2013 Cadillac ATS AWD 2.0T

Isaac Bouchard

The first letter in the name of Cadillac’s newest could easily stand for “audacious.” Here is a car that unashamedly attempts to quantify the best from BMW’s back catalogue so as to offer serious sports sedan buyers the type of machine the Bavarians can be accused of no longer building.

It is sized like the last 3-series (E90) and designed to handle like that car’s predecessor, the E46. I’ve owned both, and can say that it succeeds on both counts, with more feelsome steering and arguably better body control and neutrality than the German’s latest, the F30 3-series. It runs one of two engines, the test car’s 2-liter turbo serving up bigger numbers than the BMW 328i’s, with 272hp and 260lb-ft. Coupled to a six speed automatic and optional all wheel drive it offers virtually lag-free takeoff and nice midrange power, but it runs over a second adrift of the BMW in acceleration to 60mph, as does the 3.6-liter, six cylinder version when compared to a 335i. However, the Cadillac proffers better braking, with shorter stops and a stouter pedal activating the monoblock calipers.

When you’re not gunning for redline or trouncing a back road, the ATS falls down a bit. While its ride quality is admirably judged and road noise only slightly higher than that of the 3-series, living with it can be frustrating at times. Entry into the tight back seat is difficult due to the svelte roofline, and once there, long-range comfort is somewhat hard to find. Interior architecture is as avante-gard as the bodywork, with beautiful sweeping forms and lots of black chrome accents. But the non-moving, touch-sensitive buttons that control everything from volume to climate control don’t respond in a predictable manner, and the CUE infotainment system is half-baked, with a very slow response time and inconsistent feedback. Beyond that, some materials are subpar, most notably the dash and upper door skins, whose stitched vinyl look and feels cheap.

Nonetheless this Cadillac is very compelling; it looks fantastic: fresh and distinctive with nice touches such as the semigloss trim in lieu of chrome and great lighting graphics. It has a honed poise that bespeaks passionate people and thorough development, and there is nice breadth of available powertrain options. With some work on interior finishes, more consistency to the secondary controls and some stouter ponies underhood the ATS could be the class leader.

EPA ratings: 20/30; 24mpg combined
Price as tested: $48,375
Here is what Cadillac has to say about the ATS.