Throw it into a quick turn and the suspension immediately stiffens in response, keeping the body in firm control. The CTS's weight is nicely balanced, and the steering response is quick and intuitive.
In straight-line cruising, the ride is nicely cushioned but with pleasant feedback through the car's meaty leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The six-speed transmission has a sophisticated computer controlled "Sport" mode that does a surprisingly good job of shifting like a pro. You can also shift gears yourself by moving the gear selector fore and aft in the gate, but you'll soon figure out there's little point. The CTS does a fine job on its own.
My test car had the $3,300 "Performance Collection" option package which included slightly larger wheels, a sport suspension system and a limited slip differential. (It also includes a lot of non-performance options, including heated seats, high-intensity headlamps and heated windshield washer fluid.)
The BMW 3-series might be a shade more athletic but it is, after all, a slightly smaller car with a less comfortable back seat. As a Cadillac should, the CTS offers a more-than-acceptable compromise between spaciousness and sportiness.
