So, the 2019 Cadillac CT6 is getting a major update that includes an exterior facelift, updates to the technology, as well as new engines and transmissions. That much we have known for the last few months when Cadillac revealed the 2019 CT6 facelift ahead of the New York Auto Show. But what we didn’t know was the complete list of changes and updates to Cadillac’s full-size sedan, until now. Having combed through the order guide for the 2019 CT6, here’s exactly what’s going to be different.
Trim Levels
First and foremost, the 2019 Cadillac CT6 receives a new trim naming convention, as follows:
- Luxury takes over for previous CT6/base model
- Premium Luxury takes over for Luxury
- Platinum remain the same
- Addition of Sport as new trim level
Exterior
On the outside, the 2019 Cadillac CT6 deletes four exterior colors while adding two news ones:
Deleted colors:
- Dark Adriatic Blue Metallic
- Midnight Sky Metallic
- Deep Amethyst Metallic
- Stone Gray Metallic
New colors:
- Manhattan Noir Metallic (available at extra charge; no additional charge on Platinum)
- Shadow Metallic (available at extra charge; no additional charge on Platinum)
In addition, the 2019 Cadillac CT6 very notable introduces the “Y” trim level structure, which manifests itself in two types of exterior personas, one being for Luxury, Premium and Platinum trims, and the other for the new Sport trim. The Luxury Premium and Platinum models retain bright design features, while the Sport model features:
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- Ground effects (rockers, front splitters and rear extensions)
- Rear spoiler
- Dark side glass window moldings
- Body-color lower door moldings
- 19″ specific wheels specific to Sport trim level
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All models gets a new hood, decklid, front and rear fascias as well as new Cadillac signature headlamps and taillamps. Additionally, models equipped with the new 2.0L Turbo LSY engine feature dual exhaust.
Finally, two wheel choices are deleted and three wheel choices are added:
Deleted wheels:
- 18″ aluminum wheels with Blade Silver painted finish (RT4)
- 20″ Ultra Bright machined aluminum wheels with Manoogian Silver pockets (RQA)
New wheels:
- 18″ Luxury standard wheel (PTW)
- 20″ Active chassis optional wheel (RTJ)
- 19″ Sport standard wheel (PXX)
Powertrain
On the powertrain side, the 2019 Cadillac CT6 sees the following changes:
- Replacement of 2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder LTG engine with new 2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder LSY engine
- Addition of 4.2L Twin-Turbo 8-cylinder LTA engine
- Replacement of 8-speed automatic transmission with new 10-speed automatic transmission across all models and trim levels except CT6 PHEV
Interior
The updates to the 2019 Cadillac CT6 interior begin with the following two new interior color combinations:
- Sahara Beige with Jet Black accents
- Dark Auburn with Jet Black accents
As reported previously, the touch pad that controls the infotainment system is replaced with a console-mounted rotary infotainment controllers.
Additionally, Electronic Precision Shift (essentially a digital gear selector) is added to all 2019 Cadillac CT6 models. Meanwhile, models equipped with the Bose Panaray speak system get a metal speaker grille pattern and finish.
Finally, CT6 Premium Luxury trim gets wood deco trim, while the Sport trim gets Carbon Fiber trim.
Features
The 2019 Cadillac CT6 also gets the following five new features:
- Hands-free decklid with Cadillac branded projection light
- Next generation of Cadillac user experience with console-mounted rotary infotainment controller
- Second-generation wireless charging that includes 5-watt wireless phone charging with larger charge area for better phone compatibility (update)
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Engine Sound Enhancement (ESE) across all powertrains
Additionally, three existing features are updated to a new version:
- HD Surround Vision and HD Rear Vision Camera change from analog to digital
- Second-generation Rear Camera Mirror introduces a new frameless design and adds zoom and tilt adjustments
- Addition of Rear Pedestrian Alert
Packages
The 2019 Cadillac CT6 gets the following four new packages:
- Active Chassis Package 19″ (Y43):Features:
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- Magnetic Cide Control
- Active Rear Steering
- Availability:
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- Available on 2019 CT6 with 3.6L V6 LGX engine (model 6KJ69) in Premium Luxury trim (1SD) AWD
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- Includes (Q6M) 19″ Multi-Spoke alloy wheels with Ultra Bright Machined/Pearl Nickel finish
- Not available with (Y42) Active Chassis Package 20″
- Available on 2019 CT6 with Twin-Turbo 3.0L LGW engine (model 6KL69) in Sport trim (1SJ) AWD
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- Includes (PXX) 19″ Multi-Spoke alloy wheels with Ultra Bright Machined/Midnight Silver finish
- Not available with (Y42) Active Chassis Package 20″
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- Comfort and Technology Package (Y41):Features:
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- Rear Camera Mirror
- Rear Camera Mirror Washer
- 12″ diagonal color gauge cluster
- Head-Up Display
- Ventilated driver and front passenger seat cushions and seatbacks
- Heated rear outboard seats
- Availability:
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- Available on 2019 CT6 with Twin-Turbo 3.0L LGW engine (model 6KL69) in Sport trim (1SJ) AWD
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- Requires interior color (H2X) Jet Black or (HTX) Dark Auburn with Jet Black accents
- Available on 2019 CT6 with 2.0L LSY engine (model 6KJ69) in Premium Luxury trim (1SC) RWD
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- Requires interior color (H2X) Jet Black, (HMQ) Sahara Beige with Jet Black accents or (HTX) Dark Auburn with Jet Black accents
- Available on 2019 CT6 with 3.6L LGX engine (model 6KJ69) in Premium Luxury trim (1SD) AWD
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- Requires interior color (H2X) Jet Black, (HMQ) Sahara Beige with Jet Black accents or (HTX) Dark Auburn with Jet Black accents
- Standard on 2019 CT6 with Twin-Turbo 3.0L LGW engine (model6KM69) in Platinum trim (1SN) AWD
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- Advanced Security Package (Y61):Availability: TBA
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- Features: TBA
Finally, the 2019 Cadillac CT6 sees a few package changes, as follows:
- Active Chassis Package (F55) changes RPO Code to Y42, now called Active Chassis Package 20″:Available on 2019 CT6 with 3.6L LGX engine (model 6KJ69) in Premium Luxury trim (1SD) AWD
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- Included with (UKL) Super Cruise Package.
- Includes (RTJ) 20″ Split Spoke alloy wheels with Ultra Bright with Manoogian finish.
- Not available with (Y43) Active Chassis Package 19″.
- Available on 2019 CT6 with Twin-Turbo 3.0L LGW engine (model 6KL69) in Sport trim (1SJ) AWD
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- Includes (QP1) 245/40R20 all-season tires, (RTH) 20″ V-Sport Split 5-Spoke alloy wheels with Ultra Bright with Midnight Silver finish.
- Features:
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- Magnetic Ride Control
- Active Rear Steering
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- Driver Awareness and Convenience Package (UEU) changes to RPO Codes Y40 and Y65:Availability:
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- Available on 2019 CT6 with 2.0L LSY engine (model 6KH69) in Luxury trim (1SA) RWD
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- Includes (Y40) Convenience Package
- Available on 2019 CT6 with 3.6L LGX engine (model 6KH69) in Luxury trim (1SB) AWD
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- Includes (Y40) Convenience Package
- Standard on 2019 CT6 with 2.0L LSY engine (model 6KJ69) in Premium Luxury trim (1SC) RWD
- Standard on 2019 CT6 with 3.6L LGX engine (model 6KJ69) in Premium Luxury trim (1SD) AWD
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- Super Cruise replaces (UHX) Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning when (UKL) Super Cruise Package is ordered.
- Standard on 2019 CT6 with Twin-Turbo 3.0L LGW engine (model6KM69) in Platinum trim (1SN) AWD
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- Super Cruise Package replaces (UHX) Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning.
- (UGN) Forward Automatic Braking and (UVZ) Forward and Reverse Automatic Braking replace (UHY) Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking.
- Features:
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- Safety Alert Seat
- Following Distance Indicator
- Forward Collision Alert
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
- Outside heated power-adjustable, power-folding mirrors
- Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking
- Front Pedestrian Braking
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- Driver Assist Package (UGN) changes to Y66, includes:Availability: TBA
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- Features: TBA
- Rear Seat Package (UWG) changes to Y4Z:Availability:
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- Available on 2019 CT6 with 2.0L LSY engine (model 6KJ69) in Premium Luxury trim (1SC) RWD
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- Requires (Y41) Comfort and Technology Package
- Available on 2019 CT6 with 3.6L LGX engine (model 6KJ69) in Premium Luxury trim (1SD) AWD
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- Requires (Y41) Comfort and Technology Package
- Standard on 2019 CT6 with Twin-Turbo 3.0L LGW engine (model6KM69) in Platinum trim (1SN) AWD
- Features:
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- Quad-zone climate control
- Ionizing air cleaner
- Rear seat infotainment
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Sam
No more Blue color at all for the CT6? Damn. 🙁
Roger H
Sam, I agree with you.
I wanted to order a 2019 CT6 w/Blue paint. The blue was cancelled mid year on the 2018 CT6.
The Hamtramck plant where the CT6 is built also builds the Buick LaCrosse and Chevrolet Impala. The Chevrolet Impala for 2018 & 2019 still offers the same blue previously used for the CT6 and LaCrosse The CT6 color gurus love and offer 6 variations of silver, gray & black. The other choices are 3, a white, red or bronze. Comparable luxury manufactures are not so stingy with the paint offerings. 🙂
How can a buyer get a CT6 with the blue paint that is used on the same production line as the Impala?
Alex Luft
Roger – I feel the pain. The color palette is definitely limited, and there is no way to apply one of the blue colors that are used on the Impala or LaCrosse. Here’s to hoping that the paint availability expands in subsequent model years.
TR
In case of Korea,adaptive cruise control(ACC) is only applies on Platinum trim as I wanted to apply in 2.0T trim due to I planned to purchase 2.0T.
Is there any possibility to reflect ACC on 2.0T trim or non-platinum trim in Korea?
May be it possible in 2019 model?
Alex Luft
For the 2019 model year, the U.S.-spec 2019 CT6 can be equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) starting with the Premium Luxury trim level and the 3.6L LGX engine with AWD. Notably, getting ACC on this model automatically adds Super Cruise.
So, it could be that the 2019 CT6 will be available with ACC and the 2.0L Turbo engine specifically for the Korean market… but we don’t know if this will be possible until Cadillac Korea releases the order guides.
TR
Could you expect when 2019 CT6 launch in US and it ship to Korea?
Alex Luft
The US launch will be in the “fall 2018”… I suspect that the Korean launch will be before the end of the year.
TR
Obviously, CT6 2.0T launched in Korea last year(Sep, 2017) which was too late to see it. If it really ship to Korea within 2018 then I will get it.
TR
It does not make sense how flagship sedan does not have HUD and ACC even if Premium or 2.0T trim in Korea. It shall be considered localization and it will increase market share.
Alex Luft
In the U.S., the 2019 CT6 can be optioned with the Head-Up Display (HUD) starting with the 2.0L Turbo engine in the Premium Luxury trim level.
Specifically, HUD is included with the Comfort and Technology Package, which also adds the following features:
-Rear Camera Mirror and Rear Camera Mirror Washer
– 12″ diagonal color gauge cluster
– Head-Up Display (as mentioned above)
– Ventilated driver and front passenger seat cushions and seatbacks and
– Heated rear outboard seats
However, I’m not sure if the options and trim structure will be the same for the Korean market.
On a related note, the CT6 is not Cadillac’s flagship sedan… as it clearly doesn’t cost the same as a comparably-sized vehicle from BMW, Mercedes, Audi, etc. There will be another model above the CT6 that will be the true flagship.
Steve Vitkovsky
In the videos from 2018 NYIAS there were no controls in the rear center armrest for massage/recline functionality in the V-Sport (they were only in the non-V-Sport). Does the V-Sport have rear seat massage and recline?
Alex Luft
Well, the order guides currently don’t have any info on the CT6 V-Sport just yet… so we don’t know.
What we currently see is the “multi-functional armrest with 8-way power articulating and ventilation with massage on outboard seating positions” feature being standard only the CT6 Platinum, and not available on any other trim level, including Premium, Premium Luxury or the new Sport.
Ralph L
Didn’t all V6’s have rear steering before 2019?
They ought to offer magnetic shocks with 18″ wheels and softer springs on all engines for us old people. We still like to go fast, but lateral g’s aren’t important.
Alex Luft
Not all pre-2019 CT6 models with V6 engines were equipped with or offered active rear-wheel steering. For example, here’s how the availability of the feature stacked up for the 2018 CT6:
– 2.0L Turbo base RWD (1SA): not available
– 2.0L Turbo Luxury RWD (1SC): not available
– 3.6L base AWD (1SB): not available
– 3.6L Luxury AWD (1SD): optional, requires Active Chassis Package
– 3.6L Premium Luxury AWD (1SF): optional, requires Super Cruise Package
– 3.6L Platinum AWD (1SJ): standard
– 3.0L Twin Turbo Luxury AWD (1SE): optional, requires Active Chassis Package
– 3.0L Twin Turbo Premium Luxury AWD (1SG): optional, requires Super Cruise Package
– 3.0L Twin Turbo Platinum AWD (1SK): standard
So the only difference now is that the 2019 CT6 removes the feature from the Luxury trim level.
And I guess if you wanted to, you could put 18s on after the fact… though I agree that this is far from an ideal solution. That said, the CT6 isn’t about pulling major lateral Gs. The Sport and V-Sport models might be exceptions to that but even then, the bigger wheels are about providing better looks while delivering spirited driving/handling experience, rather than pure-out performance.
Perhaps Cadillac should explore a comfort package for the CT6… but I have a feeling that such a package won’t be introduced until the XTS is discontinued.
Ralph L
Thanks, I must have been thinking of AWD on all V6s.
You’d think they’d offer a comfortable ride package on all their cars, but they’re too busy chasing BMW. Plenty of older people would like a shorter car/CUV (though the ATS is too cramped inside).
An adjustable suspension is critical for maintaining ride/handling balance on a light or short wb car with passengers & luggage, yet they save it for the larger or sportier ones.
Amro Elsabbagh
I just ordered a 2019 CT6 Platinum. My local dealer said he had an allocation of only 1 CT6 (?) for initial production to begin in September and will use that for my order. With Platinum spec there were very few options left to check.
Alex Luft
Congrats Amro! That’s wonderful. What color did you get?
The GM production allocation model for dealers is a tricky thing… so I definitely believe the limit.
Amro Elsabbagh
Satin Steel metallic with jet black interior
Ralph L
Are you getting the V8?
That would be worth waiting for, but you didn’t ask me.
Amro Elsabbagh
No, 3.0TT. I just turned in a 2015 Audi A8L with the twin turbo 4.0 V8. The car was insanely fast but the aluminum bodied A8L still weighs way more than the CT6 Platinum. So even with the 3.0TT in the CT6 I’ll have a similar power to weight ratio as the Audi. I drove a 3.6 CT6 and honestly that was even fast enough to live with.
Bill
Cadillac has made a great decision to move on from the troublesome 8 speed transmission used in the 2016-18 CT6. I plan on replacing my 17 CT6 for that reason so that I can get the new 10 speed. I won’t miss the ‘harsh 1-2 shift’ and the throbbing downshifts featured in the current model. Mine only has 8000 miles on it but it’s time to let someone else deal with its crude shifting. Other than that, the CT6 is a very attractive sedan with nice tech.
Phillip Sedrish
I wish there were better comms btwn Caddy & buyers. I’m waiting to get my order accepted for a ‘19 Platinum. Meanwhile, with orders not being accepted, pricing is unknown. The existing ‘18s are a real bargain now, but how long will they last?
Also, it seems like 90% of what the dealers order is in black or white, maybe red. I’d like to see the new gray. Also is it true the new auburn interior will be n/a on the platinum. Boo!
Derrick
I have heard super cruise is not available on V-Sport (now V) due to front fascia design. Do you know if you can get a platinum with the V8 and super cruise? I have been asking my dealer almost weekly and he says he does not see that option on any ordering information he has been given from Cadillac. I wanted to get a CT6 before winter but I don’t want to kick myself for getting a TT V6 when I could have waited a little longer for the TT V8.
Alex Luft
I’ve checked, and no word in that yet officially. There aren’t even any order guides that are available to dealers for the CT6 V-Sport/V.
Richard Rupp
Iv had several cadillacs.the last one was a 2011 dts. im over 300 lbs and it was a very comfortable car. i purchased a 2018 buick lacrosse and the steering wheel does not extend upward as did the dts. iv looked at the cad 2018 models and the steering wheel does not extend upward like the 2011 dts.my question is does the 2019 ct6 steering wheel extend upward. not interested in salesmans pitch to “lower the seat”. that is not as comfortable
Alex Luft
Richard – what do you mean by the steering wheel not extending upward? All the models you mentioned have both tilt and telescoping steering columns…
Roger
Rich,
I think I know what you are talking about. I am 6’4″. We have a DTS and 2018 XT5. The XT5 telescoping wheel range of in/out and up/down is less than the DTS and all other GM vehicles we’ve owned.
It appears the ergonomic gurus have tightened their design parameters.
In the XT5 I can’t have the seat all the way back without having my arms almost straight out when holding the wheel. In the DTS I can. The steering wheel telescopes out more for a more comfortable driving position.
Tomorrow I’ll have a 24 hour demo on a CT6. We’ll see if I’m still want to order one.
Oscar Wiygul
Will the new 2019 CT6 V8 turbo have super cruise as an option? I have been told both yes and no. I own a 2016 Platinum trim CT6 and a 2018 Platinum trim CT6 with super cruise…and love these cars.
Oscar Wiygul
I own a 2016 CT6 platinum trim and a 2018 CT6 platinum trim with super cruise….my question is will the 2019 CT6 V8 configuration have super cruise as an option?
Alex Luft
Oscar – we don’t know yet, since the configuration in question has yet to enter series production or ordering. But yes, see no reason that the new V-8 won’t be available with super cruise.