When it comes to securing yourself some sort of practical performance coupe or sedan, there are excellent options from all over the world. Creations cooked up by the likes of Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz illustrate Germany’s effectiveness in the sector, while other European options are available from manufacturers like Alfa Romeo and Jaguar. Then you have more reliable and affordable models from Korean and Japanese brands, before you inevitably get to American machinery.
Cadillac has pushed hard to increase its performance range in the last couple of decades, and now one of its earlier attempts is an absolute used bargain.
Cadillac’s M3 Challenger Was Built On Camaro DNA
2017 Cadillac ATS-V front three-quarters angle in black while parkedBring a Trailer
During the 2010s, Cadillac started to raise its ambitions to take the fight directly to sports coupe and sedan experts like BMW and Mercedes-Benz, having previously focused on building cut-price alternatives for those who wanted performance for significantly less. Cadillac’s pedigree was of ultra-luxury and peak excellence though, as opposed to a budget version of premium European machines, so the decision was taken to aim squarely at its foreign rivals going forward.
The ATS-V is a perfect illustration of this refreshed approach, with the model being the performance version of the ATS, Cadillac’s compact executive coupe and sedan that was designed to go up against cars like BMW’s 3 and 4 Series ranges. As a result, the V was developed to take on the M3 and M4 at their own game. The ATS-V was thus available in both two-door coupe and four-door sedan forms, to take on the equivalent M4 and M3 offerings, respectively.
Thus, the ATS-V was born with sporting pretensions from the start, built upon GM’s Alpha platform. Yep, the very same foundations used by the Chevrolet Camaro muscle car.
The ATS-V Stacked Up Well To BMW’s Offerings
2017 Cadillac ATS-V detail shot of the engine bayBring a Trailer
When combining performance and usability, beating BMW’s phenomenal M3 and M4 models is the benchmark every manufacturer looking to get involved in the battle had to aim for. From a power standpoint, the Caddy came out of the blocks swinging. While BMW’s creations used a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, the ATS-V utilized a larger 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6, which pumped out just shy of 40 horsepower more than the BMWs could manage. That wasn’t all, as the Cadillac’s V6 also provided its driver with an extra 40 lb-ft of torque, an important benefit considering the Caddy tipped the scales at just under 300 pounds heavier in either form.
The extra firepower more than made up for the extra mass, as both the ATS-V coupe and sedan could sprint to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, while the BMW competitors had to settle for a 4.1-second dash. As a tradeoff, you’d expect the BMWs to take control once you got to the bends, but don’t be so sure.
While the suspension used on the M cars made for a more composed and usable handling balance on rougher roads, the ATS-V’s excellent electronic setup and finely tuned chassis really came into their own on smoother routes. The extra grunt adds some extra spice to proceedings, while its powerful Brembo braking system matches up well to the BMW’s own setup. The ATS-V squared up surprisingly effectively with the M3 and M4, but expect to work harder to extract its potential unless you have access to a silky-smooth racetrack.
2016 Cadillac ATS-V Sedan Gray Overhead Front Angled View Track DrivingCadillac
As with the M3 and M4, the beauty of the ATS-V is that, depending on your circumstances, you have a couple of different body style options. Should you not have kids or any rear passengers to worry about, the coupe provides a sleeker exterior design that arguably stands out better on the road than the sedan variant. Plus, due to lacking a couple of rear doors, it’s also a little lighter overall. It also retains the same size trunk and legroom as the sedan, since the two cars are built on an identical chassis.
The sedan makes sense for those who have a family to transport, since it has a useful pair of rear doors so that you can access the rear compartment more easily. That makes it more straightforward to strap your children into their travel seats, not to mention accessing the rear seats should you want to fold them down to fit larger objects in the trunk. Plus, the sedan’s less streamlined silhouette promotes extra headroom out front, to the tune of an inch. Rear headroom is the same as the coupe, since both cars feature the same sloping roofline towards the back. Notably, taller drivers may find the extra headspace of the sedan more comfortable, so it’s worth sitting in both vehicles before you decide.
Used ATS-V’s Can Be Had For Less Than A Used 3 Series
2016 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe White Rear Angled View Driving on a Coastal RoadCadillac
While the ATS-V’s effectiveness as a performance car against the likes of the M3 and M4 is impressive, that’s nothing when you consider just how cheap they are these days. In their last years of production, 2018 for the sedan and 2019 for the coupe, they demanded $61,595 and $67,795, respectively, prices that were around $1k and $5k cheaper than their equivalent BMW M rivals. This proved decent value at the time, but Cadillac’s relative lack of pedigree versus the legendary BMW M name has seen both models plunge in value in the years since.
Tidy examples of either car can be had for as little as $20k these days, though these will be higher mileage with less meat left on the bone. On average, you’ll need to spend around $33,400 to net yourself a clean sedan ATS-V with around 60,000 miles on the clock, while an equivalent coupe specimen will set you back around a grand more. If you want to purchase a used M3 or M4 of similar age and mileage, you’ll have to lay down well over $40k, and in the case of the former, closer to $50k. In fact, a used 2023 BMW 330i has the same sort of average value as the ATS-V, which provides much less in the way of performance and creature comforts for a car that’s only a few years younger.
The ATS-V’s used market performance was always going to be weaker than the M3 or M4, since BMW’s M heritage proves to be a greater pull for most gearheads than Cadillac’s reputation for primarily offering soft luxury cars for an older demographic. It is doing a good job of changing this, so expect more modern models to fare better in this regard. As far as the ATS-V goes, just be thankful that you can secure yourself a genuine BMW M3/M4 threat at a hefty discount.
The ATS-V Is A Refined Daily With M-Car Performance
2019 Cadillac ATS-V Pedestal Edition Interior Front CabinCadillac
The beauty of the ATS-V featuring a Cadillac badge is that, along with the BMW M-challenging performance, it’s also a damn nice place to be. Its power-adjustable, half leather and half suede microfiber seats provide great comfort and support, making them ideal for both cruising along a highway and exploring the limits of the ATS-V’s engaging chassis. They are heated too, which helps make those cold winter mornings that little bit less intimidating.
There’s also an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment setup with the usual Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, a premium sound system, as well as convenient climate and cruise control, as you’d expect with a higher-end model. When looking for used examples, be sure to seek out the optional Recaro sports seats, as they turn the comfort and support dial up a notch, and are well worth having. That said, don’t expect the cabin to feel as premium as its German rivals, primarily as the materials are similar to those used in the standard ATS.
They look and feel cheaper than the materials found in the M3/M4, which is a little disappointing given how close in price they were when new. With the decent discount you get with used examples in 2026 though, this setback can perhaps be a little easier to swallow.
Despite having a slightly subpar cabin, the ATS-V makes up for it with its engaging driving experience. It is not only genuinely fun to drive, but being able to blast past the 0-60 mph barrier in under four seconds for less than $30k is genuinely compelling. The fact that it can be legitimately mentioned in the same breath as the M3/M4 as far as driving dynamics are concerned tells you everything you need to know about this bargain sports sedan.
Sources: BMW, Cadillac.
