When will the ATSL undergo a model change?
3 Answers
The timing for the ATSL model change depends on when the ATS production is discontinued. With the discontinuation of the ATS, the domestically produced ATS-L model will also undergo a change. According to Cadillac's new vehicle plan before 2021, the current CTS and ATS models will be phased out. Below are the details about the ATS-L: 1. Body dimensions: The currently available (2017 model) Cadillac ATS-L was launched on December 22, 2016, with a body length of 4730mm, width of 1824mm, height of 1426mm, and a wheelbase of 2860mm. 2. Powertrain: It is equipped with a 2.0T SIDI direct-injection turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 279 horsepower and a peak torque of 400 Nm, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
As a classic model of Cadillac, the ATS-L was a car I personally drove for several years, and I recall its generational update occurred around 2020. At that time, I noticed Cadillac discontinued the ATS-L and introduced the CT4 as the new-generation model. In fact, the ATS-L was the extended version, while the global ATS was discontinued earlier. After the update, the CT4 adopted a new platform, offering more agile handling and stronger power but slightly less interior space. When I test-drove the CT4, I felt the interior was significantly upgraded, such as the larger smart screen. After its launch in 2020, sales remained quite stable. Cadillac likely aimed to unify its model lineup to better compete with rivals like the BMW 3 Series. The generational update took place around early 2020, before and after the pandemic—if you're interested, you can check news or the official website's history from that time. Nowadays, the CT4 is quite popular among young people, though occasional inventory issues should be noted. The changes brought by the update were positive, such as improved fuel efficiency and maintained driving pleasure, though maintenance costs also rose slightly.
Regarding the ATS-L replacement, let me talk about the model evolution. The ATS was globally discontinued in 2019, and the China-exclusive L version also exited the market around 2020, replaced by the CT4 during Cadillac's brand restructuring. The new Alpha platform features rear-wheel drive design, with engine power increased to 237 horsepower and more precise handling. The replacement brought noticeable changes, such as electronic system upgrades and slight space adjustments, but after discontinuing the L version, the CT4 leaned more towards a sporty positioning with a similar price range. It's recommended to check the 2020 auto show records or official data for the replacement timeline. Cadillac's move likely aligned with electrification trends to boost market share. Personally, I think the replacement was quite successful—current CT4 owners find it suitable for daily driving or occasional track experiences.
