If you are car shopping for a luxury vehicle, chances are you’re considering brands like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. Other options might include Lexus, Genesis, and Acura. But what about Cadillac?

Cadillac is a brand that used to represent the very finest luxury cars on the planet. Today, we know the ubiquitous Escalade, but we all tend to forget about the sedans. The V Series and Blackwing cars get all the headlines, but what about the standard cars? 

Let’s take a look at entry-level luxury. When we consider Cadillac, we’re checking out the base model CT4. At $34,840, it’s cheaper than the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and the Mercedes A-Class. Is this a case of getting what you pay for, or does the base CT4 represent a bargain you should consider?

2022 Cadillac CT4 – performance and efficiency

In the small, entry-level luxury sedan segment, the CT4’s main rivals are the Audi A3, BMW 228i Gran Coupe, and the Mercedes-Benz A220. All of those cars are front-wheel drive. The CT4 gets a rear-wheel-drive chassis that is sharp and rewarding in the handling department. All-wheel drive is an option but carries a $2,575 price tag.

The base model gets a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 235 horsepower. That engine feeds an eight-speed automatic transmission which gives the CT4 a 0 to 60 mph time of 6.2 seconds. That’s on par with the BMW and Audi, which have to make do with less horsepower.

The EPA estimates that the CT4 will return 23 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. That’s a bit less than its rivals but still respectable for the segment.

Exterior design and features

The CT4 is a looker and won’t get easily lost in the crowd of sedans on the road. Beauty is always in the eye of the beholder, but we think that the Cadillac’s design language, with its chiseled good looks, is one of the best. It is also nicely proportioned with a square stance. 

In keeping with the tradition of most vehicles on sale today, the only standard colors are black and white. All other colors carry a $625 to $1,225 premium.

17-inch bright silver wheels fill the arches on the base car with 19-inch wheels an option for an additional $2,350.

LED headlights, taillights, and heated and power-folding rearview mirrors are standard. No sunroof is included on the base car and is a $2,200 option with the premium sound system package.

Comfort and multimedia

Comfort is a quality that a Cadillac should have in abundance. However, the base CT4 comes with Leatherette seats and a tight rear seat. You might find the cabin a bit on the cramped side if you are above six feet tall. 

The seats, while not leather, are 12-way power-adjustable, but getting them heated requires the cold weather package ($600). The interior is nicely laid out and attractive, but the quality of materials is nowhere near what you get from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes. 

The central infotainment display measures eight inches and has the requisite Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system also serves as a WiFi hotspot. Getting the Bose 14-speaker sound system and navigation requires purchasing the Sun and Sound Package, which carries a $2,200 price tag.

Safety feature

Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, pedestrian avoidance, and a rearview camera. You also get eight airbags and rear parking assistance. These are all pretty standard features found on most vehicles. If you want the additional active safety technology and Cadillac’s Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving, you’ll need to opt for the Premium Luxury or Sport trim.

There is no crash test data available for the CT4, but let’s be clear, that doesn’t mean the car is unsafe, just that it hasn’t been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS yet.

Is the 2022 Cadillac CT4 base model worth buying?

The CT4 is a great-looking entry-level luxury car with surprisingly engaging handling and rear-wheel drive. If you want to stand out in a sea of Audis, BMWs, and Mercedes, then the CT4 should be on your radar. However, the base car needs more power, more space, and more luxury features to stand above its rivals from Germany. 

If you are interested in the CT4, opt for a higher trim level with the bigger engine. You’ll appreciate the extra features and technology as well as the bump in power. With either the Premium Luxury trim or Sport trim, the CT4 is every bit as capable and feature-filled as the best entry-level luxury cars in its class.

Related: 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing vs. Cadillac ATS-V: How Much Faster Is the New Car?