21 MPG combined won’t win any awards for fuel efficiency, but that’s what drivers get when they want a spacious, powerful 2017 Cadillac CT6 with all-wheel drive and the strong 3.0L V6. These buyers want a smooth, refined ride and plenty of power for passing other cars. They are willing to use more fuel to get a luxury experience that a smaller, more frugal car simply can’t offer. This powertrain offers quick acceleration and surefooted handling, appealing to those who value performance alongside Cadillac’s signature comfort.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2017 CT6 AWD 3.0L V6 gets 18 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects the demands of a larger vehicle in stop-and-go traffic, and the highway number shows the engine’s ability to cruise efficiently at speed. The eight-speed automatic transmission helps by keeping the engine in its best power range, helping provide reasonable fuel economy when driving at a constant speed on the highway.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2017 Cadillac CT6 AWD 3.0L V6 is $2,750. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price. Your fuel costs will vary depending on how you drive, local fuel prices, and how much you drive in the city versus on the highway. However, $2,750 gives a standard to understand the financial impact of fueling this CT6, providing a fair comparison against other vehicles.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a good point of reference, but real-world fuel economy often varies. Drivers who accelerate quickly or idle in traffic may see lower MPG than the EPA estimates. Drivers who drive smoothly and spend more time on the open road could see numbers close to, or even slightly exceeding, the 26 MPG highway rating. Tire pressure, outside temperature, and climate control can subtly influence fuel consumption.

How it compares

The 2017 CT6’s fuel economy is similar to other luxury sedans that offer similar performance and all-wheel drive. The BMW 540i xDrive from the same year gets a slightly better 23 MPG combined. The Mercedes-Benz E400 4MATIC might return around 22 MPG combined. These differences can add up over time. However, CT6 buyers often accept slightly lower fuel economy because of the Cadillac’s styling, spacious interior, and potentially lower purchase price than some European cars. If you want to compare CT6 MPG across all years, consider the trade-offs between fuel economy and other aspects of ownership. More broadly, there are resources for checking all Cadillac fuel economy data.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

Keep your tires properly inflated. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and burn more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels found on the driver’s side doorjamb.

Drive smoothly and avoid accelerating quickly. Rapid acceleration burns fuel quickly. If you accelerate gently and watch the traffic flow, you can significantly improve your MPG, especially in the city. Use the vehicle’s momentum to avoid unnecessary stopping and starting.

Avoid Idling. A running engine burns fuel even when the car is stopped. If you expect to stop for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Newer vehicles often have auto stop/start features, but with the CT6 you have control over idle time.

Reduce extra weight. Carrying unnecessary items in the trunk or cabin adds weight, which reduces fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need and keep the car as light as possible. Those golf clubs you leave in the car don’t need to be there all week.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps keep a consistent speed, which can improve fuel efficiency on long drives. Avoid large speed changes, as these can waste fuel. Set your speed reasonably, and don’t drive much faster than the surrounding traffic, since this will lead to constant braking and acceleration.