Rudy

As far as flattering, I'd say that this is probably as flattering a photo as you're going to see. I think it's one of those official (professional) photos that GM spent big bucks getting. This seems to be the kind of photo that they put in catalogs, etc. where they go to extremes to make sure everything looks as good as possible.

As far as number of buttons, again, maybe it's me but I'm seeing a bunch of them. There are some to the extreme left of the shot next to the dash vent, there are a bunch on the steering wheel (which look like they're too close together), and there are a ton of them scattered all over the center stack (again, many of them too close together to allow for good feedback.) There seems to be many more buttons than that of the E60. I can't tell for sure but it looks like the round knob below the analog clock might be some sort of "mouse" controller for the screen (similar to the iDrive controller) but my bet is that it would be tricky to keep your arm extended and accurately (and comfortably) use it while driving.

All I know is that each time I look at this photo, I get anxious.

TT C6

550 supercharged horsepower STOCK;
100HP+ only a pulley change away;

and all you guys can talk about is buttons.

I NEED AWD for my daily driver,
so hopefully BMW will deliver a AWD 5 series with a 4.4L turbo V8.
But, if I didn't NEED AWD,
I would choose the CTS-V in a second because no sedan on the planet is going to walk away from this thing......
especially when owners star swapping pulleys.

pukka

I'm not trying to steer this thread in a different direction. - But what pulley change is going to give you a 100hp boost?

swajames

yep - 100 is probably a little high but 50 to 60 HP should be possible if the results of the E55 pulley upgrades are anything to go by. That's going to take you to around 600+ hp at the crank (and probably over 500 at the rear wheels...) Not bad at all!

JPJ

I don't need AWD, but even with the current CTS-V winter driving was probably the main reason I stayed away in the end. Only a few people on their forums even tried to drive in Northern winters (and those that had winter tires generally also had some backup alternative for really bad days). I talked to a few people around here that have them and they wouldn't even consider trying to use it as their primary car for winter.

CVTBenhogan

Agreed. A force to reckon with. That said, IMHO the car mags went intially alittle over board on the standard CTS. I see new comparos with the 335 and G35 besting it. Put a twin turbo E60 on track with PS2s, the result would be the CTS far behind. The E60 has much more grip and power.

As for the CTS-V, it will enjoy a period of time bashing the German power sedans. Good stuff. But not for long though, the F10 will arive and crush it with better driving dynamics and better interior and electronics/interfaces. In the future the F10 will win most car mag comparos with the Caddy and others, with the main negative being like always, price.

But the main point is Caddy got close this time and the CTS-V will arguable top (performance/value) the German performance sedans for a brief moment. Of course Nissan could make a four door Skyline.

pukka

If you've never lived in Japan - Imagine that!

JetBlack5OC

Thats funny, they do look very similar. Clarkson always says the Aston's interior don't look like what you pay for them. He says they have a lot of Ford and Volvo parts in them.

AP Sales

I just drove a regular CTS rental 300 miles in one day last week. The seat cushion foam is miserable, and the seat bottom is way too short. Both my passenger and I are about 6 foot tall, and our butts and hamstrings were numb because all our weight was on our butts. It needs the extensions like I have on my Comfort seats.

Otherwise, nice ride and feel. Much improved interior from last gen.

vrondados

i love the grills, thats it