Just in: 2014 Cadillac CTS proves luxurious and engaging

Like other motoring scribes, we raved about our time behind the wheel of a 2014 Cadillac CTS preproduction press car. I even pronounced on video that it drove better than rival, Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz sedans. (Read our Cadillac CTS first drive.)

But there was a worry, which we touched on in episode #14 of our Talking Cars podcast. The press cars that everyone praised were Vsport models—a top-level, low-sales sports version. Well, now we bought ourselves a "regular" 2014 CTS. No need to worry, because it still drives great, even without the Vsport twin-turbo treatment. The car is a responsive, fun, and cosseting travel companion, and its sharp handling puts a smile on our faces. 

Our CTS Premium all-wheel-drive model has the 321-hp, 3.6-liter V6 and six-speed automatic transmission; GM thinks that the V6 and 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder will have similar take rates, but we found a lot more six-cylinder cars on dealer lots. Opting for the midlevel Luxury trim line gets you a well-equipped car. Features such as forward collision and lane departure warning systems and heated-and-cooled front seats are included. We didn't really feel the need to add many extras here; a big moonroof ($1,250) and navigation ($905) pretty much did it for options. Sticker price for our car came to $58,780.

Shopping for our CTS again proved the value of calling around, even for a first-on-the-block car like this. One dealer offered me all of $100 off, stressing that the car had just arrived and was the only one they had. Another dealer discounted the car nearly $3,000 right off the bat via email. You can guess which dealer got our business.

We'd be lying if we didn't admit to missing the Vsport's nearly 100 extra horsepower, super-slick eight-speed automatic, and grippy summer tires. But our CTS is more than a consolation prize—far more—and it's racking up break-in miles at a quick pace.

—Tom Mutchler