Cadillac CTS-V

The car you’re looking at here is not only the quickest, most powerful Cadillac ever made – it’s the quickest, most powerful American saloon in history.

This is the CTS-V, and it’s gunning for some tough competition in the shape of the BMW M5, Mercedes E63 AMG and Audi RS6. Packing a 6.2-litre supercharged V8, it has enough power to cover 0-60mph in less than four seconds, and reach 191mph.

All the controls are meaty and provide decent feedback, if not the sharpness of an M5. As with Audi’s R8, the CTS-V has magnetic dampers which can be adjusted continuously to match road conditions.

There are two settings – one for comfort and the other for track use. The traction control system is adjustable, too.

The CTS-V corners quickly and grips strongly, and UK buyers are likely to get a performance package that includes uprated Brembo brakes. But is the Caddy a match for the best sporting saloons from Europe?

Well, it’s fast, entertaining and stylish. Only a few are likely to be offered here this year – all with left-hand drive. But if you’re in the market for something different, the CTS-V is certainly worth a look.

Rival: BMW M5
It's 507bhp V10, seven-speed semi-auto box and adjustable transmission settings are as hi-tech as saloons get – yet the big BMW is still full of feedback.