Cadillac CTS vs Mercedes-Benz E-class

 

Cadillac CTS. Price: 1,423,000 RUB. On sale: since 2007.
MB E-class. Price: 2,650,000 RUB. On sale: since 2009.


Cadillac CTS and the new "E-class" Mercedes are almost classmates. Almost — because as soon as it comes to comparing the cost of these cars, everything immediately falls into place: the "German" is almost twice as expensive as the "American." So, maybe there's no point in overpaying? Our reader Svetlana Kocheganova reflects on this topic


Svetlana Kocheganova, head of sales department, drives an MB E-class, 20 years of driving experience

Let's just get all the facts straight right away. I have never been in awe of American cars, and especially not of Cadillac. For some, this brand may be associated with luxury and wealth, but for me, such cars are just extras in a blockbuster action movie, nothing more. They can be blown up, used for ramming, they can even improve demographics, but driving them... The thing is, I've spent my entire conscious life behind the wheel of German cars, which is why they are the benchmark for me. A reasonable question arises: what am I doing here then? The notorious irrepressible female curiosity — that's what prevailed over common sense. Too many people claim that Cadillac is not what it used to be. That it drives better, quality is up to par, and the equipment is beyond compare. Okay, let's see if this CTS can at least come close to the "E-class."

 

Exterior

I'll start, naturally, with the exterior. I don't know about you, but I really don't like such an aggressive appearance. There's something theatrical, pretentious about it. The new "E-class" has also frowned a bit due to different headlights, but that doesn't spoil it; it adds masculinity. The CTS, on the other hand, exudes an undisguised threat, both to others and to itself. I'm talking about the front overhang. The owner of this car will surely struggle with such a "chin." You can hang the bumper on a curb when turning around only if it's as low as a pack of cigarettes. Mercedes is not a benchmark in this regard either, of course, but I don't have problems with parking with it. I'm also not thrilled with the design of the rear of this car. The whitish taillights personally remind me of cheap Chinese goods. They don't add any solidity; on the contrary, they completely kill it. I won't deny that the rear lights of the new E-class are not a role model either, but at least they have style. But here... In general, it's a clear design failure.

Let's look inside

What pleased me in the CTS was the interior. I'll tell you, it's a breakthrough compared to what I've seen before! What used to fill the interior of an "American"? Right: a countertop with cup holders instead of a dashboard, a shapeless sofa instead of seats, and a radio with huge buttons instead of an audio system. Here, everything is more or less clear, European-style. Although "European-style" is perhaps too much. Rather, Japanese-style. There's too much here that, as it seems to me, first appeared on cars from the Land of the Rising Sun. I mean the separate wells for each scale, the tightly packed "beard" of the center console, and even the seats with overly developed lateral support. All this is undoubtedly great, but, alas, not original. The "E-class" is not so "flashy" in this regard. Its interior doesn't show a desire to "show off." And although the interior looks much more modest than the CTS, it has more stateliness and pedigree. And it's much more comfortable. For example, the backrests of the second-row seats have a much more comfortable angle of inclination than in the Cadillac.

 

Let's go

Now directly about what has long bothered me in "Americans," that is, driving. I won't hide that what I had to deal with before by chance doesn't compare to this car. I don't know who helped them tune the steering and suspension, but the CTS really handles well. It handles well, because cars from across the ocean never had problems with acceleration. And the brakes are quite adequate. However, it still doesn't reach the level of Mercedes. The thing is that the E-class is equally friendly to both the driver and passengers. That is, absolutely everyone gets pleasure. In the Cadillac, only the driver gets pleasure. And the main culprit is the sport-tuned suspension. Any bump on the road is stress for the CTS. Any bump on the road for the E-class is just one of the technical tasks that were solved at the design stage. That's what wins me over in the Mercedes brand.

 

Cadillac CTS

Driving
Dynamic, handles well, but the suspension leaves much to be desired. Its characteristics are clearly tuned for the driver.

Interior
Spacious, but not as comfortable as one would like. The main complaints are about the angle of the second-row seat backrest.

Comfort
Good sound insulation, excellent acoustics, the presence of a TV and DVD player — all this will undoubtedly brighten up any trip.

Safety
At the level of competitors.

 

 

 

Price
Undoubtedly attractive.

Mercedes-Benz E-class

Driving
Friendly to both driver and passengers. Allows you to relax even during dynamic driving. Braking efficiency is beyond all praise.

Interior
Spacious and comfortable. The quality of finishing materials matches the class of the car, and the conservative design emphasizes status.

Comfort
This car simply cannot be uncomfortable.

Safety
All conceivable systems are present.

Price
It may scare some off, but one should not forget what we are paying for.

My verdict

As I expected, the Cadillac did not become something that could make me reconsider my priorities even in the conditions of the financial crisis. Yes, the CTS is cheaper, yes, it is well equipped, and for that money it even has all-wheel drive, its appearance, though debatable, is, let's face it, memorable. However, in my understanding, it cannot in any way compete with the Mercedes-Benz E-class, where traditions and innovations have always gone hand in hand with respectability and quality. And I think I'm not alone in this opinion.



Expert opinion

Well, this time we also failed to "switch" our reader from one car to another, even though it is significantly cheaper. However, if you are not burdened by the weight of experience with cars from renowned European brands, I would still recommend looking at the Cadillac CTS. After all, for much less money than the MB E-class, you get not only a well-equipped car, but also a car that drives quite well. After all, it's not for nothing that its suspension was tuned at the famous Nürburgring. Don't forget about the availability of all-wheel drive. The MB E-class 4Matic is even more expensive.

 

DATA BANK