2013 Cadillac ATS vs. Its Competition

Martin Padgett Editorial Director

The 2013 Cadillac ATS is GM's best effort yet at pitching a fastball right at the most densely populated part of the luxury-car market.

The other contestants in that niche include perennial best-sellers like the Audi A4.

Refreshed for 2013, the A4 has an eight-speed automatic available for its classy turbo-four engine; Audi Connect turns the sedan into a rolling wireless hotspot, and Google Earth mapping bleeds cutting-edge coolness all over its displays.

The BMW 3-Series sedan was new last year too; it's a bit bigger, again, and though some of its interior pieces feel less than inspiring and its shape isn't changed much, its driveline and handling are brilliant, as usual.

The Infiniti G37 is nearing the end of its life cycle; it's still a viable alternative to the BMW if you're on a slightly smaller budget.

It has a fairly large back seat and crisp handling, too.

Finally, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class added turbo-four power last year and updated its infotainment offerings.

It's still a conservatively styled piece, but it's friskier than ever, with steering that's nearing the BMW level of enthusiasm.