Test Drive: Cadillac ATS 2.0T vs. BMW 328i - BMWBLOG (blog)

Parked side-by-side for the first time, we began to get a feeling for what we were in for. BMW has been building the 3 Series sport sedan for nearly 40 years, and for nearly 40 years it has been the best. If history repeats itself, then BMW has nothing to prove. But Cadillac, the new kid on the block in this segment, wants so badly to spoil BMW’s lunch. The ATS arrived on scene calling BMW out in every commercial, a direct challenge to its apparent dominance. They would like nothing more than the ATS to claim victory over the 3 Series. The BMW wears its heritage, kidney grilles and double lights, as a badge of honor. In Luxury Line trim, it gets chrome slats in those grilles, as well as chrome accenting around the fog-lights and on the lower fascia. The Cadillac’s front end is much bolder, accented by LED running lights that extend from high on the hood down to where you would expect fog lights. The ATS’s wide set tail lights and large third brake light are reminiscent of the outgoing CTS-V coupe, without the extra angles and points. The BMW is far more restrained. The BMW has more visual character and a more cohesive design. Inside, the Cadillac’s higher belt-line and lack of sunroof make it much darker than the BMW. Source: www.bmwblog.com