King of Sport Sedans Dethroned? - Cadillac CTS-V Vs Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG

Having already conquered both BMW and Jaguar, Cadillac's CTS-V now faces off against Mercedes-Benz's all-new E63 AMG in the ultimate battle for sport sedan supremacy.
Read the story here: www.motortrend.com/roadtests/s...
Shot by: Mike Suggett & Jim Gleason
Edited by: Mike Suggett

[@pds711]

To address people saying American cars cannot corner: 1. C7 Z06 Corvette Nurburgring time: 6:59.13 --> moves quicker around the track than the Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce & Nissan GT-R Nismo, both costing SIGNIFICANTLY more than the Z06 lol. Only three cars have times faster around the Nurburgring including the Radical SR8LM and SR8, as well as the Porsche 918 Spyder. The Porsche will run you over a million USD and the Radicals are both not street legal. The Z06, on the other hand, costs 80,000 USD. Oh, and the 918 Spyder only beats the Z06's lap time by 2 seconds. For 2 extra seconds pay an additional 1 million + USD; seems reasonable and logical lol. I will admit that American cars have been very hit or miss in the past 3 decades, only occasionally putting out excellent vehicles while the majority of the time releasing cars that spark no excitement. Thus, the USA still cannot compete with the consistency of putting out quality vehicles for sale that European and Japanese car manufacturers have seemed to mastered. However, i think American car manufacturers have indeed witnessed over and over their lack of sales in our own country and have decided to make a change and put in more effort in producing quality vehicles. From the present forward, I hope to see move cars like the C7 Z06 being produced and released by the USA. As for people vouching for the "superior reliability" that German cars seem to have over American cars, I have owned both American cars and German cars and have realized different things break for each of them. For example, I owned a 2011 early model E63 AMG and owned a 2009 C63 AMG prior to purchasing the E63. They BOTH had the same issue; which is actually a common problem with the AMG V8 engines that has been fixed by Mercedes after the 2011 early models --> they have faulty head bolts that were installed on all the V8 AMG engines. Once the issue is fully manifested, the damage will cost you over 10,000 USD to repair. With the C63 AMG I was rather unlucky and once I hit 33,000 miles on the car my low coolant notification popped up. Replaced coolant, yet the notification did not disappear. Took the car to the MB dealership and they updated me on the situation with the Head bolts. I was lucky with the E63 in reference to the engine bolt issue --> bought it 1 year used with 3,000 miles on it and had it until 24,000 miles and got rid of it before the head bolt issues would arise. Yet, once I hit 12,000 miles, the Airmatic suspension on the E63 failed. The MB dealership wanted to charge me 9,000 USD without labor to repair it; I opted to buy the parts aftermarket and repair it myself --> came out to about 3,500 USD and quite a bit of time for me to repair. Then, I purchased a 2013 CTS-V coupe. If things of this nature went wrong with my CTS-V, the replacement costs would be FAR cheaper to repair than its German rivals. Even aftermarket performance mods cost an arm and a leg versus what it would cost to modify the LSx motors. Bought it new and I have had no engine issues with this car. So far I have put 53,000 miles on it. The only issues I have had so far is with minor things like the sealing lining of the sunroof needing replacement and other minute non-engine related things. The C63 and E63 were so much more expensive to modify I didn't even bother other than headers, catback exhaust, X-pipe, CAI, and a tune. My CTS-V currently has over 668 RWHP & 624 lb-ft torque and has completely untouched internals. I have a CAI, heat exchanger, 160 therm, headers, Borla catback exhaust, X-pipe, 2.55 upper pully, ID850 injectors, and a ported snout. If I wanted something like this done to either the C63 or E63, I would have spent more on those mods than it cost me to actually purchase the vehicles lol. Yet, in the past I did have a Dodge Challenger SRT-8 (not the hellcat) which had LOADS of problems with it and I didn't even drive that one hard. All I'm saying is that all cars have their flaws and arguing about it doesn't make sense.

[@dasteufelhund]

That's what I am talking about. You got it.

[@alim7502]

Z06 never did 6:59

[@emekaiheanacho274]

Well said

[@speedpeddler]

I've owned both and liked them both but for different reasons. Overall, the extra 20 K for the Benz is worth it. It's just a better all around car that will still look and drive like new well after the Caddy is ready for the crusher. It's a Corvette with four doors and a Cadillac badge. I went back to AMG and done with GM products.

[@WoofWoof2012]

Just sold my 2012 CTS-V wagon with the widest HREs that would furans a J&W coil over setup. I loved the K&W upgrade personally. Must say I miss the blowe sound a lot. I had an 18% overdrive from the crank pulley. What a beast.

[@planefiesta]

@UFCextra 2012 F10 M5 specs aren't out yet?

[@trilingualkid]

Fuck Mercedes, they will robbed you every last penny you got! I own a brand new S500 and it cost 3 grand just to shut off a check engine light (warranty was just Finished). I sold that piece of shit and got a Hyundai Genesis, not as comfortable but just as quiet and the sound system is impressive! only own a Mercedes if you have factory warranty.

[@lokoloki4151]

Lol you sold a merc for a Hyundai! Good job man

[@EIGHTLUG]

loko loki Right? And the last "brand new" S500 to come off the assembly line was back in 2006. Fucking liar....

[@dasteufelhund]

Is it worth the extra 20k? With the additional 20k, I could build a cts v into even faster, rocket on 'roid car that'll blow any German car out of the water with performance and luxury for the next five years.

[@mbenzsl2000]

Im a german auto fan...but I love the CTS-V....

[@stevet5573]

For an extra $20k you can easily get the V over 700hp.

[@lukiotemmi]

Your cts-v will never be as good as an e63 with handling, reliability or even as luxurious.

[@avoidwomen6494]

Americans don't understand quality and i'm an American my self

[@dasteufelhund]

@@avoidwomen6494 The problem with many American is they think they speak for others. Certainly not saying you are one of them, but I know about luxury and Benz ain't it.

[@clubtc05]

Whats a wet start up clutch??

[@unknownunknowns]

Would you please explain to everyone what the warranties are for them?

[@monde1208]

traded my e55 for the V…..very happy, it has the look! the benz blended in boring

[@TheCls63]

Why not buying the new E63 amg 4matic S model?

[@vernonprice5986]

bob roger Because it costs a minimum of $40,000 more than a CTS-V, and you can't get it with a manual transmission, and it doesn't handle, drive or brake as well as a CTS-V.

[@TheCls63]

hmmmm the new E class AMG is quicker than the CTS at 0-100kmph 3.4sec, top speed, quarter mile, on a track, brakes and stopes faster...

[@monde1208]

right! great car .....just lovin the two door sexy machine CTS-V coupe....happy with over 600hp i wouldn't know what to do with more

[@vernonprice5986]

bob roger 0-60 is a measurement of traction, not speed. The E63 S is AWD so it will always have a faster 0-60 time than a car with similar power but RWD. The CTS-V does the 1/4 mile in 11.7 @ 120, and it's both lighter and DEFINITELY brakes better than the E63. Were you not aware that the CTS-V has 6 piston brembo brakes on 15" rotors? And then there's the handling, the E63 isn't as sharp, doesn't handle as well and isn't as enjoyable to drive. It also doesn't have magnetic suspension like the CTS-V does. And I mentioned that the E63 costs $40,000 more than the CTS-V, right? And that you can't get it with a manual transmission?

[@natmandc5]

@CTSVKINGWAGON so why did the E63 do a faster lap time than the CTSV even tho the cts v is way faster in a straight line? Have you driven them?

[@bradfordruhle]

The E63AMG is over $100,000. The CTS-V is around $72,000. On the track, the E63AMG may do better overall, but the CTS-V is a lot easier to live with. The controls are way more driver friendly

[@IMfckinDIESEL]

anyone know the prices?

[@mapko15]

what is a wet clutch?

[@zunt444]

This video proves one more time that the best way to go is with Cadillac. I could buy the Cadillac, have a car that is at least equal in quality, and still have cash in my pocket AND know that Cadillac has the highest resale value of ANY car currently being sold on earth. Gotta LOVE Cadillac.

[@joeyjoeeeee]

is the cts v reliable?

[@JROD9496]

How much is a CTS-V?

[@cozzey05]

how is 12.4 in the 1/4 @ 117 not performance?

[@sportfuryman]

Dont they make the cts v in a manual transmission option? Im pretty sure the one james may drove in the topgear ep when they went to the salt flats was a manual

[@Jonjuice711]

@j45007 have you ever sat in a cts v? its awesomee

[@LukasGelvich]

@AlumarsX What's that again?..

[@03basesedan]

@xlrvlac why are you still posting on this video? are you the cadillac video guardian?

[@TimothyMiles]

How?

[@unknownunknowns]

@texasboytwinturboz19 Ease of maintanence, maybe, but I'm wondering how much maintenance that supercharger needs to keep it from overheating the engine. I mean we're comparing these same 6.2L engines, here. And then I hear a few owners complaining how it 'falls apart'. Also, looking at the IIHS crash tests the CTS looks more crushed that the E Class. Then, there's the more organised dashboard. So, do you get what you pay for despite the same performance?

[@krzintegraboi]

i think ill still get the cadillac ..it looks so nice in person.

[@whatthehallbetch]

hmm, i live in Alberta and i was pulled over when i raced between the lights and all i got was a speeding fine

[@juanandlaurav.5747]

The reason why cadillac made the back end fall all over the place is the fact that you can direct the direction of travel with the power that engine puts out, instead of losing control of the front end as well that makes 90 degree turns at 60mph catastrophic. I had a 1984 celica that did the same thing and made turns sooo much nicer. Just have to have the balls not to get scared by it.

[@Kevbox2008]

There's so much more to the Benz than the look and the motor. The technology they've built into that thing is second to none.

[@MoskvaMortennumba1]

@kgallagher341 do I get a finders fee?

[@YTman28]

well you can think that all you want. but conering and tractions is what a car is all about. I still love my gangsta Caddy. Ballin.

[@vernonprice5986]

It's actually because of the weight, like I said. AWD doesn't help once you have traction, it's mostly beneficial just in getting off the line. Part of it is probably due to the transmission, but the vast majority of it is the power to weight ratio.

[@Thtblkbrit]

@ThreatSensor Haha then why do they have all 5 stars in J.D Power's quality category? o.0? and reliability? o.0?

[@FightScienceAa82]

@zx9mic Where so you think Cadillac got there idea from with there Supercharger?? The E55 AMG which is still faster than the Cadillac CTV today that came out 7 years later after the Benz.

[@whatthehallbetch]

yeah, true. i have gone 230kph on the highway but, luckily, there were no cops around

[@rawsketch]

@iruleyounow The numbers are so close that it just comes down to the feel of the car and your taste. Personally, I'd take the Caddy over ANY of them just 'cause its the first car they have built in generations that is a world-beater. The Merc may be more sofisticated but at this level, it doesn't matter. Outside a race track you'd never miss the difference.

[@FightScienceAa82]

@helion987 I see your point. The thing is... They were around before CTS V and when CTSV came to play originally, it was still slower by a significant margin. Then, in 2009, they Finally came with something with brute. We'll have to wait and see what ultimately happens. It won't be "this car is soo much faster than that car" in the future, it will be a matter of preference at that point. Cheers! ; )

[@9karol01]

yea my a actually got two of them and hes planing on buying another one the ones he got are kinda old but still strong one is a 280c 1999 an the other is 1996 amg c36

[@sebast007]

Nice video!5* I love both cars! Though I think the CTS-V looks better*

[@Ssbn2174]

I spoke with a veteran of ww2, he returned may years later to Normandy, where he was first wave going ashore. When he returned in his late 70's and was cursed at by French customs, berating him because he didn't have his passport out, ready to show French officials. He calmly replied "when I came here in ww2 to liberate you, there wasn't a Frenchman around to show any papers to on d-day"

[@ReverendX9834]

I might be getting this car today.

[@benjamin343]

wow, what an even match! How fun would it be to have a CTS V and find a buddy with an AMG and hit the track for a weekend?!

[@jackcope2443]

I lived in Germany for the last 10+ years and have driven several of the last few M and AMG variants at length. In addition,an Audi S6 was my last company car. After moving back to the US I bought a CTS v Coupe. While I have know doubt about the build quality and refinement of all of the Germans after a week behind the wheel of the V, I can with confidents that I smile more when I put my foot down. Jack803

[@kiml85]

when its available in america

[@georget10i]

4.1 sec to a 60, my goodness, it's incredible to see a a saloon with acceleration like that. How far will cars go? I mean almost all the top sports saloons do 60 in 4.5-5 seconds nowadays, are they going to break into 3 seconds in couple of years?

[@FuriousPumpkin]

It's a clutch completley immersed in oil. They stack multiple disks together and their able to get the power down better. i believe their system also gets rid of the torque converter.

[@MrSweet-me2ot]

Greeting from 2010 CTS-V owner here in China 🇨🇳

[@3XICS]

@ddouglasinc I don't think they are going to do a cts-v vs m5 f10.

[@twiceasnice45]

I give it to the CTSV for being much more resonable in price and more powerful. The CTS is already on the edge of what just about anyone should pay for a car at 65-70k. Going 20k more is just too much.

[@xlrvlac]

@Six4a9 if u think im lying about cts-v holding value type in cts-v and kelley blue book....

[@ddouglasinc]

on the drag strip the CTS-V won. So thats why it won this test. The trap speed was over 4 mph quick-er! Now we just need to wait til that new BMW M5 F10 comes out. Thats going to be a fun test. I can't wait! May the best car win!

[@True77]

Even though the ctsv lost.. it only lost by a sliver! that Cady is one hell of a car.

[@iliovecaRS]

Nice thumbnail

[@TheCls63]

yes but it looks almost the same as my aunt G35X, the only difference is the dash board that has a little bit more wood, but yes it has a very pretty interior.

[@R32Viper]

@suboticasever yeah wheres is the audi or new bmw m5

[@mapko15]

thanks

[@pcar00]

@pcar00 ohh and i like the part where you have to guess when you have to shift because the manual mode is so slow, the car hits the rev limiter. It takes over 1/2 of a sec to shift in the caddy but only 100 miliseconds in the mb, did i mention the mb rides so much smoother while still handle the same,

[@DaJustifier]

Though there is a lot you can do with $25000 on the caddy, plus the maintaince costs for the German are HUGE! Given the price factor, well the edge goes to Caddy in my opinion

[@tbirdsport302]

i'd get the caddy, i love that supercharger whine, and its quite a bit cheaper :)

[@fst02nova]

I bought a cts-v and have taken it road racing and it just mopped the floor with one of these E63. I just passed them up. The benz does not have the broad torque curve of the caddy. So it was not able to keep up.

[@DSNCB919]

@MilitantOldLady you judged me by having an audio system in my trunk. which is worse?

[@oler777]

why?

[@nofightsnecessary]

Wow... that guy almost made me fall asleep speaking in his monotone. He walked with his hands in his pockets, and did not drive the cars to the limit at all.

[@stock881]

@tigercrap i agree but since i am now paralyzed from waist down the "good" paddle shifters in cars is the only way i can enjoy any kind of manual trans setup, so they are good and bad to me

[@EZENDS]

Well why didnt they?

[@SpeedyNeutrino43]

@unknownunknowns ...With a cooling system designed for a supercharged engine you won't be "overheating the engine" no matter has hard you push it. Engineers can design a cooling system to keep any engine cool, no matter the size, supercharged or not. In WW2 the Packard-built Rolls Royce Merlin engine in the American P-51 Mustang was liquid cooled and produced 1700 horsepower, supercharged. Other Merlins produced up to 2600 hp, also supercharged and liquid cooled. Maybe this helps.

[@xlrvlac]

@FordNissanChevy like the sho too. i really like that mkz and mks(ecoboost) but i wonder if ford going to ever put that 5.4/5.0 litre in either of the two to compete with these cars since gt500/gt350 has them.

[@sidewayznut2009]

Ya its friggen beautiful too. But I was just talking about something more inline with these the Essence if they do make it will obviously be much more expensive.

[@Xaqtly]

Actually the wood trim is exactly what it says it is - wood trim. The leather is real, but the recaro seats are not all leather. The center sections are alcantera for grippiness.

[@Jonjuice711]

@stevomwa1 its all about what styling you prefer

[@Rusty91o]

My opinion, I still like the CTS-V. But good comparison here, enjoyed it.

[@DSNCB919]

@MilitantOldLady how is the mercedes classier? how is it more sophisticated? please tell me because i doubt you even passed physics 2 so dont talk about sophisticated

[@jhail040]

the only time you'll have too much horsepower is when all four wheels are spinning in every gear

[@mainlymusicman]

@CARandDRlVER how is 5 years double that of 4 years?. and the new e63 IS faster than the cts-v and so is the old one, check car and drivers comparison test between the two

[@rueben44]

The Cadillac out performed and they made a subjective call for the Mercedes. Both are great cars but I do not agree when they choose a car based on their taste and not the numbers.

[@rjstanford]

+rueben44 I guess it depends if you want to trailer your car to the track and bet heavily on tenths of a second, or if you want to win by daily driving it with the biggest smile on your face. Everyone has different priorities.

[@eldoradomanchuria]

+Richard Stanford The biggest smile on your face would be generated by the CTS V anyway, so I don't understand your point. They described the mercedes as more polished and crisp. What puts a smile on your face, bonkers and tail-happy, or polished with a soft ride? Their pick was garbage.

[@richardstanford8427]

+Samuel Rizzo I daily drive a 2011 E63 (and respect the CTS V as a fine vehicle) and believe me, you can get the tail swinging without any difficulty whatsoever if you want to. Its sufficiently adjustable to have a real Jekyll and Hyde personality switch between street and track.

[@DeeeBeee123]

EXACTLYYYYYY preach brother! If lap times dont matter then why did they even test them on the track? Biased. Both monsters but the Cadillac is a wayyyy better bargain and less maintenance & repair costs

[@Mlowery85]

Of course you'd say that. I hear that a lot from people who don't have a vehicle from the most respected name in the automotive world.

[@mws444]

I just bought a new CTS V, I can tell you it is a world class automobile. I have had BMW's, Mercedes, corvetts and now a new 2010 Camaro with the Lingenfelter 659 HP package and a full Pedders and Pfadt suspension. The Camaro is the fastest of the cars I have owned, and handles like it is on rails. But the CTS V is very close and does it with a very smooth luxury ride. I personally do not feel a little more polished look and feel is worth 20K. Truth is it would be a drivers race.

[@speedpeddler]

Lot of ignorant comments from people that have never owned or driven either on here. They're both great cars for different reasons and will appeal to different people. Like I already said in my previous post, I've owned three AMG,S and one CTSV. Liked them all but, the Benz is my preferred car. If your only measurement of a car is its performance numbers than by a Vette not a Caddy.

[@vernonprice5986]

That's not a good recommendation when you want 4 doors or a wagon. Mercedes are so overpriced that it's really hard to justify it since the performance isn't any better than the CTS-V.

[@VAspeed3]

@marshknute Yes, you can get the Ariel Atom in the US. They are built at VIR near Danville VA. I've been in the plant. Each car is built to order, and most if not all of them are street legal.

[@SpeedyNeutrino43]

I'd like see some lavender haired little old woman blowing the doors off other cars at stop lights. lol

[@samiam20024]

i'll like both hands down

[@sdfE36]

so they tested an automatic cts-v, which is available with a 6speed manual, against a triptronic paddle shifter mercedes. incredibly fair comparison.....

[@abckimi1]

First time hearing about Cadillac hehe. It is also fast car :O But Merc just looks more classy from inside and outside. If I had the money I will definitely go for Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG :D Merc has more status too lol

[@jrcsh]

@T1Oracle this is a whole new car for MB. the old e63 has been out of production for a while

[@willsco76]

Well I'm glad to hear that you have that kind of money to spend because you will need all of it to service that car. Good Luck with that.

[@IronJpM]

@HipHopmyculture so...where's yours?

[@awachtel]

That's because they aren't 100% manufactured and assembled in Europe. The assembly is done in countries with currencies that typically perform equal to or worse than the USD. That said, their manufacturing cost is stable to the dollar.

[@panagiotisf7228]

cadillac taught all these other companies how to build there cars caddy had so mich technology from day 1

[@gweggorz]

Nice win by the AMG, even if it wasn't by much... at all. If I were ever going throw down a ton of cash for a sports sedan I think it would be worth the extra 20K. It just looks so much nicer inside and out IMO. Now we'll just have to wait for the F10 M5.

[@insatiableTy]

@makstone Did I not clearly write "NOT YET PRODUCTION" it was a WORKING concept, meaning it was a completed car with the actual engine and interior it was just a single unit not a production model.

[@vernonprice5986]

He said it had 518 HP, but every E63 AMG review I've ever seen from that year had the PP installed, AND instrumented testing backs me up - the non-PP version is not as fast as the CTS-V. Math, physics, you cant't really argue with it. It's not physically possible for the E63 to go faster than the CTS-V without the extra hp and tq from the PP, so do the math in your head. Figure it out. Also every other review I've seen of these cars head to head say the CTS-V is sharper and handles better,

[@customcaddys]

correction, the LSA is NOT the same as the LS9. different heat exchanger, pistons, valves, exhaust manifolds, pulley system, boost level and more.. even the blower is smaller. CTSV = NOT a corvette motor.

[@Chev502]

The limiter holds out a little longer for CTS-V, 175mph vs. 155mph for the Benz. LS9 Vette puts both to shame at 200+

[@im1greatman]

Wow. I wonder what kind of car Cadillac can make if it cost $100,000 dollars like the E63 AMG. The price difference alone gives the Cadillac a win in my eyes.

[@vernonprice5986]

It would only look "brick-like" to somebody who had never seen a brick before. Have you ever seen a brick before?

[@nGen44]

Truthfully the caddy looks better from the outside, and the engine sounds awesome (I've been in a friends) but after going for a test drive in the e63, I would half to agree with the video. Not only does it have immense speed and power (yes I know less than the caddy), but it also best serves its function as a sedan, but for an additional 20,000 I would certainly hope so. Although I do think the caddy would look way cooler going down the road...

[@Bankhead_BeeFYR]

wow thats not a corvette motor i thought they came with a lsa engine

[@tinleo333]

thats right

[@guitaristwagner]

@sumanpenta Actually its not, the SLS isnt supercharged either. The only one thats s/c is the SLR the other amg's i think are not naturally aspirated are TT i believe.

[@Deeskey95]

thats true the hennessey performance package you can get for 20,000 takes it up to over 700hp

[@ashalwaysrules]

I dare you guys to pit the new E63 AMG with the AMG pack against the CTSV.. Lets see who wins then..

[@marshknute]

@VAspeed3 California and Arizona consider the Atom a road legal vehicle. In other states (I live in Connecticut), you have to spend decades filling out paperwork and negotiating with health and safety people in order to register it as a "special road vehicle." Motorcycles, on the other hand, can be purchased and registered very easily, even though they are the most unsafe vehicles on the road. They are only legal because nobody thought to ban them in the first place.