Cadillac CT4-V. Photo by Jill Weinlein

Recently I had the opportunity to drive a sporty radiant red 2024 Cadillac CT4-V sedan to the stunning new Pendry Newport Beach. The one hour drive from Los Angeles was a breeze when I pushed the Super Cruise button. It’s the first true hands-free driving technology for compatible roads.

This vehicle’s turbocharged 2.7 L Dual-Volute engine with 325 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque. She handles like a dream with her all-wheel drive performance. The new technology provides an ever-growing network for select eligible Cadillac vehicles to travel on over 400,000 miles of compatible roads throughout the United States and Canada, including both divided and undivided highways. 

The Super Cruise driver assistance technology uses real-time cameras and precision LiDAR map data. Sensors and GPS maintain control with real-time corrections. Map data determines the vehicle’s location, while the Lane Sensing Camera detects the marked lanes on the road, helping the vehicle steer and keep its lane position.

The one thing I didn’t like was the turn signals are so quiet, that one might forget to turn them off, until the vehicle alerts the driver after a minute or two without changing into another lane. 

Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing. Photo Jill Weinlein

As the car was dropped off to me, a cyber yellow metallic CT4-V Blackwing was waiting out front to pick up the delivery driver. This vehicle exudes power with its eye-catching color and sporty racing seat design.

Both the CT4-V and CT4-V Blackwing were designed with performance in mind. The thick-rim steering wheels, bolstered seats, and ergonomic design makes everyday feel like a trip to a racetrack.

This Cadillac has a 3.6L twin turbocharged V6 engine with 472 horsepower. When one uses the 6-speed manual transmission, one is in complete control. This car is also available in 10-speed automatic transmission.

Sporty Cadillac CT4. Photo Jill Weinlein

Cadillac is always distinctive in its LED headlamps and signature lighting. There is a Lighting Package with LED front cornering lamps and LED turn signals. Other features I appreciate are the leather seating surfaces with custom seat perforations that complement the cut-and-sewn stitching.

Walking up to the vehicle I enjoyed using the keyless fob to start the engine. I just pressed it two times, and the turn signals flash to confirm that the remote start works. This is a nice feature to have during the day in a parking garage and in the evening.

Driving on the highway, I just set the maximum speed limit in the area and the Super Control system detects vehicles in my path. The vehicle accelerates and brakes on its own based on traffic conditions. I appreciated how it kept a safe driver-selected following gap time from the vehicle ahead. This feature provides a much more relaxed and safe ride even in stop-and-go traffic.

When it is engaged, Super Cruise uses a Driver Attention System that monitors to detect my head and eye positioning, alerting me to pay attention to the road and steer manually when needed. I always kept my hands on the steering wheel, but this new technology makes driving even more fun.

Cadillac CT4. Photo by Jill Weinlein

The comfortable interior includes heated and ventilated driver and front-passenger seats with lumbar massage. I used this massage feature often while driving. There are numerous adjustments and driver memory settings to optimize your comfort and safety experience.

I always enjoy Cadillac’s straight ahead heads-up display on the windshield, especially in the evening when it is sometimes more difficult to take one’s eyes off the road to look down to detect the vehicle’s speed.

The 8-speaker premium Bose audio system provides the ultimate audio and entertainment experience.

Cadillac CT4-V. Photo Jill Weinlein

There is sufficient truck space for a weekend getaway, golf game or shopping trip with 10.7 cubic feet of space. For those looking for a luxury sedan, the Cadillac CT4 is in the same category as the BMW 3 Series and Audi 4.

The 2024 Cadillac CT4 has a base price of $34,595. If you opt for the Premium Luxury trim, the price starts around $39,500. This sporty V-Series model begins around $47,000 and the V-Series Blackwing starts around $62,000.

Lobby of the Pendry Newport Beach. Photo by Jill Weinlein

Guests staying at any Pendry Hotels & Resorts can test drive a Cadillac during their stay. Pendry Newport Beach partners with Cadillac to provide guests with complimentary transportation with their Ride & Drive Program. 

The Pendry Newport Beach has two Cadillac Escalades and two Cadillac XT5s for guests to take for a drive to some hot spots in Orange County. The Concierge team can arrange a four-hour test drive, or the valet staff is available to deliver guests around the beach community in one of the Cadillacs based on availability.