You read that correctly. This family-friendly wagon accelerates to 60 mph as quickly as a Lamborghini Gallardo. Let that sink in for a moment. The Cadillac CTS-V Wagon isn’t just fast for a wagon; it’s legitimately supercar fast. This incredible performance is a key reason why it earned its reputation as one of the quickest production sedans, and arguably wagons, in the world. It’s a vehicle that continues to elicit giggles from enthusiasts who have experienced its raw power firsthand.
However, like any performance machine, the CTS-V Wagon isn’t without its quirks. Achieving optimal launch control can be a challenge due to its tendency to overwhelm the tires with power. The automatic transmission, while swift, sometimes feels a touch disconnected. Instead of sharp, decisive gear changes, it can feel like it’s gliding between gears. A more aggressive transmission software tune would undoubtedly enhance the driving experience, delivering those satisfying, neck-snapping shifts that performance enthusiasts crave.
If it were judged solely as a sedan, it might score an 8 out of 10. But the fact that it’s a wagon elevates it, adding an extra point for its sheer audacity and practicality combined.
Braking: 8/10
The Cadillac CTS-V Wagon is equipped with substantial Brembo brakes, and they are more than up to the task of bringing this high-speed wagon down from exhilarating velocities. The brake pedal offers a reassuringly solid feel, allowing for easy modulation and precise control. Even after some enthusiastic driving sessions pushing the car’s performance limits, brake fade was virtually non-existent.
While a more immediate initial bite from the brake pads would be welcomed, it’s important to remember this is primarily a street car, not a dedicated track weapon. For everyday road driving and spirited weekend blasts, the braking performance is more than adequate; in fact, it’s mind-blowingly impressive for a vehicle that blends performance sedan capabilities with wagon practicality.
Ride: 8/10
Cadillac’s Magnetic Ride Control technology is the kind of feature that makes you wish you had invented it. Imagine the riches and the yacht equipped with the same technology, anchored in the Caribbean, as you sip a rum punch. But, I digress.
In “Touring” mode on the highway, the CTS-V Wagon provides a comfortable and compliant ride. It effectively absorbs road imperfections and doesn’t punish you for choosing performance. It’s a testament to the sophistication of the Magnetic Ride Control that it manages to balance comfort and performance so effectively.
Switching to “Sport” mode firms things up considerably, allowing you to feel more of the road surface, including expansion joints, smaller potholes, and minor imperfections. The transformation between modes is genuinely remarkable, and it’s easy to see why high-performance brands like Ferrari have adopted similar technology. The CTS-V Wagon offers one of the better rides in the performance wagon segment. After a long journey, you won’t feel like you’ve gone a few rounds with Bruce Lee, regardless of the chosen mode.
Handling: 7/10
The V Wagon boasts impressive levels of grip and handling prowess, far exceeding what most drivers would ever explore on public roads. During spirited drives, it clings to the asphalt with tenacity, providing a genuinely delightful experience when you’re carving through your favorite back roads and keeping pace with sports cars that appear far more overtly performance-oriented.
However, the steering feel is a tad numb, and the oversized steering wheel can make precise car placement slightly more challenging than desired. In fact, the large steering wheel is arguably the biggest drawback in the driving experience. While a larger wheel might be appropriate for a bus or truck, a smaller, thicker-rimmed wheel would significantly enhance the feel and connection in a performance car like the CTS-V Wagon. A smaller diameter wheel contributes immensely to the overall driving experience and sense of agility.
Gearbox: 7/10
Both transmission options offered in the CTS-V Wagon are solid performers. The Tremec manual transmission in models so equipped features medium-length throws and a clutch pedal with decent weight. The automatic transmission excels at rapid launches and executes gear changes faster than most drivers could manage manually. In manual mode, the automatic transmission commendably holds gears, a refreshing departure from many automatics that second-guess driver input.
However, the automatic transmission can also exhibit a slightly lazy character. In automatic mode, gear shifts can feel somewhat languid, lacking the crispness and immediacy expected in a performance model. The sensation is akin to a seal clumsily sliding off a dock or Jello wobbling off a counter. For a performance-focused vehicle, a more aggressive and responsive shift program would be more fitting. Additionally, the automatic defaults to a second-gear start unless in sport mode, presumably for fuel economy. However, this isn’t a car purchased for fuel efficiency. This is a vehicle that encourages you to deplete global oil reserves with every exhilarating drive.
In fact, there’s a perverse sense of pride in watching the fuel gauge plummet in the CTS-V Wagon.
Audio: 6/10
One might expect the audio experience in a supercharged V8 performance wagon to be exceptional. After all, it’s a supercharged V8! It should deliver an earth-shattering soundtrack. However, the reality is somewhat subdued.
The CTS-V Wagon is designed to be a family car at heart, and its exhaust note reflects this duality. When you push the accelerator, you’ll hear a respectable growl and the characteristic supercharger whine, but it’s not the kind of auditory drama that compels you to shed your inhibitions and howl at the moon.
The stereo system is decent, providing adequate sound quality for everyday listening, but it’s not particularly noteworthy. In a somewhat perplexing tech glitch, the system also refused to recognize an iPod, leaving the reason for this incompatibility a mystery. Perhaps the Cadillac has a hidden aversion to certain music genres.
Toys: 6/10
The CTS-V Wagon is equipped with a respectable array of tech features, including navigation, backup cameras, satellite radio, Magnetic Ride Control, Bluetooth connectivity, and cruise control. However, the execution of these features is far from flawless.
Several gripes detract from the overall tech experience. The navigation system occasionally suggests illogical routes, such as directing you north when your destination is south. Bluetooth pairing requires voice commands, which can be cumbersome. And the unexplained iPod incompatibility issue remains a persistent annoyance. Perhaps the Cadillac’s tech simply has a mind of its own.
Value: 8/10
The specific CTS-V Wagon tested was a limited-edition 2013 Stealth Blue Special Edition. This trim level added unique Stealth Blue paint, black wheels, a black chrome grille, Alcantara interior accents, and Recaro performance seats. This package added a significant $6,200 to the price, pushing the total to around $73,000. While pricey, one could opt for the standard model in silver with black wheels, Alcantara interior, and the desirable manual gearbox to reduce the cost.
Consider the CTS-V Wagon from a different perspective. It’s a high-performance sleeper that’s quicker than the vast majority of vehicles on the road, including many exotic sports cars, and it offers the practicality of a wagon, capable of hauling a substantial amount of cargo. The only comparable mega-wagon at the time, the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Wagon, commanded a significantly higher price tag. The CTS-V Wagon represents a unique moment in automotive history, a confluence of factors that allowed engineers and bean counters to align and create something truly special and fun. Production of the CTS-V Wagon continued through the 2014 model year, meaning examples are still available on the used market for those seeking this unique blend of performance and practicality.
Will we ever see another V-Series wagon from Cadillac? The future is uncertain. And it’s unlikely that if another one emerges, it will capture the same raw, unapologetic spirit as this generation. Minor interior shortcomings, slightly dated technology, and an oversized steering wheel are easily forgiven. Even the substantial fuel consumption becomes a minor concern when weighed against the sheer visceral thrill and emotional connection the CTS-V Wagon delivers. It’s not the perfect car in every objective metric, but the CTS-V Wagon is undeniably an epic machine and a favorite among automotive enthusiasts for good reason.
74/100
Engine: 6.2 Liter supercharged V8
Power: 556 HP at 6,100 RPM / 551 LB-FT at 3,800 RPM
Transmission: Six-Speed Automatic
0-60 Time: 3.9 seconds
Top Speed: 190 mph
Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive
Curb Weight: 4,425 Pounds
Seating: 5 people
MPG: 14 City/19 Highway/16 Combined
MSRP: $64,515 ($73,000ish As Tested)
