Total Car Score rates 2013 Cadillac ATS over BMW 3-Series

(July 24, 2012) LOS ANGELES — Total Car Score has published a comparison test that places the 2013 Cadillac ATS as the top car in the class of 2013 entry-level luxury sedans. The decision comes from Total Car Score's road test comparison of the Cadillac ATS versus the BMW 3-Series and Infiniti G.

Entry luxury sedans represent the first tier of automotive luxury, and are a critical segment for premium automakers. These cars provide many of the same high-end features and ownership experiences found in larger, more expensive luxury models.

"After getting hands-on driving experience during the 2013 Cadillac ATS road test, and then driving it back-to-back against the BMW 335i and Infiniti G37 Sport, we find it to be the most compelling compact luxury sedan on the market right now, and one of the automotive stories to watch in the new class of vehicles coming to market," said Karl Brauer, Editor in Chief of Total Car Score. "The ATS has an overall edge versus the BMW 3-Series, and there is yet more distance between itself and other cars in the entry luxury segment."

Brauer added the BMW 3-series, which was just refreshed last year, still enjoys a razor-thin edge over competitors in pure driving dynamics, including a capable suspension and highly intuitive steering feedback.

"However, the fact that the ATS has essentially matched the 3 Series dynamically, and is more compelling in terms of interior design, overall layout and technological interface, makes it feel like a more advanced car," said Brauer. "The ATS's 3.6-liter V-6 is attached to a brilliant transmission. It is exceptionally capable in its ability to downshift and upshift at precisely the right moment, even without driver input."

According to Brauer, the Infiniti G is still very compelling in terms of performance, but it is dated with regard to interior design, styling and drivetrain refinement.

The Cadillac ATS will be unveiled to a global audience during the opening ceremonies of the 2012 London Olympics on Friday. The ATS goes on sale in the U.S. in August.