Cadillac ATS Sedan Getting The Axe For 2019, Coupe Will Live On

The Cadillac ATS Sedan was designed to take on the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class but it never managed to live up to those lofty expectations.

Last year, reports suggested the model would be going away for the 2019 model year and that has now been confirmed by Cadillac spokesman Donny Nordlicht. Speaking to Carbuzz, Nordlicht said “Production of the ATS Sedan is ending due to extensive plant upgrades, expansion and retooling to prepare for the next generation of Cadillac sedans.”

Nordlicht didn’t go into specifics but he’s obviously talking about the upcoming CT5. The all-new sedan will eventually replace several different models including the ATS, CTS and XTS. Former Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen had suggested the model will start at around $35,000 and this would be slightly less than the 2018 ATS Sedan which begins at $35,495.

Customers who are still in the market for an ATS shouldn’t fret as the sedan is still available at dealerships and Cadillac is going to manage inventory levels to “ensure retails sales availability through the end of the year.” That shouldn’t be too difficult as Carsalesbase data shows the company has only managed to sell 5,104 units in the United States this year.

While the ATS Sedan is going away next year, the ATS and ATS-V Coupe will live on into 2019. This isn’t too surprising as both models were introduced later into the ATS’ lifecycle.

While all ATS models will eventually be phased out, Nordlicht said “Cadillac’s future sedan portfolio will consist of three sedans, positioned in different segments and clearly differentiated by size and price.” This is a subtle reminder that the CT5 and CT6 will eventually be joined by a new entry-level sedan which will compete with models such as the Audi A3 and Mercedes CLA.