Does the Cadillac CTS-V have Magnetic Ride Control?

[ElijahAnn]

Cadillac CTS-V has Magnetic Ride Control, which is a new type of independent suspension system utilizing electromagnetic reactions. It can respond to road conditions within 1 millisecond, suppressing vibrations and maintaining vehicle stability. The Cadillac CTS-V is equipped with a 6.2L V8 supercharged engine, delivering an impressive output of 556 horsepower and 747 Nm of torque, paired with a full-electronic 6-speed automatic transmission. In terms of body dimensions, the Cadillac CTS-V measures 4866mm in length, 1842mm in width, and 1472mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2880mm.

[WilliamLee]

I previously researched Cadillac's performance cars, and the CTS-V indeed came standard with magnetic ride suspension across the entire lineup. Cadillac calls this the MRC (Magnetic Ride Control) active electromagnetic suspension. This thing reacts frighteningly fast, scanning the road surface 1,000 times per second, with the magnetic particle fluid in the suspension instantly stiffening when electric current is applied. It feels incredibly stable when cornering, almost like the car is suctioned to the road. However, it's worth noting that the tuning varies by model year - the second-gen CTS-V (post-2009) felt more compliant over speed bumps, while the third-gen (2016) showed significantly improved track support. At that time, competitors like the M5 and E63 were still using air suspension, which couldn't match its reaction speed at all.

[JocelynLee]

Last week while helping a friend inspect a used car, I happened to come across a 2012 CTS-V and specifically tested its Magnetic Ride Control. What's most impressive about this system is its ability to balance both comfort and performance perfectly. In normal mode, driving over bumpy roads feels as soft as riding a boat, but switch to sport mode and it immediately stiffens up. However, this is the component most prone to issues in used cars, especially with fluid leaks during northern winters, and replacing a single shock absorber can cost several thousand. I recommend finding a rough road section before test driving to repeatedly switch modes and listen for any abnormal noises, and check if the suspension warning light on the dashboard is illuminated. Truth be told, Porsche's PASM system from the same model year isn't as responsive, though German car parts are admittedly easier to source.

[McBentley]

Performance car enthusiasts are well aware that the CTS-V's MRC suspension was cutting-edge technology back in the day. Simply put, it works by filling the shock absorbers with magnetorheological fluid, where iron particles instantly align and stiffen when electrified. The real thrill comes when carving mountain roads—no nose-dive during corner entry and no tail-happiness on exit. One subtle detail often overlooked is its aluminum hydraulic top mounts for front suspension, producing noticeably duller 'thud' sounds over speed bumps compared to steel ones. This system debuted on the second-gen model in 2009 and remained until discontinuation in 2019, with Cadillac's current top-trim Escalade still employing the same tech.