Electric Luxury: 2017 Cadillac CT6 Plug-in Sedan
Cadillac has added an available Plug-In propulsion system to its range-topping CT6 sedan for 2017. The new Plug-In system more than doubles the fuel economy of the conventional powertrain offerings. The CT6 PLUG-IN takes advantage of the car’s advanced lightweight structure to create a unique formula for the prestige sedan. The CT6 PLUG-IN system is designed to provide all-electric driving for most daily commutes, while maximizing fuel efficiency by providing blended power from the engine and battery at higher speeds and higher loads, even when energy is stored in the battery.
The CT6 PLUG-IN leverages General Motors’ proven battery technology. An 18.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack is located between the rear seat and the trunk. The battery system is comprised of 192 prismatic pouch cells, which use the latest generation cell chemistry found in other GM plug-in vehicles. The CT6 PLUG-IN battery system will use the company’s proven active thermal control system that maintains electric range over the battery system’s life.
The battery system can be charged using a 120V or 240V charger, and will charge in approximately 4.5 hours on the latter voltage. The vehicle is rated by the EPA for a combined driving range of 440 miles with an all-electric range of 31 miles.
All-electric launch performance is one of the key purchase considerations for plug-in and EV owners. The Cadillac CT6 PLUG-IN combines an all-new rear wheel electric variable transmission (EVT) with exclusively designed motors to provide smooth, spirited acceleration. The two-motor EVT also uses three planetary gears and is mated to a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine with spark-ignited direct injection and variable valve technology. The use of a two-motor system provides smooth and seamless power through the entire driving range.
Underway, CT6 PLUG-IN drivers will be able to select among three distinct operating modes: Normal, Sport and Hold; Normal: Designed for everyday commuting. Provides ideal balance of comfort, performance and maximized EV range and fuel economy; Sport: Provides more aggressive pedal mapping for improved off-the-line feel and a stiffer steering response; Hold: Allows owners to select when the CT6 PLUG-IN uses its engine, reserving the remaining battery charge for later use. This feature helps enhance efficiency because owners who mix city and highway driving can save the battery charge for city travel, where the CT6 EV mode operates most efficiently.
Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 122.4; overall length: 204.0; width: 74.0; height: 57.9
All vehicle measurements are in inches.
Engine: 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine – 265 hp at 5500 rpm and 295 lbs-ft of torque at 1700-5500 rpm; Hybrid Propulsion Electric system – 45 kW; lithium-ion battery – 18.4 kWh – (combined – 335 hp and 432 lbs-ft of torque)
Transmission: two motor rear drive electric variable
EPA Fuel Economy: 62 MPGe (combined)
Cargo capacity: 10.6 cubic feet
Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual front/rear head curtain airbags, dual front seat knee airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, front pedestrian braking, front/rear automatic braking, StabiliTrak vehicle stability control, all-speed traction control, daytime running lights, automatic LED headlamps, automatic high beam assist, front cornering lamps, automatic power door locks, OnStar communications system, Bluetooth hands free phone system, forward collision alert, rear cross traffic alert, rear camera mirror, following distance indicator, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, automatic safety belt tightening, side blind zone alert, navigation system, Rainsense wipers, head-up display, keyless access, push button engine start, pedestrian friendly alert, surround vision, surround vision recorder, remote engine start, universal home remote, automatic park assist, vehicle immobilizer, and tire inflation kit.
Optional safety features include adaptive full-range cruise control, and enhanced night vision.
Warranty
Basic: 4-year/50,000 mile Bumper-to-bumper
Powertrain: 6-year/70,000 mile
Corrosion: 4-year/50,000 mile
Roadside Assistance: 6-year/70,000 mile 24-hour
Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2017 Cadillac CT6 PLUG-IN sedan starts from $75,095. Destination charges add $995.