Quote:
Originally Posted by mgescuro
Really? The CTS has 20-way power seats?
CTS slots well on most things. But it still doesn't quite match up to the 5-series -- especially on the higher end.
And we're still waiting for push button start, for crying out loud! There's no fathomable reason why we had to wait an extra 2 years for the damn thing, especially when it already is part of the Cadillac parts bin.
You have to understand, Cadillac is trying to establish/re-establish its name in Europe -- a marketplace that is fiercely nationalistic. In order for Cadillac to make a real impact, it not only has to be comparable to the Europeans, it's got to offer something the Europeans don't. Cadillac as a whole, just isn't there yet.
GM doesn't understand this market. They don't understand why Cadillac isn't doing well in Europe. But the answer is right in front of their face. Cadillac hasn't proven itself a competent vehicle. Nor does it offer the levels of attention to detail Europeans are accustomed to. Nor does it offer the technology, amenities, and luxury the Europeans are accustomed to. And Cadillac doesn't offer a true entry level... or a diesel... Or a competent, luxurious, standout dealership and service network. Cadillac's got problems.
BUT... the best way for Cadillac to make a solid impact in Europe... is the V-series. Power... performance... style... an a unique experience unlike anything European. Cadillac needs to play off its American-ness... but in doing so, prove that just because it's American, it isn't a hokey piece of ****. |
On the seats, I find the new CTS seats more comfortable than a 7 series or 5 series. May not have 20 way adjustment, but I have riden shot gun for well over 500 miles in my uncles 7 series and still haven't found a comfortable setting on those for myself and I tweak them the whole ride everytime I visit him and ride around in that car. With little to no adjustment in the new CTS I am plenty comfortable. 20 way adjustable seats just add uneeded weight. What high end sofas or reclining chairs bother with multi adjustment and sell anywhere near the quantity of simple sofas and reclining chairs that just offer high grade foams and structures to support them rather than multi adjustment?? Cadillac is just taking a different approach on the seats and are probably saving weight in doing so. Not a huge fan of the thin back design of the new car, but they ended up comfortable for me anyhow.
On the push button start. That is PURELY a gimmick and doesn't sell more than a handful of cars. Anyone that knows the REAL advantage of keyless go will be 100% satisfied with the new CTS approach. Only SciFi fanatic mindset sorts are going to get anything extra out of a button.
The only reasonable point you made talking about Cadillac in europe was the point about the dealership network and that isn't something you can grow overnight when you start from near nothing. Unless you are OK with them being sold along side Opels. And on the true entry level points, they only offer somewhat higher price points with Caddy because they HAVE OPEL to deal with entry level non-leather 4 German cars and such. You of all people should understand there is something to be said of not offering the lowest price points when striving to be a high end brand. In my opinion they shouldn't have even bothered with the BLS until they could offer a more competitive product.
Cadillac has it's work cut out for it, but your assessment of their faults comparing the new CTS to the 5 series are very opinionated and not what I would expect the average cross shopper to conclude. Just because you are a picky buyer that likes all the most expensive and gizmoed out way of designing a car doesn't mean some people aren't more interested in a more streamlined and simple yet effective approach to solving the same issues. Comfortable seats don't need ANY adjustments if proper foams and structrure are used and keyless go does not need a button to be a natural way to get rid of the hassle of fumbling around with keys. I actually hope Cadillic sticks with the keyless column dial all the way up the line and make it a trademark of the Cadillac way of going keyless just if for no reason other than being unique and annoying people like you that want love Cadillacs but can't get past such pointless differences in approach to solving a problem.