Comparison between CTS Sedan and BMW x5 2014

The all-new 2014 CTS Sedan brings a new spirit of driver engagement and exceptional evolution to the luxury mid-size segment, housed in a lightweight rigid body structure that enhances class-challenging performance and outstanding quietness.
Cadillac’s famous rear-wheel drive architecture is the basis for the new CTS sedan’s driving experience.
The all-new CTS sedan comes with a lighter and more powerful architecture than the outgoing model, allowing for more precise driving and more disciplined handling, as well as a quieter driving experience.
“The architecture helps the CTS advance its performance legacy with a tremendous sense of balance and control underpinned by confident stability and sophistication,” said John Plonka, CTS Program Engineering Manager. Its lightweight architecture is a strategic factor in all performance elements of the CTS, while its power contributes to further improvements through a smoother and quieter driving experience.”
Indeed, several elements contributing to the CTS’s sense of balance underpin the car’s distinct evolution. The engine, for example, is located about 30 mm further in front of the chassis, a dynamic characteristic that not only contributes to the weight distribution of around 50 / 50, but also contributes to ensuring the car’s quiet characteristics. This is because the engine is further away from the passenger compartment, providing enough space for the thick sound-absorbing pad in front of the instrument panel, which in turn separates the cabin from the engine.
Class-exclusive Magnetic Ride Control expands even further on CTS sedan models – available or standard with every engine or transmission combination – enhancing the luxury sedan’s direct and light feel with true damping that delivers exceptional smoothness and driving improvements.
Innovative applications of lightweight materials — including a first-of-its-kind aluminum door on a production vehicle from General Motors — help the 2014 CTS achieve a gross base weight of 1,633 kg, 9 kg less than the competition and 7 percent less than the competition. with the current model.
The aluminum front and rear door structure saves about 7.5 kilograms per door compared to traditional steel doors. Aluminum has also been used for the bonnet, while other advanced materials including magnesium, lightweight, ultra-strong steel and quenchable steel allow engineers to design the chassis with minimal weight, ensuring strength and sophistication without unnecessary bulk.
 Magnesium engine bonds are 60 percent lighter and provide the same stiffness as conventional steel bonds
 Die-cast aluminum high-pressure front strut pillars blend many traditional steel parts into a single component that is 40 percent lighter and less than 15 individual parts Streamlined
 aluminum front chassis mounts that are 60 percent lighter than conventional carriers
In addition to the structure Chassis, the suspension system uses a lot of aluminum, including many links for the front suspension.
Engineers have been very careful with balancing the mass to ensure that Cadillac’s unique improvements are not sacrificed. For example, the rear suspension mount is made of steel, which helps eliminate noise and vibration, while providing a counterweight to the powertrain at the front of the car, helping the CTS achieve a nearly 50/50 weight distribution.
The chassis’s unique lower front chassis provides solid improvements to the chassis that support a connected feel and ensure a smooth, quiet driving experience.
Computer-assisted design identified areas that did not require the use of materials, allowing engineers to create and configure strategic weight reduction hatches, removing approximately 3 kg of unnecessary weight from the hull structure.
“Every gram of material used in CTS has to be in place,” Plonka says. As a result, the new CTS comes with a lighter weight, a more robust build, and better improvements than its longer predecessor – a unique feat that is at the root of its responsive and always-connected driving experience.”
In fact, the integrated body-frame-structure is about 40 percent stiffer than the current model, and delivers world-best torsional rigidity in its class.
Engineers complement the CTS sedan’s lighter overall weight and robust structure with carefully selected chassis and suspension components, which deliver a more agile and responsive driving experience. In fact, its lightweight frame construction enhances the snowball effect of lightweight elements.
“We were able to improve the driving performance of the CTS without having to rely on larger and heavier components, because we didn’t have to take into account the heavy chassis components,” Blonca says. Including wheels, tires and brake system parts. We have improved performance by using smaller and lighter components, which contribute to reduced unsprung weight and enhanced agility and responsiveness.”
The rigidity of the new CTS sedan’s chassis allows the use of an expanded application of the Magnetic Ride Control system, which offers customers even more of the ride and control benefits offered by the advanced damping system. It offers precise body motion control by “reading” the road every millisecond and changing the damping as fast as five milliseconds.
Advanced front and rear suspension systems are at the heart of the responsive feel and smooth driving dynamics offered by the CTS Sedan. Both systems include a MacPherson multi-link strut suspension with a two-axle design for a more precise feel of control, and a five-link independent rear suspension that helps mitigate mid-rolling motion, providing positive lateral control and enhancing dynamic stability.
The CTS sedan also applies the ZF’s electrically-controlled, multi-assist, premium electronic power steering, designed to deliver outstanding responsiveness and focused features.
In keeping with its more solid feel and responsive driving experience, the CTS sedan is a very quiet car – a factor rooted in its stronger and lighter body structure.
“The stiffer, lighter-mass body structure facilitates fine-tuning of engine power, road and aerodynamic noise,” says Blonca. In fact, the engineers put a lot of emphasis on fine-tuning the sound quality in the cabin rather than just reducing the noise level.
This was achieved by reducing noise in unsatisfactory frequency ranges, by reducing noise in all directions and providing the ability to hear the noise that enhances the driving experience.”
Sophisticated acoustic measuring devices and analytical techniques – including devices that record and play back sound in the same way a human hears it – were used to assess the sounds and sound levels of the test cars. Engineers listened to the recordings through special headphones in an acoustically optimized quiet room, enabling them to analyze the entire gamut of sounds and eliminate, enhance, and enhance specific noises.
The result is an exceptional driving experience that is quiet when needed and fun with acoustic feedback. Acoustic treatments that help deliver the quiet performance include:
The engine intake system specifically tuned for the CTS sedan to deliver excellent airflow with the lowest noise levels
Dedicated dashboard includes strategic applications in brushed steel, provides acoustic blindness in key areas rather than the dashboard Entirely, which reduces weight compared to a fully stacked or insulated panel
 Dual-wall acoustic barrier created by sandwiching the front of the dashboard between the two insulation panels. The driver’s side sill is covered with molded foam and a glove-shaped rail over the perimeter of the panel
 CTS acoustic materials in the transmission tunnel, under the car, in the rear package rack and other areas
 Lightweight polypropylene acoustic insulation allows for better acoustic performance with Less block weight, compared to regular acoustic insulation. It’s used in the trunk, under the trunk lid, and across the interior trim. A
 first-of-its-kind application of GM’s damping foam—similar to the memory foam found in premium seats—is used on the upper tier of the front seats in a CTS sedan to absorb response from the lower section of the vehicle.
 Acoustic windshield and front side door glass are standard, with acoustic-treated rear side door glass available
 acoustic-absorbing non-woven polyurethane side-panels of the engine compartment close the wheel well area to the chassis to
reduce noise Active noise cancellation technology contributes to improved performance For the CTS sedan, this reduces noise levels by approximately 20 decibels in certain conditions. It’s available through the Bose audio system, a unique processor that takes information from multiple microphones installed inside, and transmits back-tuned frequencies through the audio system’s speakers to eliminate unwanted sounds.
“Most importantly, we didn’t eliminate all sounds, but we did block annoying sounds and enhance the quality of others,” Blonka says. The result is excellent sound quality for what you can hear – and frankly, that’s not a big deal, because this car is exceptionally quiet.”
Active noise cancellation technology contributes to the vehicle’s lighter mass, because low-density, highly sound-isolating materials are required throughout the bodywork. These materials are used to help suppress and block noise, but are technically advanced, and reflect the many hours of analysis that enable the determination of the location and scale of applications.
“Strategic applications deliver the quietness and sound quality we wanted, with the lowest mass weight levels,” Blonka says. These features go hand in hand to make the CTS sedan as well-balanced as possible, with light weight and extreme power.”
In addition, various features include multi-state, vacuum-assisted engine seats, hydraulic drive harnesses, stiffer aluminum wheels, and many more elements that complement the quiet features by reducing vibrations and providing a smoother driving experience, which are at the heart of Cadillac’s unparalleled driving experience. can be compared.

2014 BMW x5
This seductress has the best aerodynamic design in its segment, active air movement control at the top and bottom of the front, protective air curtains, air-breather ventilation system, vertical air vents on the rear window, diffusers on the front wheel arches, and a number of measures Others reduce the drag factor (Cd) to 0.31 in the BMW X5 xDrive30d. The electromechanical parking brake with the “autohold” function to hold the car when parked, alloy wheels in sizes 18 and 19 inches standard, 19 M and 20 inch wheels are optional, Standard or optional rims, depending on the model.
BMW has endowed its car with the latest control systems such as Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Automatic Differential Brake System (ADB-X), BS, and the Assist System. On take-off Start-Off Assistant, brake underperformance compensation, brake drying function, HDC, trailer stability control and xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system with Dynamic Performance Control (optional) It comes with triple display The 3D dimensions inside the cabin show the various data and information about the performance of this system.
The interior of the 2014 X5 is less than described, as it is elegant, spacious, rich and highly sophisticated, and offers the driver and passengers a five-star hospitality through horizontal surface layers that accentuate the wide extension of the instrument panel and also contribute to highlighting the impressive spaciousness inside the cabin.
The three-dimensional design of the interior surfaces creates a contrast full of life and vitality, as well as the dipped lighting design included in the lighting package, adding additional or additional emphasis to the visual integration between the instrument panel and the interior door panels. The LED photocells are arranged in an arc line that wraps around the inside and creates a beautiful feeling in some areas. 
The lighting can be selected in blue, white or orange either individually for each or through 9 groups already stored in the iDrive system. The materials used in the interior cladding also play a role in creating the cabin’s distinct atmosphere.
The trim strip and trim strip extending to the front door panels reappear on the rear door panels, and there are different colors for the interior trim elements used in various models such as anodized silver, wood grain and hexagonal aluminum.
The seats can be ordered in ‘Dakota’ leather (optional) as part of the two ‘Pure Experience’ equipment packages, or in premium nappa leather as part of the ‘Pure Excellence’. Customers can choose from 7 colors of upholstery.
The car also has new “design worlds” from the outside and inside – according to BMW’s name – through the selection of the special equipment kits (Design Pure Excellence) and (Design Pure Experience). These distinguished equipment come as an alternative to the original standard specifications to give the car a level of intelligent modifications. Ingenious, each set represents a harmonious blend of designs, colors and materials. 
Two interior packages are also available with the M Sport package.
The interior of the new car is characterized by the versatility of uses, that is, space for five passengers, which can be increased to 7, in addition to a luxurious atmosphere, a tangible level of comfort, and more comfortable seats compared to the previous model. In addition, the driver and front passenger seats guarantee a great level of comfort on long trips and a wonderful embrace of the body on turns. .
Optionally, Comfort and Sport seats are standard on the BMW X5 M50d.
Heated seats and Comfort seats are now available for the rear seats. The back of the second row of seats is foldable and is divided 40/20/40, allowing the luggage space to be increased from 650 to 1870 liters, an increase of 30 liters over the previous model.. The new car comes with a rear door divided into two parts.
The bottom of them can be opened down horizontally to level the floor of the luggage area. And the upper part of the tailgate operates automatically (basic), and for the first time, the tailgate can be opened and closed with the touch of a button at the driver or by remote control. 
A rear trailer hook (optional) can be ordered as well as load rails available in three different designs.
The X5 is powered by a V8 engine that generates 330 kW / 450 hp for the BMW X5 xDrive50i, and a six-cylinder single-row diesel engine generating 190 kW/258 hp for the BMW X5 xDrive30d.
The BMW X5 M50d will be joined by the BMW X5 M50d at the end of this year.
BMW’s High Efficiency Dynamics technology allows all models of this car to combine increased performance, lower fuel consumption rates and CO2 emissions, as well as an increase in the aerodynamics of the exterior structure, which now enjoys a superior drag coefficient (Cd) in this class of 0.31 .
All of these engines use TwinPower Turbo Technology and VALVETRONIC for electronic variable valve timing.
The “Connected Drive” system features and a new guest to join the X5 model range is the BMW X5 xDrive35i, which boasts a power of 225 kW / 306 hp and a good fuel consumption rate of 8.5 liters per 100 km.
It is worth noting that all the aforementioned X5 models comply with the European standards EU6 for the control of exhaust gases, which are effective as of September 2014.
BMW Efficient Dynamics comes standard on all models, so all engines in all models come with an 8-speed automatic transmission and an ECO PRO mode that includes new functions.
The 8-speed automatic transmission is characterized by high internal efficiency, high precision and short shift times, which contribute to enhanced efficiency and driving pleasure. In addition to the ECO PRO economic mode, the new X5 comes with many features of the BMW Efficient Dynamics system, such as: Energy recovery by BER brakes, and the automatic start/stop function.