The CTS line is often compared to compact luxury sedans like the Mercedes C-Class or BMW 3 Series, and that may be a function of similar pricing.   By exterior dimensions, the CTS is actually as large or slightly larger than mid-size models like the BMW 5 Series or Mercedes E-Class.   The Cadillac's impression of a more compact size probably speaks well of its overall design.  

The CTS sedan and the new Sport Wagon are identical from the front bumper to about the middle roof pillar.   The egg-crate grille design for V6 models is common across Cadillac's lineup.   Vertically stacked headlight clusters make heavy use of LED (light-emitting diode) technology, which delivers lots of light and allows lots of style with little electrical load.   The air vents or extractors near the trailing edge of the front fenders have been re-designed with a more open appearance for 2011.  

The CTS wagon might be more handsome than the sedan, if only because its proportions are almost perfectly balanced.   The integrated spoiler at the rear edge of the wagon's roof serves as both an aerodynamic device and the center high-mount brake light.   The standard power liftgate can be operated with either the key fob or a switch at the rear of the car.   A simple dial inside the gate allows its opening range to be adjusted, from just-above-roof height for short folks or tight garages to nearly vertical upward extension.  

The high-performance CTS-V models get unique, functional styling features, starting with larger wire-mesh grille work above and below the front bumper.   This doubles the amount of air flowing into the engine bay, increasing cooling capacity for the engine, transmission and front brakes.   An aluminum power-dome hood provides a slight bulge to accommodate the supercharged V8 underneath.   Huge Brembo brakes, wedged into thin-spoke, 19-inch forged wheels and extra-wide tires, comprise one of the most engaging visual elements on the car.  

The big wheels aren't reserved for the CTS-V models, however.   For 2011, Cadillac offers 19-inch wheels with all-season tires on all CTS sedans and wagons, including those with all-wheel drive.   Wheel options range from 17 to 19 inches, and from painted to highly polished.   Is the CTS Coupe really all that different from the CTS sedan? Yes, and in some key places and dimensions.   The coupe is virtually identical to the concept vehicle shown at the Detroit auto show in January of 2008.  

The coupe's wheelbase is the same as the sedan's, but the roofline is two inches lower, the body is two inches shorter, and the rear track has been widened by two inches compared to the existing sedan, to plant those big tires.   The windshield rake angle is much steeper than the sedan's, at 62.3 degrees, and the rear window is nearly flat when viewed from the side.  

The rear end treatment features a centered dual-exhaust outlet under the bumper that complements all of the other sharp angles on the car.   In order to have good ingress/egress into the back seat, the coupe's doors are as long as a summer day in June.   There are no traditional door handles outside or inside; instead, the CTS Coupe uses pushbutton openers adapted from the Chevrolet Corvette.   In spite of the very fast look of the coupe, the actual drag coefficient number is high for a coupe and high in this class, just under 0.36, when some of the competition is down around 0.26.