The Cadillac ATS-V: A Better BMW M3 Than the M3
Mechanical and electrical engineering work in harmony.
Like the Chevrolet Corvette, and Camaro ZL1, the ATS-V features an electronically-controlled limited-slip differential. It puts the power down smoothly, effortlessly and predictably. This is all tied in to the GM Performance Traction Management (PTM) system, which offers different drive modes to choose from. With Touring, Sport and Track modes available, the ATS-V can play multiple roles for different driving styles. The different drive modes affect steering weight, MagneRide settings, throttle response, and seemingly the exhaust note, though I’m unsure if the ATS-V has a bi-modal exhaust. Yours truly preferred the V in Track mode with all of the stability and traction aides turned off, at all times.
As far as driving dynamics go, the ATS-V is the new benchmark. It’s sharper, more agile, and dynamically superior to the BMW M3. I drove a highly-modified example with big power, thousands in suspension upgrades and semi-slick track tires. Even then, I think the ATS-V is a better sports sedan. Cadillac just got the fundamentals so right with this car, it’s unbelievable. This is one of the best driver’s cars at any price point. Truly, it’s incredible that, with their first effort, Cadillac nailed the dynamics of the ATS-V out of the box.
But…
Not everything is perfect in Cadillac Land. Let’s talk interior. The seats are wonderful, with this example having the optional Recaro front buckets. They look gorgeous, are very comfortable, and equally supportive. However, being that the ATS is simply a smaller sedan inside than the 3-series, the back seat room is obviously lacking, comparatively. It’s a trade off. I had five people piled into the V without issue, but people over 6′ better book it for that front passenger seat when everyone is walking to the car. I prefer the V’s slightly more cozy interior, so this is not a demerit from me.
Likewise, interior materials are a mixed bag. Cadillac got most of the “touch points” right. There are plenty of lovely alcantara pieces, like the seat inserts, steering wheel and shift knob that make the ATS-V feel truly premium. However, some cheap, scratchy plastics are also present, and piano black interior pieces always show smudge marks and look dirty.
There, there is CUE.
The Cadillac User Experience is universally loathed. The ATS-V’s entire infotainment system is controlled by CUE, which is bad. Really bad. The buttons aren’t actual buttons, but instead they are capacitive touch pieces. My fingers continually slipped off the buttons, or, at least, CUE didn’t register my inputs. Then there’s the whole problem that you have to look away from the road to know what button is being pressed. They’re all alike, offer no feedback, or differentiation. It’s a pain to navigate CUE, and borderline dangerous to do so while driving.
I would say that the system needs to be scrapped, but apparently, even CUE knows this because of how often it would sabotage itself. I experienced several instances of CUE blackouts where the system would stop working altogether until I turned the car off, and back on again. It’s a disaster, and a massive blemish on what is otherwise one of the best cars I have ever experienced, ever.
Move over to the last page to hear the shocking conclusion about the Cadillac ATS-V!
