2003 Cadillac CTS I Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Cadillac CTS I ranges between 1625 kg and 1780 kg (approximately 3584 to 3924 pounds), depending on the specific trim and options. The maximum allowable weight, which includes passengers, cargo, and fuel, falls between 2125 kg and 2160 kg (around 4685 to 4762 pounds). This weight profile supports a robust build typical of luxury sedans, balancing performance and comfort without compromising handling.

The Cadillac CTS I offers a luggage capacity of 360 liters (approximately 12.7 cubic feet) with the rear seats in their upright position. When the rear seats are folded down, this capacity expands between 362 liters and 430 liters (roughly 12.8 to 15.2 cubic feet). This versatile storage space provides practicality for daily use or long trips, allowing for the accommodation of larger or additional items when needed.

The Cadillac CTS I comes with a range of wheel sizes, including 16-inch rims measuring 7J x 16, 17-inch rims sized 7.5J x 17, and 18-inch rims at 8.5J x 18. Corresponding tire sizes include 225/55 R16, 225/50 R17, and 245/45 R18. These options enable buyers to balance ride comfort, handling, and appearance, depending on their preferences and driving conditions.

Yes, the Cadillac CTS I is suitable for parking in a standard residential garage. The vehicle’s maximum external dimensions—length up to 4865 mm (191.5 inches), width up to 1795 mm (70.7 inches), and height up to 1455 mm (57.3 inches)—fit comfortably within typical garage sizes. Most standard garages provide clearance for vehicles roughly 6 meters (20 feet) in length and 2.4 meters (8 feet) in width, making the CTS I a good fit for private residential garages without causing spatial constraints.

The Cadillac CTS I was introduced as a replacement for the Cadillac Catera and positioned as a more modern, sportier luxury sedan. Compared to the Catera, the CTS I is generally longer and wider, with a more aggressive and angular design language. For instance, the Catera measured around 4710 mm in length, making the CTS I longer by roughly 100 to 150 mm, which translated into improved interior space and road presence. The CTS I also introduced sharper styling cues and a firmer suspension setup compared to its predecessor, aligning with Cadillac’s shift toward a more European-inspired driving experience.

When compared with contemporaries like the BMW 3 Series (E46), Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203), and Audi A4 of the early to mid-2000s, the Cadillac CTS I offers competitive dimensions. The CTS I is slightly longer and generally wider than the BMW E46 sedan, which measured about 4510 mm in length and 1745 mm in width. Compared to the Mercedes C-Class (approximately 4520 mm long and 1720 mm wide) and Audi A4 (about 4530 mm long and 1760 mm wide), the CTS I tends to offer a more spacious cabin and larger exterior footprint, emphasizing American luxury sedan characteristics with slightly larger dimensions for increased comfort and road stance.

Within the Cadillac CTS I generation, the exterior dimensions slightly vary due to different trims, options, or optional equipment like wheel size. Length ranges from 4828 mm to 4865 mm (190.1 to 191.5 inches), width from 1793 mm to 1795 mm (70.6 to 70.7 inches), and height from 1440 mm to 1455 mm (56.7 to 57.3 inches). These minor variations arise largely from suspension setups, wheel and tire combinations, and optional aerodynamic packages, but overall, the CTS I maintains a consistent physical footprint across trims.

The Cadillac CTS I is classified as a 4-door sedan, a body style that balances passenger comfort with manageable exterior dimensions. Compared to SUVs, the CTS I is generally lower in height (1440 - 1455 mm vs. SUVs typically exceeding 1650 mm), narrower, and lighter, providing better aerodynamics and handling characteristics. When compared to coupes, the CTS I offers additional rear passenger space with its four-door design, but is slightly larger overall due to the accommodation of two extra doors and enhanced rear seat volume.

With a height ranging between 1440 mm and 1455 mm (56.7 to 57.3 inches) and width approximately 1793 mm to 1795 mm (70.6 to 70.7 inches), the Cadillac CTS I features a relatively low and wide stance typical of luxury sports sedans of its era. This contributes to stable handling during cornering and reduces body roll compared to taller vehicles. The width provides a spacious interior cabin for passengers and enhances vehicle stability at higher speeds, while the moderate height helps maintain a lower center of gravity, resulting in confident and sporty driving dynamics. These proportions strike a balance between comfort, aggressive styling, and responsive road behavior.