First-ever compact luxury coupe. That is how Cadillac describes its new two-door version of the ATS while also touting it’s being lighter and more agile and even more engaging than its competitors. OK, they say it’s designed to be all those things but is the 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe capable of taking on the Bavarian competition?
2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe/Images courtesy Cadillac
In a word, yes. The new two-door baby of the Cadillac lineup is definitely a Caddy inside and out with its signature design and styling cues and when outfitted with the likes of this turbocharged four-cylinder engine spitting out 272hp to all four wheels there is as much driving excitement as in those German counterparts.
This chassis is stiff yet never feels overbearing and the ride is tight, compliant and feels ever eager to respond to driver inputs. I looked at the sedan version of the ATS in 2013 and I don’t remember it being quite this fun to drive, but perhaps that is part of the visceral experience the coupe brings to the table along with its inherent characteristics.
Some of the highlights of these characteristics include:
• Nearly perfect 50/50 weight balance and low center of gravity,
• Five-link independent rear suspension featuring lightweight, high-strength steel and efficient straight link designs,
• A multi-link double-pivot MacPherson-strut front suspension with direct-acting stabilizer bar,
• Underbody aerodynamic shields,
• Premium, belt-driven electric variable-effort steering gear from ZF Steering Systems,
• Brembo front brakes,
• Eighteen-inch aluminum wheels,
• Available all-wheel drive.
Our tester also arrived with the driver-adjustable FE3 sport suspension that includes Cadillac’s Magnetic Ride Control that provides real-time damping delivering even more body motion control every millisecond.
While the new Coupe rides on the same platform as its sedan counterpart it features unique roof, doors, rear fenders and trunk lid along with model specific front fascia and fenders and the Coupe benefits from a wider track than the ATS sedan.
Technology upgrades for the 2015 model include the OnStar 4G LTE WiFi hotspot along with wireless device charging inside a compartment hidden behind the climate control panel.
Pricing for the 2015 ATS Coupe Premium tester we enjoyed begins at $48,205 including the AWD and this car came with a final sticker of just under 51 grand thanks to upgraded body paint and interior scheme. The 272hp turbocharged 2.0-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine also generates 295 lb. ft. of torque and with the AWD is rated at 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.
The 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe is very worthy competitor for the German models as well as the best of what Asia sends to North America. Time will tell if buyers can be persuaded to give up the imports they have come to love but this Cadillac will most likely bring a new breed of consumer to the compact luxury sport segment.
