Cadillac going big with its new CT6 sedan

Cadillac is remaking itself with the launch of a large sedan, the CT6, which will start at about $55,000.

For years, Cadillac was the car you bought when you wanted something big and prestigious - the "standard of the world," as it billed itself.

But in recent years, other luxury brands, particularly those from Europe, have garnered "must-have" status for many buyers instead.

Now, Cadillac is in the middle of trying for a big comeback, literally, with their new big car, the 2016 CT6.

For its starting price of about $55,000, the CT6 offers plenty of luxury, plenty of space inside, and plenty of technology. A variety of available engines are offered, and there's an important element for cars in this class: rear-wheel drive.
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This car is part of Cadillac's plan to remake itself. The new boss spent time at Audi, and then Infiniti, and the brand's headquarters moved from Detroit to Manhattan, for a true world-class vibe.

The mission of the CT6 is to try to woo buyers away from German luxury models. Specifically the BMW 7 Series, which is an all-new design this year that brims with technology. It holds down the athletic side of the luxury sedan segment with sporty driving dynamics for a pretty large car.

Or some luxury shoppers might consider the CT6 as an alternative to the Mercedes-Benz S-class, long on the wish list of those who have plentiful assets, and those who aspire to. The big Benz's newest trick is that it's available as a plug-in hybrid, to give it an eco side.

On paper, the new Cadillac has the goods to compete, and carries a rather lofty sticker price if you opt for the range-topping Platinum model. Well over $80,000 for that ultimate version of Caddy's ultimate large sedan.

And there's been talk of Cadillac going even more upscale, and the name of this newest car gives a bit of a clue. CT6 is obviously not the highest number they could have used.

But for now, a proposed CT8 model with a $100,000+ price tag has been shelved. Cadillac might have figured that Mercedes, BMW, and others already own that narrowly-focused market of six-figure super sedans.

The CT6 is also likely to soon be doing battle with the upcoming large Continental model from long-time rival Lincoln. It's due out later this year, and will compete with the big Cadillac in both size and price.