Mark Reuss, the President of Cadillac’s parent company, General Motors, recently reflected on some of the tough choices he’s had to make as one of the decision-makers for the luxury marque. One of these includes discontinuing the Cadillac CT6 sedan as a result of the automaker’s transition to electrification.
“There were things that I wish we didn’t have to do, but we did,” Reuss recently said on the InsideEVs podcast. “I wish we didn’t have to stop the CT6 for Cadillac, but we did, and we converted Factory Zero.” If it weren’t for that move, GM “wouldn’t have the [electric] trucks that we have in that factory. Those are tough decisions.” Notably, Factory Zero builds the Cadillac Escalade IQ and IQL, along with the Chevy Silverado EV, GMC Sierra EV, and the two GMC Hummer EVs.
To hear exactly what Reuss had to say for yourself, jump to the 34:30 mark in the video embedded below.
We can certainly sympathize with that sentiment, as the Omega-platformed Cadillac CT6 was remains to this day one of our favorite Cadillacs of all time thanks to its elegant and timeless design, comfortable and collected driving experience, and a spacious cabin. Those qualities made the CT6 the epitome of a modern Cadillac sedan, And that’s not to mention the various technological achievements, such as the fact that the CT6 was the size of a full-size luxury sedan but with the curb weight of a mid-sizer – accomplished via an advanced mixed-material construction.
And we’d be completely remiss if we didn’t mention the high-performance CT6-V and its twin-turbocharged 4.2-liter DOHC V8 engine (production code LTA). Called the Blackwing engine before Cadillac had any models with the same name, it was available exclusively in the CT6.
Second-generation Cadillac CT6 (Chinese market)
While the first-generation CT6 and range-topping CT6-V are no longer offered in North America, Cadillac does offer a second-generation CT6 sedan in China. It’s build on an iterated version of the Omega platform that underpinned the first-gen model, but features an overhauled exterior inspired by the luxury marque’s current halo car, the Celestiq, along with a more modern interior the latest technology. As for performance, it’s exclusively offered with a turbocharged 2.0-liter in-line four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.
Here’s to hoping that the CT6 returns to the U.S. market sooner rather than later.
Frank Ricciardi
Discontinuing the CT6 in the US market was a big mistake. Making the second generation CT6 available only in China was an even bigger mistake. Cadillac built its brand on Big Beautiful cars but currently doesn’t have any on offer in the US. In my opinion Cadillac has relinquished the US luxury car market to Mercedes, BMW and Audi and left traditional Cadillac customers, like me, for dead.
GM Owner
If you are dead, who posted that message?
JE
Discontinuing the CT-6 was a big mistake. Selling it in CHINA and NOTHING, is exactly THE SAME. The Celestiq is too expensive and it doesn’t look like a Cadillac. In my case, I don’t need a truck and I will never buy an SUV. Considering that the CT-4 is to be discontinued, the CT-5 is the only Cadillac I like, but it’s not large enough. So if I want a large sedan, I need to buy german.
Steve H.
GM Upper management has made Blunder after Blunder in Vehicle Model Management, going back to at least 1984 with Rebranding of General Motors J-Car Platform (Chevrolet Cavalier and the like) into The 1984 Cadillac Cimarron. Then they created the 1987 Cadillac Allante with the body shell built partially by Pininfarina and flown across the Atlantic ocean on specially designed aircraft. This car was to compete with the German brand Mercedes-Benz SL Series, missed the market again. How about the 1997 – 2001 Cadillac Catera was a failed attempt to resurrect Cadillac, an effort to use Holden’s Opel (GM’s Australian Division) car “rebranded” as an import fighter, lol. Then came the 1st Generation Cadillac CTS in 2002 as a 2003 model with the same 3.2 liter Holden Opel’s engine Piece Of S&^?(POS) another disaster by upper management. I may add the 2004 Cadillac XLR (2005 Chevrolet Corvette C6) using a 4.4 liter version of the Northstar V8. Nine (9) Chevrolet C6 Corvettes were built to every one (1) XLR. I continue to lose track of GM’s Cadillac blunders in the 2010′ and beyond.
John Granata
I have a 2019 CT6 and love it. Very disappointed in the decision to discontinue the model in the USA. I love a full size sedan, Cadillac preferably and have driven them for years. I would have traded in for a new CT6 if available. CT5, Cadillac’s only option doesn’t fit my car preference. I hate to go German but may not have a choice. Please GM, bring the CT6 back.
Ray Royall
My spouse and I each had a 2019 Cadillac XTS. This year my car exceeded 100,000 miles, which is a signal that it is time to replace the vehicle. We prefer American-built cars vs SUVs
Neither Lincoln nor Cadillac built a car of the size we wanted, and so I compromised and purchased a Cadillac Lyriq, and I love the vehicle. Most of my driving is within a hundred miles of the house and office, and with the installation of a home charging station, I am completely satisfied with the performance and dependability of this vehicle.
daryl parker
The CT6 was a gorgeous looking car, Mark is a top boss at GM, why didnt he stop the decision to axe the CT6 from the USA, look at China, they get all the American cars.
Quick Silver 1
We have a 2020 CT6 Premium Luxury currently. It was a special order, like our 2017 CT6 was. We will hold on to this one for as long as possible.
It seems ridiculous that Cadillac developed the 2nd gen CT6 in the US and then shipped it off to China. There are plenty of full sized sedan owners who would have purchased the 2nd gen car. I wonder if GM has ever heard of marketing and advertising for a sedan like the do for the POSS SUV’s, CUV’s, EV’s and the mall-crawler pickups? I, for one, will never buy an SUV, CUV, EV or a pickup. I had the chance to drive a Lyriq as a loaner when our CT6 was in for service and I was NOT impressed at all.
The CT5 is just too small to handle 4 real life adults and is nowhere near the CT6 in ride or comfort.
I’ll be forced to go to Mercedes, BMW, Audi or Genesis when I need a new ICE sedan.
DaveD
Since Factory Zero is now running at low (or no) volume, it would be wonderful if the tooling was still available to build the CT6 there again. Alternatively, why didn’t they relocate the tooling to another assembly plant to continue the CT6 build?
Bring Back the CT6 Now!!!
My wife bought a 2018 Lux w 11,000 miles. After I drove it I said “I gotta get me one of these!” I bought a PremLux w/ 60,000. I am a PhD in manufacturing. After researching how this car was put together, it was hard to believe that GM would discontinue making the car with all of the advanced joining techniques in the car and aluminum throughout. The CT6 handles like a much smaller car. A real please to drive. Everyone at the dealership we use said so many customers come in looking to get one. It’s not a Bentley, but it also does not cost like a Bentley. The CT6 The nicest sedan I have ever owned and will keep ours permanently.
Jess Blea
I’ve had two CT6s, a 2016 and a 2019; both outstanding, refined, elegant, beautiful sedans. I am angry, not disappointed, that Cadillac chose to discontinue the finest sedan they’ve ever made. I am especially angry that an updated version is available for China only. I now have a 2024 CT5-V (not a Blackwing). It is fast, sexy, fun and everybody likes it – but a CT6 it is not. The ride quality is on the CT5 is unacceptable. We had been a two Cadillac household until I replaced my wife’s XT5 with a Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid (which is nothing short of stunning) because Cadillac has did nothing to update the XT5 (except, of course, for the China market). We could soon be a no Cadillac household when the lease on the CT5 is up as I am seriously considering a Mercedes E 450 Sedan. Cadillac has foolishly ceded the large, luxury sedan market and is alienating customers like myself.
MJ Dart
I have a 2019 CT6-V, this car really has it all, power, styling, AWD, 4-wheel steering, 34 speaker sound system, lots of interior space. I would buy another. The CT5-V is very good, but I want the CT6 suspension with it’s added capabilities like the AWD & 4-Wheel Steering.