And now, for something completely different

Are you in the market for a paint-by-numbers luxury vehicle that offers plenty of welcoming features but ultimately uninspiring design and paltry performance? No? Good -- because you won't find any of that with the Cadillac ATS. Instead, the ATS boasts exquisite styling, inspired handling, and cutting-edge features that are easy to use and that make your driving experience all the more enjoyable. Europe's luxury brands would do best to take notice. 

Performance

As attractive as the 2017 ATS looks on the outside, what fun would it be if it couldn’t back up that aggressive appearance with a bit of power? Luckily for you, the ATS is equipped to deliver thanks to a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that produces an impressive 295 pound feet of torque and 272 horsepower. All ATS engines come standard with rear-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. 

For those that desire even more performance, the ATS can also be outfitted with a 3.6-liter V6 capable of 335 hp and 285 lb-ft of torque. As with the standard 2.0-liter turbo engine, rear-wheel drive is standard while all-wheel drive is available.

The 2017 ATS is also a real pleasure to drive. It boasts advanced aerodynamics and a five-link rear independent suspension, not to mention available magnesium paddle shifters and available Cadillac Magnetic Ride Control, combining for an incredibly smooth ride. Regardless of your engine choice, you’ll find that the 2017 ATS not only has a lot of power, it also knows how to use it.

Features

The 2017 Cadillac ATS is a compact luxury sports sedan that starts at $34,595.* There is also a two-door ATS Coupe and a high-performance ATS-V, which are both reviewed separately.

In terms of trims, you have four options to choose from when picking out your dream ATS: Standard, Luxury, Performance, and Premium.

The Standard ATS is available in rear- or all-wheel drive and comes with a wide variety of extraordinary features, including a fully independent sport suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, rearview camera, keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. 

The 2017 Cadillac ATS is also one of the most technologically advanced models in its segment. For 2017, the Cadillac CUE infotainment system is now standard. It features voice controls, Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® smartphone integration, an eight-inch touchscreen, OnStar® emergency telematics, and 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability, to name but a few of its in-demand features. 

The Luxury trim level adds Adaptive Forward Lighting, 10-way driver front adjustable seats, a memory package with two presets for driver seat and exterior mirror settings, front and rear park assist, and more.

Moving up to the Performance trim, you’ll find everything included in the lower trims, as well as adaptive xenon headlights with automatic high beams, LED running lights, a sunroof, automatic wipers, collision alert, blind-spot warning, lane departure prevention, rear cross-traffic alert, and steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. 

Finally, the Premium Performance, which is available for rear-wheel drive models only, includes all of the features of Premium trim, plus Magnetic Ride Control adaptive dampers, revised suspension tuning, an increased-capacity engine cooling system, a limited-slip differential, 18-inch wheels, summer tires, a power tilt-and-telescope steering wheel, and a head-up display.

Design

There’s no question that the 2017 Cadillac ATS is an attractive vehicle, one that's guaranteed to turn heads wherever it goes. On the outside, the ATS is handsome without being desperate for attention, with clean, chiseled lines that sweep from the front tires to the rear brake lights, and smooth curves that evoke images of a drawn bow—exceptional power just waiting to break free.

On the inside, the ATS is equally sporty and luxurious, and available options allow you to add every high-quality material you could ask for, from wood to leather to metal. Cut and sewn upholstery adds a classic touch to the interior, especially when you familiarize yourself with the wide variety of color options available. They range from Jet Black Leatherette to Morello Red with Jet Black accents to Light Neutral with Medium Cashmere accents, so no matter your taste, there will be one that suits you.

Safety

Standard safety features for the 2017 Cadillac ATS include antilock disc brakes, traction control, stability control, active front head restraints, front-seat side and knee airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags. Also standard is OnStar®, which includes helpful services such as automatic crash notification, on-demand roadside assistance, remote door unlocking, stolen vehicle assistance, and turn-by-turn navigation. A rearview camera is also standard on all trims.

A number of additional safety and security packages can also be added to the standard list of features.

Verdict

The 2017 Cadillac ATS is a technologically advanced sedan that's as sporty as it is luxurious.

To learn more about the 2017 Cadillac ATS, or to schedule a test drive, be sure to call, contact us online, or visit  3Birds Template at 505 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516 to arrange a test drive. 

*The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment.