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Cadillac CT6: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Cadillac CT6 is a large luxury sedan known for combining a roomy, upscale cabin with sharper handling and more road feel than a traditional full-size luxury car. It served as Cadillac’s flagship sedan in the U.S. from 2016 through 2020.
The CT6 was Cadillac’s modern take on a flagship: spacious and comfortable, but still focused on the driver. Its lightweight construction helped it feel more responsive than its size suggests. Throughout its U.S. run, it also served as a showcase for Cadillac technology, from the rear camera mirror at launch to Super Cruise hands-free highway driving on select later cars.
Strengths
- It has genuine room for adults in back, with 40.4 inches of rear legroom in 2020.
- Its driver-focused tuning gives it sharper responses and more road feel than many large luxury sedans.
- The aluminum-intensive structure keeps this big sedan relatively light and helps it feel more agile.
- It introduced notable Cadillac technology, including a rear camera mirror and, on select 2018-and-newer cars, Super Cruise hands-free highway driving.
- The later Platinum delivers serious performance from a hand-built twin-turbo V8 rated at 500 horsepower in 2020.
Who it's for
The CT6 suits someone who wants the space and presence of a big luxury sedan without the soft, isolated feel often associated with one. It also makes sense for shoppers interested in distinctive American styling and advanced technology, especially if they are comfortable buying a model that ended its U.S. run after 2020.
Cadillac CT6 lineup
In the simplified 2020 lineup, the 3.6 Luxury is the straightforward entry point, pairing V6 power and all-wheel drive with a stronger standard safety package than earlier base cars. Step up to the 3.6 Premium Luxury for a more technology- and comfort-focused version without changing the basic engine. The 4.2 Platinum is the performance and luxury centerpiece, distinguished by its hand-built twin-turbo Blackwing V8 and added high-end comfort, suspension, and audio features. Earlier years had a broader mix that included base models, turbocharged four-cylinder engines, other V6 choices, and a short-lived plug-in hybrid.
Cadillac CT6 generations
From 2016 to 2020, the CT6 spans 1 generation. The current 1st Generation arrived for 2016.
1st Generation (2016–2020)
The CT6 launched as Cadillac’s flagship sedan on a new rear-wheel-drive platform with a lightweight, aluminum-heavy structure and an eight-speed automatic. A major 2019 refresh revised the front and rear styling, reorganized the trims, and brought a 10-speed automatic across the lineup.
30 In Stock
2020Trim changes
The final U.S. model year cut the range to three trims and two engines. More safety, comfort, suspension, and audio equipment became standard.
2019Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front and rear styling joined a 10-speed automatic and a reorganized trim lineup. The Blackwing twin-turbo V8 arrived midyear, while the plug-in hybrid left the U.S. range.
2018
Super Cruise hands-free highway driving technology debuted on upper trims. The basic design, cabin, and core engines carried over.
2017Trim changes
The CT6 Plug-In hybrid joined the lineup. Gasoline models were otherwise largely unchanged.
2016New generation
The all-new CT6 debuted on Cadillac’s rear-wheel-drive Omega platform with three engines, an eight-speed automatic, and AWD on V6 models.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Cadillac CT6.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Cadillac CT6 a sedan or an SUV?
The Cadillac CT6 is a four-door luxury sedan with seating for five. It was built as Cadillac’s large flagship-style car, with a long body, a roomy cabin, and more emphasis on responsive handling than a traditional soft-riding luxury sedan.
What is the Cadillac CT6 known for?
The CT6 is known for combining full-size luxury-sedan space with a more driver-focused feel. Its lightweight construction, responsive handling, distinctive lighting, roomy cabin, and technology-rich interior help separate it from softer large luxury sedans.
Does the Cadillac CT6 come as a hybrid?
Yes. Cadillac sold a rear-wheel-drive CT6 Plug-In for 2017 and 2018. It paired a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with two electric motors and included upscale features such as heated and ventilated front seats, rear entertainment, and a display projected onto the windshield.
Is every Cadillac CT6 all-wheel drive?
No. Earlier turbo-four and plug-in hybrid CT6 models used rear-wheel drive, while the V6 models generally paired their engines with all-wheel drive. By the final U.S. model year, every CT6 trim used all-wheel drive.
How many generations of the Cadillac CT6 were sold in the U.S.?
The U.S. received one CT6 generation, covering 2016 through 2020. Cadillac refreshed it for 2019 with redesigned front and rear styling, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and a reorganized trim lineup.
Who is the Cadillac CT6 a good fit for?
The CT6 suits someone who wants a spacious American luxury sedan without giving up steering response and road feel. It also makes sense for drivers who value generous rear-seat space, strong highway comfort, and distinctive Cadillac styling.
Cadillac CT6 Reviews
What owners are saying about the Cadillac CT6.
4.3
Cadillac CT6
(840 reviews)
“The ride is very smooth and the car is easy and fun to drive. The technology in the car is easy to learn and use. It gives a great level of comfort when you are driving alone or with others in the car to know that if something unexpected happens the car will stop itself and prevent an accident.”
“Cadillac got it right with this design. It's younger and hipper than previous models with great lines and German performance”
“Exceptional performance luxury and exclusivity are the hallmarks of this vehicle.”
“The most comfortable and sporty car you can find with breakthrough options including 34 speaker stereo and massaging seats.”
“Excellent ride, comfort. Technology isn't the greatest. Paint/finish is well done.”
Sources
- cadillac.com — Brochures / 2020 / MY20 CT6 Brochure v1
- cadillac.com — Brochures / 2019 / 19 CAD CT6 CT6 V 50999.pdf
- cadillac.com — Brochures / 2018 / 2018 Cad Ct6 Brochure R1
- cadillac.com — 2018 / On Star / 2018 Cadillac CT6 Catalog revMAY2018
- cadillac.com — Supercruise / Pdfs / 2018 Cad Ct6 Supercruise Personalization
- cadillac.com — Brochures / 2017 / 2017 Cad Ct6 Plug In Brochure
- static.nhtsa.gov — Tsbs / 2016 / MC 10082342 5448