Cadillac Revives the CT6 in China with a Fresh Look and Lower Price

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More than five years have passed since the Cadillac CT6 vanished from U.S. dealerships, but the model continues to thrive in China. As Cadillac’s flagship sedan approaches the 2026 model year, it remains a key player in the brand’s Chinese lineup, refreshed once again to stay competitive in a market that still values large, comfortable luxury sedans. Interestingly, while the CT6 in China continues to offer the premium features one would expect from Cadillac, it comes at a far lower price than its former U.S. counterpart. With the most recent update, the base price now starts at 289,900 yuan, roughly $40,700 at current exchange rates—a figure that undercuts what American buyers once paid by a significant margin.

To put this into perspective, when the first-generation 2020 model debuted in the United States, prices began at $58,995 for the Luxury trim, climbed to $74,495 for Premium Luxury, and reached $96,495 for the Platinum. If those prices were adjusted for inflation, the same trims would today range between about $74,800 and $123,000. That means the Chinese-market CT6 now costs nearly half of what American customers once spent on the luxury sedan, making it a far more attainable flagship vehicle in its current market.

CT6

Cadillac introduced a comprehensive refresh of the CT6 in China in 2023, updating the car’s styling and interior to align with modern expectations. The latest version keeps much of that design but introduces a new white leather interior option called Cloud Tranquility White, giving buyers a brighter and more elegant cabin choice. The CT6 is available in three trims: the base model, a mid-tier version priced at about $43,500, and a top variant costing approximately $46,300.

Inside, the cabin is centered around a sweeping 33-inch 9K curved display powered by Cadillac’s latest operating system, complete with over-the-air update capability. Buyers can also equip the sedan with GM’s Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving technology, featuring six cameras, six millimeter-wave radars, and twelve ultrasonic sensors—though notably, the system lacks LiDAR, a feature that’s becoming increasingly common in high-end Chinese models. The CT6 also includes a premium 19-speaker AKG audio system with headrest-integrated speakers, active noise cancellation, ambient interior lighting, and a wireless phone charger. Brushed aluminum accents complete the upscale environment.

Cadillac

Under the hood, power comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 233 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. For 2026, Cadillac has refined its Magnetic Ride Control system, which is now standard on all models. This adaptive suspension technology uses magnetorheological fluid and electromagnets to continuously adjust damping for improved comfort and agility. The setup combines a double-wishbone front suspension with a rear aluminum multi-link design to enhance ride quality and handling.

Cadillac CT6

Despite these impressive updates, the CT6 remains a niche product for Cadillac in China. During the first half of the year, only 209 units were sold, reflecting the challenges of sustaining strong sales in a crowded luxury market—even for a well-equipped flagship sedan with a prestigious badge.

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