Versus German luxury-sedan stalwarts like the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the 2016 Cadillac ATS is probably the American luxury brand's best challenge to date—finally pairing stiff, lightweight construction, uniquely American styling, and lavish cabin appointments with an obsessive level of attention to dynamics and the driving experience.
Meanwhile, the German sedans in this category are heading off in different directions, it seems.
The latest version of BMW’s 3-Series is a touch softer and larger than it once was, and the ATS is a tick nicer inside, too.
The Audi A4 is due to be replaced for 2017, yet it's been kept up well on the tech front, with Google Earth and Audi Connect elements giving it an edge over Cadillac's sometimes kludgy CUE.
We think the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is awesome, and it has one of the best interior layouts (and styling) in this class, plus top-notch comfort and amenities.
The Infiniti Q60 sedan offers even more dramatic styling than the ATS, as well as impressive performance, but just like the ATS it's short on back-seat space.
One other model that's eagerly anticipated and arriving in the next year is the Jaguar XE; we haven't yet driven the XE, but so far, we like what we see.
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 2016 Cadillac ATSBrowse Used Listings |  2016 Audi A4Browse Used Listings |  2016 BMW 3-SeriesBrowse Used Listings |  2016 INFINITI Q60Browse Used Listings |  2016 Mercedes-Benz C ClassBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | ||||
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The 2016 Cadillac ATS meets all the benchmarks for performance, features, and driving dynamics, and it somehow emerges to market with a little more soul than most of its key rivals. |
The 2016 Audi A4 is still a handsome, strong competitor with solid fuel economy and good power from its lone engine, even as the current generation comes to a close. |
The 2016 BMW 3-Series delivers outstanding performance and comfort in a tastefully understated package. |
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is one very charming luxury car; in AMG trim, it's risen above and beyond Bavarian levels of handling. | |
| MSRP From | ||||
| $33,215 | $35,900 | $33,150 | N/A | $38,950 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 17 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | |
| Engine | ||||
| Gas I4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | N/A | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 |
| EPA Class | ||||
| Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars | N/A | Compact Cars |
| Style Name | ||||
| 4-Door Sedan 2.5L Standard RWD | CVT FrontTrak 2.0T Premium | 4-Door Sedan 320i RWD | N/A | 4-Door Sedan C 300 Luxury RWD |
| Drivetrain | ||||
| Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | N/A | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | N/A | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | ||||
| 4 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | ||||
| Sedan | FrontTrak Sedan | Sedan | N/A | Sedan |
| Transmission | ||||
| Automatic | CVT w/OD | Automatic w/OD | N/A | Automatic w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2016 Cadillac ATS vs. 2016 Audi A4 | 2016 Cadillac ATS vs. 2016 BMW 3-Series | 2016 Cadillac ATS vs. 2016 INFINITI Q60 | 2016 Cadillac ATS vs. 2016 Mercedes-Benz C Class | |
