The CTS Sport Wagon holds a very particular position: a large American premium estate, rare and original at a time when Cadillac was still trying to match Europe. Its sharp-edged silhouette gives it a strong identity, and the whole car is clearly aimed at buyers who want a high-end estate that looks unlike anything else. Its most natural rival is a BMW 5 Series Touring, but the Cadillac brings a far more demonstrative presence and a distinctly exotic feel.
The 3.0 and 3.6 V6 engines form the heart of the offer, with or without AWD. The estate body adds its own demands: load capacity, the tailgate, rear suspension, wind noise and perceived structural stiffness all need monitoring. Even on standard variants, a proper follow-up of the gearbox, cooling and running gear is essential to stay pleasant. On this body style, an average base makes itself felt immediately more than on the saloon.