Cadillac ATS

Importing a used Cadillac ATS from the USA

The Cadillac ATS is a rear-drive compact executive saloon that Cadillac built to take on the German establishment, and it remains one of the more rewarding American imports for a driver who wants something different in this class. Because the ATS was sold in large numbers across North America and was never officially offered in most of Europe, the US used market is effectively the only place to buy one — and it is well stocked. As an independent broker, USCar Trader sources used ATS examples in the States, checks the history and origin, and manages freight and German customs clearance. This page walks through the model, the engines, and the full import path.

From launch to today

The ATS launched for the 2013 model year on GM's then-new Alpha rear-drive platform, which also underpinned the sixth-generation Camaro. It was offered as a four-door sedan from the start, with the sleek ATS Coupe joining for 2015. The high-performance ATS-V arrived for 2016, produced through 2019. Cadillac ended the ATS in 2019 and replaced it with the CT4. When you import a used Cadillac ATS from the USA you are typically choosing between 2013–2019 sedans and 2015–2019 coupes, with the ATS-V as the enthusiast's pick.

Engines and drivetrain in detail

The ATS covered a broad spread of powertrains. The base 2.5-litre four-cylinder produced around 202 hp. The volume engine was the 2.0-litre turbocharged four (LTG) with roughly 272 hp, which is the one most European buyers gravitate toward for its balance of pace and running costs. A naturally aspirated 3.6-litre V6 (LFX, later LGX) delivered about 321 hp. At the top, the ATS-V used a 3.6-litre twin-turbocharged V6 (LF4) making around 464 hp. Transmissions ranged from a six-speed manual — genuinely available on the 2.0T, V6 and ATS-V — to six-speed and later eight-speed automatics. Both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive were offered, though the AWD cars are automatic-only.

Trim levels and variants

US buyers chose from Standard, Luxury, Performance and Premium trim tiers, with the ATS Coupe mirroring much of the sedan range. Common options included the CUE infotainment system, magnetic ride control on sportier cars, sunroof, heated leather and Bose audio. The ATS-V added a limited-slip differential, Recaro seats, carbon-fibre trim and track-focused hardware. Because American specification was often generous, well-optioned cars are easy to find.

Used availability in the USA

Availability is strong across the whole 2013–2019 run, with the 2.0T sedan being the most plentiful body-and-engine combination. Typical cars show the mileage you would expect of a decade-old compact executive saloon, so condition and maintenance records separate the good examples from the tired ones. Manual-gearbox cars and clean ATS-V examples attract more interest and move faster. There are no European retail prices on this page — we quote origin-correct duty and the separate import VAT before you commit.

When importing makes sense

The ATS suits a driver who wants a compact rear-drive saloon with sharp handling and a badge you rarely see on European roads. It is also a sensible route to a manual-transmission sports sedan, since so many were built with three pedals in the States. If you are cross-shopping it against a CTS or the later CT5, importing a used ATS from America gives you access to a car that was barely sold here officially.

Facts and figures

Reliability and common problems

The 2.0-litre turbo (LTG) is the engine to inspect most carefully: early units can consume oil and the timing chain and PCV system are known wear points, so evidence of oil changes on schedule matters. The CUE touchscreen infotainment is the ATS's best-known weakness — the capacitive screen can delaminate or become unresponsive, and replacement is a common repair. HVAC blend-door actuators fail with age, producing a clicking noise and inconsistent temperature. On the V6, keep an eye on the water pump and cooling system. The ATS-V's twin-turbo V6 is strong but hard-driven track cars deserve extra scrutiny. Overall, Cadillac ATS reliability is reasonable for the class provided you buy a maintained example and budget for the CUE and actuator quirks.

How US versions differ

US ATS cars have amber turn signals, DOT headlights, no rear fog lamp and mph-dominant instruments, all of which the TÜV will want corrected or documented. CUE runs US map data and services. Mechanically the car is identical to what a European-market ATS would have been, so there are no structural surprises — the adaptation work is mostly lighting and paperwork. On-board diagnostics and OBD access follow US conventions but are readable with standard tooling.

From US purchase to registration

Selection from US inventory comes first, followed by a VIN and origin check to confirm the Michigan build. A secure escrow payment protects your funds until agreed conditions are met. The car then travels by ocean freight to a German port, clears customs on arrival, undergoes a TÜV inspection and individual approval (Einzelabnahme) with any required modifications, and is finally registered in Germany. We manage and track every stage.

Costs, duty and taxes at a glance

Key point: duty depends on the plant of build; only a VIN check secures the 0% rate. Import VAT of 19% applies regardless.

The ATS is built at Lansing Grand River in Michigan, so it is a genuinely US-origin vehicle. With the VIN and plant confirmed and the car on direct transport, that origin can enable the 0% preferential EU import duty introduced by Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461 (in force from 1 July 2026 through 31 December 2029). This is never automatic or guaranteed — origin must be proven from the VIN and documentation. Entirely separately, German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) of 19% is always charged on the customs value. We show duty and the 19% import VAT as separate items with no added margin.

TÜV, approval and license plates

Expect to convert the headlights to ECE specification, fit a rear fog lamp, and document the speedometer and odometer. Once individual approval is granted, registration proceeds at your local authority in the normal way.

Pre-purchase checklist

Check the VIN on the car matches the title and paperwork. Order a Carfax or AutoCheck report for accident and title history. Inspect the CUE screen for delamination and confirm it responds. Verify oil-service records, especially on 2.0T cars. Test the HVAC for actuator clicking. Confirm a clean, transferable title. On an ATS-V, look for evidence of track use and check tyres, brakes and the differential.

Import FAQ

Can I import a used Cadillac ATS from the USA to Germany?

Yes. The ATS is a common US import; we handle sourcing, freight, customs and TÜV approval.

Does the Cadillac ATS qualify for 0% import duty?

It can, because it is US-built. The VIN and plant must prove US origin and the car must arrive on direct transport; it is never guaranteed in advance.

Is the 19% import VAT always charged?

Yes. German import VAT of 19% applies to every import and is billed separately from any duty.

Which ATS is best to import?

The 2.0T sedan offers the best mix of availability and running costs; enthusiasts often seek the manual or the ATS-V.

What is the ATS's biggest weak point?

The CUE infotainment system, which can delaminate or freeze, followed by HVAC actuators and early 2.0T oil use.

Was the ATS sold in Europe?

Only in very limited numbers, which is exactly why the US used market is the practical place to buy one.

What needs changing for TÜV?

Chiefly lighting — ECE headlights and a rear fog lamp — plus speedometer and odometer documentation.

See the full range in the Cadillac in the Carhub, compare it with the CTS and the newer CT5, or browse current Cadillac ATS listings.