Genesis vs CTS coming from MB

[StarPower]

I really like the knob/touchscreen combo. There are times when both are convenient. I liked the touch only system in my Lincoln LS (touch for navigation and audio, buttons or knobs for climate control and volume). The Comand system in my Mercedes was knob-only, which made typing in addressed tedious.

In general, I think a touchscreen is the easiest way to type in an address. Some of the new Audis have a pad on top of the knob that allows you to write the letters with your finger, which seems cool but still requires more motions (and therefore less efficient) than simply pressing the letter on a touchscreen.

 

[gaggan82]

I love the Genesis but you should probably drive a CTS V-sport before dismissing it. The TT V6 is a beastly engine and the magnetic adaptive dampers are remarkable. Additionally, you can get a new 2014 V-sport for around 45k (some have been sitting on dealer lots for ~ 1 year). Once you drive both, you can decide how much you would be willing to give up for "corner carving". CUE is horrendous and the Genesis is more dynamically competent than many would suggest. A thoughtful comparison of the two cars can be found on TrueDelta.

OK, So I test drove 2015 CTS-VSport. On paper(and on the online reviews) it sounds fabulous. I was expecting it to come close to performance of my E550 (as per the numbers). I was disappointed by the engine- the engine seems to struggle to find the right gear, there's a lot of turbo lag. The handling was OK.
For someone looking to spend that kind of money, I would recommend a BMW 335i (surpasses the VSport in every sense and still cheaper). And if handling is not high on the list, then Genesis !

 

[RSPEC429]

I'm surprised to hear that you didn't like the V-Sport. Every auto publication calls it the best handling mid-sized, luxury sedan. I have driven one as well and it is great. Much better than either an E550 or a 550i in terms of ride and handling. I've also driven a 335i and a 435i. While they're both in a segment below the CTS and should be compared to the ATS, they are priced similarly...I have to disagree with you and say that the Cadillac is the better performer.

Perhaps you had a dud on your hands.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

Yes, it IS strange to hear the CTS V-Sport not coming close to the performance of an E550. They should be about equal - especially on a test drive where you're probably not driving in the triple digits (where the twin turbo E550's V8 would have more power).

I test drove one as well and just wasn't overly happy being inside the car. Or driving it. It just didn't feel 'special' to me.

 

[gaggan82]

I agree that it was a decent drive.But, I guess I was expecting more ( considering the critics raving about it).

 

[RSPEC429]

If it was one thing I wasn't impressed with, it was the interior.

If I was buying a new, mid-sized luxury sedan though, I would be in either the Cadillac or Jaguar dealership looking at the V-Sport or a Supercharged XF. The E550 is now the E400 (bye bye V8) and the 550i isn't what it used to be in terms of driving dynamics.