Given that the summer launch of the all-new 2013 Cadillac ATS is just around the corner, General Motors decided it was time to reveal initial pricing data on its compact luxury sports sedan, which eyes the BMW 3-Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class saloons.

Cadillac’s new entry-level sedan will be offered with a choice of three powerplants, with prices starting at $33,990, including destination charges, for the base rear-wheel drive version propelled by a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four producing 200HP and 188 lb-ft (255Nm).

The wreath and crest brand says that the base model’s highway fuel economy will be “well over 30 mpg”.

Moving up a step in the range will get you GM’s new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit rated at 270-horses and 260 lb-ft (353Nm) of torque, with this version priced from $35,795, including destination. Buyers will be able to choose between 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions, as well as rear- or all-wheel drive.

Sitting at the top of the ATS’ lineup is a 3.6-liter V6 with a preliminary rating of 320 horsepower, costing $42,090 including destination with an automatic transmission and standard content that includes Cadillac’s CUE infotainment system, leather 8-way power seats with memory, adaptive start and more. All-wheel drive will be available on this model as well. According to the Detroit automaker, the V6 model is expected to have a 0-60 mph (96km/h) acceleration time of “well below six seconds”.

In comparison, the base Audi A4 sedan with a 211hp and 258 lb-ft 2.0-liter turbo starts at $33,375, the BMW 328i powered by a 240hp and 260 lb-ft 2.0-liter turbo at $35,795 and the Mercedes C250 fitted with a 201hp and 229 lb-ft 1.8-liter turbocharged four at $35,675. All the aforementioned prices included a destination and handling fee.

“The ATS enters a vehicle segment this year that’s one of the most competitive in the market, from both a price and performance standpoint,” commented Don Butler, vice president of Cadillac Marketing. “ATS will bring a distinctive presence and compelling value while offering quick, nimble, fun-to-drive dynamics that will appeal to the lifestyles of modern luxury buyers and challenge the segment’s status quo,” he added.

PHOTO GALLERY

2013_Cadillac_ATS_027532013_Cadillac_ATS_025582013_Cadillac_ATS_026492013_Cadillac_ATS_02863 2013-Cadillac-ATS-22013-Cadillac-ATS-32013-Cadillac-ATS-42013-Cadillac-ATS-52013-Cadillac-ATS-62013-Cadillac-ATS-72013-Cadillac-ATS-82013-Cadillac-ATS-92013-Cadillac-ATS-102013-Cadillac-ATS-112013-Cadillac-ATS-122013-Cadillac-ATS-132013-Cadillac-ATS-142013-Cadillac-ATS-15 Cadillac-ATS-5Cadillac-ATS-4Cadillac-ATS-3Cadillac-ATS-2Cadillac-ATS-12013-Cadillac-ATS-12013 Cadillac ATS Unveiled in Detroit on Eve of the Auto Show2013-Cadillac-ATS-32013-Cadillac-ATS-42013-Cadillac-ATS-52013-Cadillac-ATS-62013-Cadillac-ATS-72013-Cadillac-ATS-82013-Cadillac-ATS-92013-Cadillac-ATS-102013-Cadillac-ATS-112013-Cadillac-ATS-122013-Cadillac-ATS-132013-Cadillac-ATS-14The 2013 Cadillac ATS compact luxury sedan features a driver-focused interior with thoughtfully crafted materials and the intuitively integrated CUE technology, a comprehensive in-vehicle experience that merges intuitive design with auto industry-first controls and commands for information and entertainment data. There are also seven interior color and trim combinations, complementing the dynamic exterior design elements and supporting the ATS’ fun-to-drive attitude.2013 Cadillac ATS2013-Cadillac-ATS-172013-Cadillac-ATS-182013-Cadillac-ATS-192013-Cadillac-ATS-202013-Cadillac-ATS-212013-Cadillac-ATS-222013-Cadillac-ATS-232013-Cadillac-ATS-242013-Cadillac-ATS-252013-Cadillac-ATS-262013-Cadillac-ATS-27