming a wishbone-inspired shape. Faux vents emerge from the lower half of the DRLs, resulting in a front fascia that is distinctly Cadillac in appearance.

The rear of the car is also inherently unique, with a decklid design that incorporates a duckbill spoiler into the sheet metal—leaving no doubt about its sporting intentions. Standard LED taillamps mimic the headlights wishbone-inspired shape, providing uniformity and consistency in overall design.

2021 Cadillac CT4 Interior

Since the beginning, Cadillac has always been among the industry leaders in interior luxury and sophistication. The CT4 doesn’t stray from the mold, providing a cabin that will make you feel like royalty while nestled inside. The soft and supple leather seats provide the comfort you’d expect from Cadillac, while the bolsters provide just enough sport to keep you from sliding during spirited driving. Unique interior color themes include Jet Black with Jet Black accents, Whisper Beige with Jet Black accents, Cinnamon with Jet Black accents, Sangria with Jet Black accents and Sky Cool Gray with Jet Black accents.

The CT4 comes standard with an 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration and an eight-speaker sound system. In higher trims, a 14-speaker Bose premium audio system is available. Perhaps the most striking interior appointment is the CT4’s 12-inch digital instrument cluster—a feature that was never available in the Cadillac ATS, which the CT4 replaced. With customization capabilities and multiple display options, the digital cluster is equally intuitive as it is aesthetically pleasing.

2021 Cadillac CT4 Safety and Driver Assistance Technology

Standard Safety and Driver Assistance Features:

• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Forward Collision Alert
• Front Pedestrian Braking,
• HD Rear Vision Camera
• Safety Alert Seat
• LED Reflective Windshield Collision Alert
• Rear Park Assist

Available Driver Awareness Plus Package includes:

• Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Following Distance Indicator
• Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
• IntelliBeam auto high-beam assist
• (Requires Cold Weather Package or Climate Package)

Available Driver Assist Package includes:

• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking
• Reverse Automatic Braking
• (Requires Technology Package, Driver Awareness Plus Package and Climate Package)

2021 Cadillac CT4 Powertrain Options

A 2.0L twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder rated at 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque comes standard on the 2021 Cadillac CT4 Luxury, Premium Luxury and Sport trims.  

A more powerful 2.7L Dual-Volute Turbocharged four-cylinder rated at 310 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque is available on the Premium Luxury, while the V-Series utilizes the same powertrain with more aggressive tuning.

2021 Cadillac CT4 Trim Levels

The entry-level model is the CT4 Luxury, which is available in both RWD and AWD configurations like all trims. The 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine is included standard in addition to Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, Safety Alert Seat and LED Reflective Windshield Collision Alert. 

The next step up is the CT4 Premium Luxury, which upgrades the Luxury model’s 17-inch wheels to larger 18-inch exclusive alloys. Full-leather seats with perforated inserts replace the leatherette seating surfaces in entry-level configuration. LED ambient lighting, auto-dimming mirrors and rainsense wipers are additional creature comforts that surely won’t go unnoticed. The Premium Luxury is also the only CT4 trim level with the exception of the V-Series where you can get the larger 2.7L Dual-Volute turbocharged engine—delivering an impressive 310 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque.

Those who prefer more aggressive styling should opt for the Sport trim, which adds exclusive dark accents, performance grilles, fascias, rockers, taillamps and a unique spoiler to give the CT4 and more imposing presence on the road. The Sport isn’t merely all bark and no bite either, as more aggressive bolstered seats, available Brembo front brakes and performance run-flat tires make the CT4 even more invigorating to drive.

The V-Series is for enthusiasts who truly want to squeeze every ounce of performance and excitement from Cadillac’s compact sedan. The 2.7L Dual-Volute turbocharged four-cylinder yields an invigorating 325 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque in the CT4-V, which is paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. To effectively put that power to the pavement, the CT4-V is fitted with a performance suspension with Magnetic Ride Control, a limited-slip rear differential and a performance traction management system with Launch Control. The V-Series will also be available with Super Cruise in early 2021.

2021 Cadillac CT4 Exterior Colors

• Summit White
• Black Raven
• Diamond Sky Metallic (Premium Luxury only)
• Velocity Red
• Satin Steel Metallic
• Evergreen Metallic
• Shadow Metallic
• Wave Metallic
• Garnet Metallic
• Dark Moon Blue Metallic
• Crystal White Tricoat
• Rift Metallic
• Infrared Tintcoat  

2021 Cadillac CT4 Pricing

In entry-level configuration, the 2021 Cadillac CT4 RWD Luxury starts at $34,390 after destination and delivery. AWD Luxury models start at $36,990.

Premium Luxury RWD models start at $38,590 with the 2.0L turbocharged engine. With the larger and more powerful 2.7L powertrain, the starting MSRP is $42,490. In AWD configuration, those starting figures increase to $41,790 and $45,690, respectively.

RWD Sport trims start at only $39,690—a tremendous value for a sedan that delivers this level of luxury and performance under $40,000. AWD Sport models start at $42,290.

The enthusiast-oriented V-Series is available in both RWD and AWD configurations, starting at $45,890 and $46,990, respectively.

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