2012 Cadillac CTS Coupe Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Entering its second year, Cadillac's entry-level luxury CTS Coupe gets 12 more hp, a revised grille and a few new options and features for 2012. Active front head restraints are now standard alongside Bluetooth connectivity, while a blind-spot warning system and heated steering wheel join the available options. None of these stem from driver feedback, however, and as a group, drivers would like to see better visibility, more elbow room and a stronger driving character.
Although reviewers give the CTS Coupe a piece of their mind on its lack of rear space, rip-roaring performance and outward visibility, drivers would rather live with those quirks if fixing them meant changing anything about this looker's style. Inside and out, the CTS Coupe is an exemplary display of Cadillac's knack for designing luxury on wheels. From its leanly muscular and blemish-free shell to its sinfully sexy executive interior, the CTS Coupe is a work of art made for the appreciation of it, rather than a need for speed.
Squint your eyes and a fuzzy CTS Coupe could pass for a famous fastback, but all 318 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque from its 3.6-liter V6 can't bring this behemoth to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds. It comes close, but frankly with a rating of 18 mpg city/27 highway, 6.5 seconds is close enough. Like that famous fastback, rear-wheel drive is the norm, and all-wheel drive is available, but the automatic transmission reaffirms this beauty's 6 speeds of sedate driving in the standard mode. For a bit more thrill and gas consumption, Sport and Manual modes offer more pickup but no improvement to agility.
For 2012 the CTS Coupe is available in Base, Performance and Premium flavors, differentiated by their features and available options. Despite what the names may suggest, none of the trims are tuned differently than the others—the suspension and driving dynamics have the very same stiff and bulky feel across the board. The Summer Tire Performance package available for the Performance and Premium trims offers 19-inch wheels, summer tires, a sportier suspension, upgraded brakes, a performance cooling system, a different grille and paddle shifters, and drivers comment that it doesn't make the ride unbearably harsh, but it also doesn't improve the driving dynamics very much.
Nevertheless, Cadillac's 2012 CTS Coupe comes well-appointed even in Base form, which features heated mirrors, rear parking sensors, keyless ignition/entry, 8-way powered front seats, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, OnStar and an 8-speaker Bose sound system with CD player and satellite radio. Cadillac does not offer any options for this trim level.
Moving up to the Performance adds features like adaptive xenon headlights, a blind-spot warning system, rear-view camera, remote ignition, driver seat memory, heated front seats and a 10-speaker Bose surround-sound system with CD/DVD player, digital music storage and iPod/USB connectivity. The long options list available for the Performance is standard for the Premium, and as such the Premium is offered with very few options but a fully-loaded features list, including everything from automatic wipers to a genius navigation system and added security.
User reviews for 2012 Cadillac CTS Coupe
Write a review2012 Cadillac CTS Coupe Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.4 · Front brake width: 1.18 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brake width: 0.9 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Center console trim: simulated carbon fiber · Dash trim: simulated carbon fiber · Door trim: simulated carbon fiber · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: second row · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): front and rear · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.23 · Limited slip differential: rear
Engine
Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: premium · Rear bumper color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Halogen · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
Steering
Steering ratio: 16.1 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8
Suspension
Front Arm Type: short and long arm (SLA) · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 29 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Front shock type: monotube · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear shock type: monotube
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: painted aluminum
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear · Wheel spokes: multi-spoke
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.4 · Front brake width: 1.18 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brake width: 0.9 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Center console trim: simulated carbon fiber · Dash trim: simulated carbon fiber · Door trim: simulated carbon fiber · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): front and rear · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.23 · Limited slip differential: rear
Engine
Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlights: wiper activated · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
Steering
Steering ratio: 19 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.3
Suspension
Front Arm Type: short and long arm (SLA) · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 33 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Front shock type: monotube · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 24 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear shock type: monotube
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: painted aluminum
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear · Wheel spokes: multi-spoke
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Hard Drive: 40GB · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.4 · Front brake width: 1.18 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brake width: 0.9 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Center console trim: simulated carbon fiber · Dash trim: simulated carbon fiber · Door trim: simulated carbon fiber · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: second row · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): front and rear · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo net · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.23 · Limited slip differential: rear
Engine
Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
Steering
Steering ratio: 16.1 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8
Suspension
Front Arm Type: short and long arm (SLA) · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 29 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Front shock type: monotube · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear shock type: monotube
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: painted aluminum
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear · Wheel spokes: multi-spoke · Width: 9.5
Wheels - Front Size if Different
Width: 8.5 inch
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Hard Drive: 40GB · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.4 · Front brake width: 1.18 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brake width: 0.9 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Center console trim: simulated carbon fiber · Dash trim: simulated carbon fiber · Door trim: simulated carbon fiber · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): front and rear · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.23 · Limited slip differential: rear
Engine
Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: cornering · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
Steering
Steering ratio: 19 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.3
Suspension
Front Arm Type: short and long arm (SLA) · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 33 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Front shock type: monotube · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 24 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear shock type: monotube
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: painted aluminum
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear · Wheel spokes: multi-spoke
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · USB auxiliary audio input · Hard Drive: 40GB · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.4 · Front brake width: 1.18 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brake width: 0.9 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: suede
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: steering wheel · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): front and rear · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Heated: multi-level heating · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.23 · Limited slip differential: rear
Engine
Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: premium · Rear bumper color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Heated: multi-level heating · Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
Steering
Steering ratio: 16.1 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8
Suspension
Front Arm Type: short and long arm (SLA) · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 29 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Front shock type: monotube · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear shock type: monotube
Telematics
Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheels: polished alloy
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear · Wheel spokes: multi-spoke · Width: 9.5
Wheels - Front Size if Different
Width: 8.5 inch
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Hard Drive: 40GB · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.4 · Front brake width: 1.18 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brake width: 0.9 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): front and rear · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.23 · Limited slip differential: rear
Engine
Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: premium · Rear bumper color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
Steering
Steering ratio: 19 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.3
Suspension
Front Arm Type: short and long arm (SLA) · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 33 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Front shock type: monotube · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 24 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear shock type: monotube
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: polished aluminum
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear · Wheel spokes: multi-spoke
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
