Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon first drive review

What is it?

Having charmed us with the saloon and coupé versions of its quite spectacularly mad CTS-V series, Cadillac now offers the same power fix in estate guise. It's also claiming to be the world's fastest load lugger, topping out at 190mph and reaching 62mph in just 4.1secs. Woof.

What’s it like?

Based on the CTS Sport Wagon, the V-spec car gains the same Corvette-based 6.2-litre supercharged V8 deployed in its siblings. This develops a massive 556hp and 551lb ft of torque and laugh-out-loud performance. We tried the six-speed automatic version, complete with paddle-shifters – it isn't as lightning quick as the best German 'boxes, but does allow for a good compromise between relaxed cruising and banzai B-road running.

Response from that titanic engine from any speed is just phenomenal, getting you from merely quick to go-to-jail speed with slightly alarming alacrity. But the Caddy's V8 really needs to sound more inspiring. More NASCAR, more popping and crackling on the over-run would be welcome. As it is, you get a too-refined blare overlaid with a bit of supercharger whine.

In spite of its weight, the Wagon is surprisingly agile, with steering that has nicely progressive weight if not the greatest feel. Really pile into a corner and you'll begin to feel the cars prodigious heft, though. That said, the brakes do a good job of hauling you back from the brink. Thanks to its trick magnetic damper control, ride and body control are both the right side of good, too.

In the cabin, you'll find surfaces that feel premium, stitching that wouldn't look out of place in a Bentley and a sense that its all been properly put together. It is a simply massive improvement over past efforts.

Should I buy one?

The CTS-V Sport Wagon is also a bit (okay, a lot) wedgy at £73,500, but if you are in the market for mad-power estates, choice is pretty limited. The only obvious contender is the 518bhp Mercedes Benz E63 AMG at £76,020. Of the two, I'm pretty sure which would be the better ownership proposition.

But in its defence, I know the Cadillac would make me smile wider – and more often.