Cadillac at the Paris motor show 2008

By Guy Bird

Motor Shows

02 October 2008 11:53

The new CTS Sport Wagon took pride of place on Cadillac’s Paris show. After a strong reception at the elite Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach, California in August 2008, the European unveil was the first time most of us have been able to get up close and personal with the large estate.

The load-lugging version of the CTS keeps the same well received front-end looks and genuinely quality interior feel of the saloon but adds a pleasing and distinctively angular rear end and side profile. At 4859mm, 1842mm and 1502mm, it’s longer and taller than the Saab 9-5 Wagon and a fraction narrower than the BMW 5-series Touring.

With a long 2880mm wheelbase and a short front overhang, it has a strong proportion and planted presence – despite the show car’s unflattering wine red exterior. Boot space ranges from 349-704 litres. The rear-wheel drive car will be offered with two petrols at launch in the middle of 2009, including a range-topping 307bhp 3.6-litre petrol and a 247bhp 2.9 V6 diesel arriving by August 2009. All-wheel drive will be an option. 

Nothing. A daft white Escalade with a ‘hybrid’ sticker on its side looked almost sheepish – which was amusing. For about five seconds.

The CTS saloon and Sport Wagon mark a step change in quality for Cadillac. But translating that into the brand’s other models can’t come soon enough – especially given its stiff prestige competition in Europe.

CAR's Cadillac stand score: 3/5

Click here for up to the minute Paris motor show 2008 live reports

Click here for the previews and review: Guide to all cars

By Guy Bird