The CTS is a mid-sized sport sedan intended to do battle with European imports. Although Cadillac had positioned the CTS as a compact sedan, its larger proportions were more in line with the mid-sized offerings of most luxury automakers. An overhaul for the 2014 model year saw the CTS grow by an additional 5 inches which makes it larger than either the BMW 5-Series or the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The CTS is offered with three distinct powertrains: a 272-bhp 2.0l turbocharged four cylinder, a 321-bhp 3.6l V6 and a 420-bhp twin-turbo 3.6l V6. The first two are available in a variety of trim levels and are available with optional all-wheel-drive. The 3.6l V6 twin-turbo is exclusively available on the Vsport performance model. Although pricing for the CTS starts under $50,000, most models with leather seating are well over $50,000.

The third generation CTS wears all new styling on a platform that is 1.2 inches longer in wheelbase and 5 inches longer in overall length. Powertrain changes include a new 2.0l four-cylinder engine rated at 272-bhp and a new twin-turbo V6 engine rated at 420-bhp. A 321-bhp normally aspirated V6 is also offered. Some powertrain combinations include a new eight-speed automatic transmission.