The Cadillac CT6, sold in the U.S. from 2016 to 2020, was Cadillac’s ambitious attempt to build a world-class rear-wheel-drive flagship sedan to rival the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7 Series. It used an aluminum-intensive body, offered a hand-built twin-turbo “Blackwing” V8, and in 2018 became the first car with Super Cruise, GM’s hands-free driver-assistance system. It was well reviewed but sold modestly as buyers shifted to SUVs, and U.S. production ended in early 2020.

At a glance
Model years (U.S.) 2016–2020
Layout Rear-wheel or all-wheel drive
Engines 2.0L turbo four, 3.6L V6, 3.0L twin-turbo V6, 4.2L twin-turbo V8 (CT6-V)
Firsts Super Cruise (2018), extensive aluminum construction
Built Detroit-Hamtramck, Michigan

Engineering

The CT6’s body combined aluminum and steel using new joining techniques, making it lighter than rivals of similar size. It offered rear-wheel steering and Magnetic Ride Control, and in its later years the CT6-V used Cadillac’s own 4.2-litre twin-turbo “Blackwing” V8, each hand-assembled.

Super Cruise debut

In 2018, the CT6 became the first vehicle with Super Cruise, which allowed hands-free driving on mapped divided highways while an infrared camera monitored the driver’s attention. Super Cruise has since spread across GM’s range, including the Escalade. Read Super Cruise vs Autopilot vs BlueCruise.

Rear-seat comfort

The CT6 had a spacious back seat, and higher trims offered rear-seat entertainment screens, massage and a Bose Panaray sound system with dozens of speakers. It was a credible alternative to European luxury sedans for chauffeured use.

Why it ended

The CT6 arrived just as large-sedan sales collapsed in the U.S. GM restructured its car lineup, and the CT6 ended U.S. production in early 2020, though a version continued in China. Cadillac’s energy shifted to SUVs and electric vehicles like the Lyriq and the hand-built Celestiq.

Legacy

The CT6 proved Cadillac could build a modern, technically ambitious flagship, and it launched Super Cruise. Its Blackwing V8 name lives on in Cadillac’s high-performance sedans.