Of course, Cadillac’s new 3.0L twin-turbo V6 is the star of the range, making an even 400 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque, yet promising superior efficiency thanks to cylinder deactivation and auto stop-start.

All CT6 powertrains will run through eight-speed automatics, the 2.0T and 3.6L V6 paired with a new unit that weighs significantly less than the current eight-speed in use with other Cadillac products, which will be used for the twin-turbo 3.0L.

Although a rear-drive platform at heart, only the 2.0T will be offered in rear-drive configuration, as both V6 models will be paired with a new all-wheel drive system featuring a two-gear transfer case that can quickly transfer torque to the front axles, though there is not mention of torque vectoring. However, Cadillac did make a point of noting that the transfer case can handle up to 958 lb-ft of work, so either a V16 is still in the works or the upcoming V-Series models will be all-wheel drive and very, very powerful.

Complementing the all-wheel drive system is Cadillac’s new Active Chassis System, which is a catchall for the adaptive steering, active rear steering, Magnetic Ride suspension and Tour, Snow/Ice and Sport settings for vehicle dynamics. Cadillac CT6 chief engineer wraps it up nicely: “To put it succinctly, every wheel drives and every wheel steers. And with Magnetic Ride Control, every wheel’s dampening is adjusted by the millisecond, for responsiveness and driver control unparalleled in the segment.” So it should drive nice and be comfortable and capable all year round.

More Related Articles

The suspension itself also focuses on minimizing weight, using an aluminum-intensive high-arm multilink short-long arm in the front and a five-link independent rear setup that uses “multiple outer ball joints and cross braces for optimal handling and steering precision.”

Moving into the car now, Cadillac went the distance to create a thoroughly luxurious car, aiming to match competitors for quality while delivering a unique aesthetic that would stand out and appeal to customers willing to consider a Cadillac full-size luxury sedan. Trying to conquest sales away from the German marques in this segment is no easy feat, but really it’s the S-Class and everybody else: in both the US and Canada, the S-Class outsells the 7 Series, A8 and LS combined.

Marketing hype can make even the most mundane interiors sound like the cabin of a luxury yacht, but spending some time inside the CT6 showed that Cadillac has indeed brought a new level of craftsmanship and finer grade of materials throughout the cabin.

Connect with Autos.ca