Want to shatter the European domination of the entry-luxury class? The CTS can help, though you may want to shop around at some of the hardware from Germany and Japan anyway.
The Audi A4's a strong seller, and in this generation it's more functional, with a bigger back seat.
The BMW 3-Series is in its last model year before a new generation arrives in 2013, but it's still the handling benchmark for the class--though the Infiniti G37 lineup of coupe, convertible and sedan comes close.
The Lexus IS has sedate styling and a well-finished interior, as does the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which gets a new turbo four base engine for the 2012 model year.
Almost all of these vehicles also comes in a spicy version akin to the Cadillac CTS-V, too--no matter whether it's an S4, M3, IRL, IS-F or C63.
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 2012 Cadillac CTSBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Audi A4Browse Used Listings |  2012 BMW 3-SeriesBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Mercedes-Benz C ClassBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||
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It has a styling leg up, and the 2012 Cadillac CTS backs up its looks with good dynamics, good build quality and a competitive set of body styles and options. |
The 2012 Audi A4 provides an engaging driving experience, impressive in-cabin technology, and surprisingly great fuel efficiency—making it a good everyday driver among premium sedans. |
Despite the weight gain, the BMW M3's still one of the most stunning performance vehicles we've driven. |
With a new base four-cylinder engine, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class makes even more sense for value-conscious (yet image-conscious) luxury shoppers. |
| MSRP From | |||
| $35,915 | $32,500 | $34,900 | $34,800 |
| Gas Mileage | |||
| 14 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 13 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||
| Gas V6 | Turbocharged Gas I4 | Turbocharged Gas I4 | Turbocharged Gas I4 |
| EPA Class | |||
| Mid-Size | Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Compact |
| Style Name | |||
| 4-Door Sedan 3.0L RWD | 4-Door Sedan CVT FrontTrak 2.0T Premium | 4-Door Sedan 328i RWD | 4-Door Sedan C 250 Sport RWD |
| Drivetrain | |||
| Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||
| 4 Door Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | 4 Door Sedan |
| Transmission | |||
| Manual | Continuously Variable Ratio | Manual | Automatic |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||
| 2012 Cadillac CTS vs. 2012 Audi A4 | 2012 Cadillac CTS vs. 2012 BMW 3-Series | 2012 Cadillac CTS vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C Class | |
