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Cadillac ATS-V: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Cadillac ATS-V is a compact high-performance luxury car sold as a sedan and coupe during its 2016-2019 run. It is known for sharp handling, a strong twin-turbo V6, and track-ready hardware in a car that remains usable day to day.
The ATS-V was Cadillac’s smallest and most agile V-Series model. Across its short run, it paired rear-wheel drive with quick responses, adaptive suspension, strong brakes, and a twin-turbo V6. It stayed largely consistent from launch through its final year, when the lineup narrowed to the coupe alone.
Strengths
- Its sharp responses and compact size give it the agile character that distinguishes it from larger performance cars.
- The twin-turbo V6 delivers the strong power expected of a serious performance model.
- Adaptive suspension helps it work on a track without making it impractical for everyday driving.
- Brembo brakes and an electronic limited-slip differential support hard driving rather than serving as appearance upgrades.
- Its premium cabin gives the ATS-V a more polished feel than a bare-bones sports car.
Who it's for
It fits drivers who want a compact luxury performance car that feels alert and engaging on a winding road or track but is still civilized enough for regular use. The sedan suits buyers who need easier rear-seat access, while the coupe puts style and the most focused two-door feel first.
Cadillac ATS-V lineup
The ATS-V did not have a broad trim ladder in its final-year lineup; 2019 cars are identified simply as Base models. Despite that name, the Base represents the complete ATS-V formula, with the twin-turbo V6, rear-wheel drive, adaptive suspension, upgraded brakes, and electronic limited-slip differential. The 2019 coupe also made the Carbon Fiber Package standard, so the final-year model stands apart through its aerodynamic body pieces rather than a higher trim name.
Cadillac ATS-V generations
From 2016 to 2019, the ATS-V spans 1 generation. The current 1st Generation arrived for 2016.
1st Generation (2016–2019)
The ATS-V was the high-performance version of the ATS, sold as a sedan and coupe with rear-wheel drive and a 464-hp twin-turbo V6. It also had adaptive suspension, upgraded brakes, an electronic limited-slip differential, and major chassis upgrades. The sedan was dropped for the final year, leaving only the coupe for 2019.
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2019
The sedan leaves the lineup, making the ATS-V coupe-only for its final year. The Carbon Fiber Package becomes standard.
2018
The touchscreen system is updated. The sedan and coupe otherwise carry over with no redesign.
2017
Android Auto is added through a minor touchscreen-system update. The performance hardware carries over.
2016New generation
The ATS-V debuts in sedan and coupe form with a 464-hp twin-turbo V6, rear-wheel drive, adaptive suspension, upgraded brakes, and strengthened chassis hardware.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Cadillac ATS-V.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of car is the Cadillac ATS-V?
The Cadillac ATS-V is a compact, rear-wheel-drive performance car. It combines a 464-hp twin-turbo V6, sharp handling, adaptive suspension and strong brakes with a premium cabin.
Did the Cadillac ATS-V come as both a coupe and a sedan?
Yes. The ATS-V was sold as a two-door coupe and a four-door sedan through 2018. The sedan was then dropped, so the final model year was coupe-only.
Does the Cadillac ATS-V come as a hybrid?
No. The ATS-V is a gas-only performance model. Its sole engine is a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V6.
Does the Cadillac ATS-V have all-wheel drive?
No. Every ATS-V is rear-wheel drive. An electronic limited-slip differential helps send power to the rear wheel that can use it most effectively.
How powerful is the Cadillac ATS-V?
Every ATS-V has a 464-hp twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6. It produces 445 lb-ft of torque and drives the rear wheels.
Who is the Cadillac ATS-V a good fit for?
It suits someone who wants a small, driver-focused Cadillac with serious performance hardware. Its main priorities are quick responses and track capability, but it still provides a premium cabin and everyday technology.
How many generations of the Cadillac ATS-V are there?
There is one ATS-V generation, covering 2016 through 2019. It debuted as the high-performance version of the ATS and ended after four model years.
How practical is the Cadillac ATS-V Coupe?
The final-year ATS-V Coupe seats four and has 10.4 cubic feet of trunk space. Its rear seat has 33.5 inches of legroom, so it is more suited to occasional passengers than roomy family duty.
Cadillac ATS-V Reviews
What owners are saying about the Cadillac ATS-V.
4.1
Cadillac ATS-V
(15 reviews)