FEATURES | 9 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
The pop-up navigation screen is still effective and intuitive
Los Angeles Times
The optional navigation screen retracts into the dash, but leaves the top inch visible as the touchscreen display for the audio system -- a slick touch.
Edmunds
can store tracks off your favorite CDs
Motor Trend
glide-up touchscreen navigation system
Autoblog
The base sedan comes with power doors, locks, and mirrors; cruise control; automatic dual-zone climate control; a power driver seat; a tilt and telescoping steering wheel; an AM/FM/CD/XM audio system with auxiliary jack; an air filtration system; and automatic headlamps. Base cars come with 'leatherette' vinyl seats, a Euro-like touch that's disappointing. The Sport Wagon adds a power tailgate to that list. The Performance package adds standard 18-inch wheels, the FE2 suspension, and high-intensity discharge head-lamps. The same package on the bigger V-6 nets standard surround sound and a USB/iPod interface.
Rolled up with all the major options—a panoramic sunroof, all-wheel drive, a 40GB hard drive for navigation and music files, heated seats, and Bluetooth connectivity—the CTS Sport Wagon will tingle the nether regions of a $50,000 sticker. It's still in the range of an Audi A4 Avant—and superior in many ways.
The major options include a panoramic sunroof; Bluetooth connectivity; ventilated seats; a pet cover for the wagon's cargo hold; and 18- or 19-inch wheels and tires, to go with different suspension packages and all-weather or summer tires. An easy-to-use entertainment system for its hard-drive music storage and a memory function that stores radio broadcasts (kind of like TiVo) are among the highlights not found on other models, and the audio system includes a USB port, iPod integration, and MP3 playback capabilities.
Conclusion
Excellent audio and navigation systems, a long list of luxury features, and serious performance upgrades altogether won't leave you disappointed—but remember to skip the base upholstery.
