Cadillac
CT6
Mercedes-Benz
S-class
Cadillac CT6 vs Mercedes-Benz S-class: 2023 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Mercedes-Benz S-class comes out ahead of the Cadillac CT6 on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
CT6
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear divide between appreciation for the vehicle's core attributes and significant concerns over reliability and long-term viability. The CT6 is widely praised for its driving dynamics, particularly on the advanced Omega platform, which is noted for excellent handling and weight transfer. It is considered a cutting-edge luxury machine offering strong value, especially when purchased used, with powerful engine options (notably the 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 and the rare 4.2L Twin-Turbo "Blackwing" V8) providing substantial performance.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" trim. The high-performance CT6-V with the 4.2L Twin-Turbo V8 (Blackwing) is mentioned as a rare, fun halo car but is universally flagged for severe reliability concerns and future parts scarcity.
Known issues
- ⚠Unreliable electronics and poor build quality: electronics stop working randomly all over the car. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Problematic 8-speed automatic transmission (8L45 and 8L90): harsh shifting, jerkiness, especially in 2nd gear, laggy response, subject to class action lawsuits. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Severe engine cooling issues (CT6-V 4.2L Twin-Turbo V8): engines can burst into flames after hard driving, leading to parking outside as a precaution; described as a fundamental design flaw. Frequency: very frequent.
S-class
Overall
\nSentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on the specific generation and model year. Long-term owners of the W222 generation (2014-2020) report high satisfaction with its comfort, luxury, and reliability, with one owner noting over 165,000 miles with only minor, warranty-covered repairs. However, a strong and recurrent criticism is directed at the design and technology direction of the latest W223 generation (2021+).
Best version to buy
\nInsufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version. Feedback indicates a preference for well-equipped examples, as many used S-Classes are noted to be "base spec/not really well equipped." For the W222 generation, models newer than 2015 are suggested for better reliability regarding early turbo V8 issues.
Known issues
- ⚠\nWater intrusion leading to electrical faults (CAN bus failures): potential for no-start conditions and dead screens.
The verdict
The Mercedes-Benz S-class is the better choice for most buyers.
It has more power on its best-equipped version than the Cadillac CT6, based on the data above. If efficiency matters more to you than outright power, the Cadillac CT6 is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Cadillac CT6 or the Mercedes-Benz S-class?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Cadillac CT6 and the Mercedes-Benz S-class. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Cadillac CT6 or the Mercedes-Benz S-class?
The Cadillac CT6 seats more passengers than the Mercedes-Benz S-class on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Cadillac CT6 is classed as a Sedan, the Mercedes-Benz S-class as a Sedan.
Which has better fuel economy, the Cadillac CT6 or the Mercedes-Benz S-class?
Fuel consumption data is limited for one or both models. Check the specs table above for the figures available on each catalogued version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Cadillac CT6 or the Mercedes-Benz S-class?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Cadillac CT6 than the Mercedes-Benz S-class. See the known issues comparison above.