Cadillac CT5: GM’s premier marque revamped its portfolio around the turn of the decade. It brought a new nomenclature scheme to replace its previous “hip” name style from the middle of the 2000s. But don’t worry; the CTS officially remained stationary. Instead, Cadillac unveiled the CT5 as its immediate replacement in 2020, replacing both the CTS and CT6 as GM’s most significant and opulent sedans and sitting above the ATS (now the CT4).
Although the extravagant CT5-V Blackwing was introduced last year, a few additional exterior color choices have been added for the 2023 model. A value-packed BMW 5 Series-sized car for the price of a 3 Series continues to be produced using the same unique and very decent formula. There is practically a CT5 for everyone, with its basic price beginning just under $40,000 and rising to six figures for the flagship Blackwing. The BMWs above, the Audi A4 and A6, Lexus ES, Infiniti Q50, and even the Genesis G70 and G80 are just a few of the vehicles it continues to pick conflicts with.
The mid-range Premium Luxury and entry-level CT5-V feature an optional (and far better) twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 engine. At the same time, all CT5s in non-V trims continue to be powered by a competent but unimpressive turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder. The high-performance CT5-V Blackwing competes with vehicles like the BMW M5 and Mercedes-AMG E 63 thanks to its powerful 6.2-litre supercharged V8 and track-tuned suspension. All cars, except the Blackwing, feature a 10-speed automatic transmission that can direct power to either the rear wheels or all four. Only rear-drive, the Blackwing may also be had with a six-speed manual transmission.
Cadillac’s engineers have done a great job over the last 20 years of eradicating the company’s 20th-century reputation for building nautically handling, gilded land yachts that defied any attempts to engage the senses or the driver. Cadillac demonstrated it has what it takes to fight against the hitherto unbeatable foreign alternatives by giving its cars good handling and performance (particularly with the V performance division), style, and even value by using the know-how of its German rivals.
The CT5 keeps up with this endeavor. Cadillac has stepped up to develop a tremendous midsize luxury sports sedan with class-leading handling, while some German competitors seem to have become a little softer. It does have certain drawbacks, however. While not unpleasant to the eyes, some of the inexpensive interior components and materials still adhere to GM’s “that’ll do” philosophy, and the design is no longer as unique as the CTS was two decades ago. Additionally, given several rivals— notably Genesis and Lexus—offer more basic equipment, the packaging and extras seem very a la carte.
The CT5’s sports sedan credentials are still undeniable on the higher trims with the more robust engines, and there is also a ton of available technology. The newest infotainment system from GM is just as simple to operate as its predecessors, but it offers more features. The greatest hands-free, semi-autonomous highway cruise control technology available is GM’s Super Cruise, which is standard on all but the base trims. It punches above its weight when you can still get a well-equipped CT5 for less than $60,000.
Performance: Cadillac CT5
The CT5’s engine choices are unchanged from when it debuted three years ago. With 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque on premium, GM’s omnipresent turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder continues to serve as the standard engine in the Luxury and Sport variants, accelerating you to 60 mph from a standstill in around 6.5 seconds. It’s not slow but seems sluggish compared to vehicles like the Genesis G70, Alfa Romeo Giulia, or BMW 3 Series, which can do the same task in under six seconds.
If one chooses the Premium Luxury, they may have the much more powerful optional twin-turbo 3.0 liter V6 with 335 horsepower and 405 lb-ft, likewise on 93-octane (both engines can operate on ordinary fuel but with somewhat less power), and requiring 5.5 seconds to reach 60 mph. The CT5-V comes standard with the same V6 but with five more horsepower. These variants have a ten-speed automatic transmission, but you may pick between rear- or all-wheel drive.
With 668 horsepower and 659 lb-ft of torque, up from 640 horsepower and 630 lb-ft in the older CTS, the top-spec rear-wheel-drive-only CT5-V Blackwing has the same 6.2-litre supercharged V8 as the last-generation CTS-V and Corvette Z06. Even though the Blackwing has a ten-speed automatic transmission, purchasers may choose a six-speed manual if they’d like. The fastest Cadillac can go from 0 to 60 mph with any gearbox in around 3.5 seconds. Around a track, the automatic will be quicker, but the manual will be more enjoyable.
The handling area is where the CT5 truly excels. The CT5 drives like a razor-sharp sports car wrapped in a sedan, regardless of trim. It’s all about evoking serenity and assuring you to use it as an irregular SCCA track day weekend toy. Its ride is robust yet compliant rather than harsh. It’s a combo that used to be associated with older BMWs. But regrettably, those days seem to be in the past, if not reverse, as the once Broughamstastic Cadillac now ranks among the segment’s finest handles. A wonderful moment to be alive!
Though the V6 is the true charmer in the mainstream versions, we are surprised that the Sport model only offers the four-cylinder. If you can’t swing the Blackwing, you should have the Premium Luxury and V.
Fuel efficiency:
The rear-wheel-drive four-cylinder is rated at 27 mpg combined (23 cities, 30 highways), while the all-wheel-drive version achieves 25 mpg combined (22 cities, 30 motorways) for all CT5 models. With rear-wheel drive, the V6 CT5s is rated at 22 mpg incorporated (19 cities, 27 highways), losing one mpg in each category when equipped with all-wheel drive.
During our Premium Luxury testing, the trip computer produced between 18 and 24 mpg on the interstate. However, suppose you press the pedal more often. In that case, the figure lowers significantly since the turbine needs a lot of gas to meet the enormous airflow delivered into the combustion chamber. Genesis V6 vehicles offer comparable fuel efficiency. However, the 3rd and 5th Series straight-six BMW engines perform better.
The CT5 V-Series Blackwing consumes gasoline at a shocking rate of 13 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway with both gearboxes. However, the automatics do somewhat better in the combined rating (16 mpg compared to the manual’s 15 mpg). The M5 won’t get excellent gas economy either, but Blackwing purchasers are well aware of this.
Safety and driver support technology:
All CT5 models are equipped with the most recent SMART System suite of active and passive driver-aid features from Cadillac, much like all new premium vehicles. The list also includes accessible onboard vehicle diagnostics, rear parking sensors with collision mitigation, rear safety seat warning, adolescent driver mode, and forward collision assist with automated emergency braking and pedestrian recognition.
Indicators for the forward following distance, lane-keep assist with lane departure warning, and automatic high beams are standard equipment on the Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport trims. However, they are optional on the V-Series.
The best and most noticeable improvement is GM’s Super Cruise hands-free, semi-autonomous cruise control system, which costs $6,940 for Package 2 and $3,700 for Package 1. It performs among the best at directing itself on significant roads with little drifting and makes a great highway driving helper with radar-guided cruise control.
The CT5 has not yet undergone testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Still, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has awarded it a perfect five-star rating overall.
Comfort and Space: Cadillac CT5
The CT5’s interior dimensions are somewhat better than miniature versions like the G70 or 3 Series and comparable to midsize competitors like the BMW 5 Series and Lexus ES, with 42.4 inches of front legroom and 37.9 inches of rear legroom, as well as 39.0 inches of front headroom and 36.6 inches of rear headroom. All CT5s are priced similarly to their tiny counterparts except for the Blackwing, but the Caddy is substantially bigger. However, even if you get a more significant automobile for a small price, the interior benefits aren’t as great as the cosmetic ones. It also doesn’t offer much extra interior or trunk capacity.
Despite the excellent handling and body control, the ride on our Premium Luxury tester was unexpectedly smooth. All CT5s are pleasant and supportive to match their performance-oriented attitude. The least amount of noise, vibration, and harshness is competitive with that of the Europeans and Asians. However, we anticipate somewhat increased levels of the first three with the Sport and V-Series models’ firmer, sport-tuned suspensions and more aggressive wheels and tires.
Infotainment: Cadillac CT5
GM’s most recent infotainment system, the CT5, made its premiere. The Cadillac still goes by the moniker CUE, or Cadillac User Experience. It has a 10-inch high-definition color touchscreen with a Rotary Infotainment Controller similar to the BMW iDrive. However, it doesn’t accomplish much to distinguish itself from the newest technologies present in other more recently upgraded cars in GM’s portfolio, despite the distinctive “CUE” brand.
Although there is nothing wrong with the consistency, it would have been wonderful if Cadillac had made more effort to differentiate the system’s functionality from identical units you would find at Buick or GMC. However, it should be noted that they don’t make automobiles. The benefit of such consistency is that other than improved visuals with better quality and some fresh menus, it isn’t much that different from GM’s prior editions. This implies that the system is simple for individuals already used to the software and layout and needs minimal adaptation.
Although a 15-speaker Premium Surround system is an option, the standard nine-speaker Bose sound system works well. Wireless Although it’s a premium vehicle, we’re a little startled to see that sat-nav is also an option, even though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
Storage & Cargo Space:
The CT5’s 11.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity is acceptable but less compared to the 13.1 cubic feet of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the 13.9 cubic feet of the Lexus ES, and the 18.1 cubic feet of the BMW 5 Series. It is even smaller than some compact options, like the 12.6 cubic feet of the Benz C-Class, the 16.9 of the BMW 3 Series, and even the 13 cubic feet of the Alfa Romeo Giulia.
Regarding freight capacity, the CT5 isn’t the ideal option. A 60-40 rear split is available in the back seats for longer goods. The XT5 and XT6 crossover SUVs are available if you want more cargo room in a Cadillac.
Design: Cadillac CT5
AS SEEN BY ITS SLOPED REAR ROOFLINE, the CT5 switches to a sweptback four-door coupe from its predecessor’s more traditionally boxy and chiseled three-box shape. It nearly resembles an extended five-door hatchback from the side. Although not unattractive, the car isn’t the most fashionable or striking. The midsize luxury sedan market, which caters to more refined and traditional preferences, may be defined by understated style.
Even if we like the style of the last-generation CTS since its boxier form had more character, it distinguishes itself visually as a Cadillac. The Alfa Romeo Giulia continues to dominate in looking for small luxury sedans. At the same time, the Genesis G80 takes the crown in the midsize category if one is hoping for some genuine curb swagger without seeming too odd in the present lot.
The inside of the CT5 is its worst cosmetic flaw. The CT4 and Chevy Malibu are the only sedans GM now produces for the American market. However, the inside of the CT5 resembles that of Buick, GMC, and even Chevy SUVs. Unlike the Genesis G80 or Audi A6, this vehicle lacks the feeling of occasion associated with expensive cars.
Is the Cadillac CT5 Worth It?
A standard CT5 with rear-wheel drive, including the required $1,395 destination fee, is $39,590. Even if the standard engine is unimpressive, that isn’t a terrible request for a luxurious sports car with superb handling. The sticker price climbs to $41,640 when several key improvements are added, such as a dual-pane sunroof with sat-nav for the CUE infotainment system and the 15-speaker Bose Premium sound system, including destination fees and Cadillac’s ongoing $750 cash allowance offer. AWD traction costs an additional $2,000 for all models.
The upper-midrange Sport ($45,290) model is also an option; it adds some sporty interior and external features but otherwise drives quite similarly to the standard luxury variant.
When it comes to getting the most out of what the CT5 promises to provide and offer as one of the best-driving sports sedans in its class, the twin-turbo V6 in the Premium Luxury ($44,090) and basic CT5-V ($52,390) is worth the upgrade if you can afford it. The most excellent bargain in the range is the Premium Luxury with the V6 ($47,590). The finest option packages may then be added without really breaking the bank.
Except for the recently released Acura TLX Type-S and the venerable Infiniti Q50, you will still be considerably below the asking costs of the six-cylinder counterparts from Europe or Asia. However, the $56,945 Acura is still much more costly than the standard CT5-V (with the $1,195 destination price). And to match the performance of the V, you’ll either have to sacrifice overall size and space by choosing one of the six-cylinder luxury compact sedans from Europe or Asia, or you’ll have to pay a hefty premium for one of the six-cylinder luxury midsize vehicles from those same continents.
The Blackwing is a value proposition unto itself. If this is the type of hot rod you desire, it begins at an outrageous $93,390, including destination, but it’s the best offer available. Few of its competitors are as blatantly competent on a track as the BMW M5 ($111,895), Mercedes-AMG E 63 S ($113,950), and Audi RS6 Avant ($122,995), all of which cost more than it does.
How Much Does the 2023 Cadillac CT5 Cost to Insure?
Despite having many models and an equally extensive range of insurance premiums, the CT5 holds up well against its competitors. An average yearly premium for a 30-year-old female driver with a clean driving record ranges from $2,529 for the CT5 Luxury to $4,929 for the V Blackwing. However, this figure is based on all 50 states. An Acura TLX owner might spend up to $2,398 annually, compared to $3,350 for an Audi A6 Quattro Premium Plus and $3,072 for a Genesis G80 3.5T. The BMW M5 costs $5,337 new.
Verdict
The 2023 Cadillac CT5, now in its third year, carries on the legacy of its CTS forebear by providing sports sedan performance in a midsize luxury vehicle for a small premium price. This year, the model only receives a slight price increase of around $1,000 and a few additional exterior color options that are extra. The CT5 makes up for its lack of unique style and the apparent cost-cutting in its interior with some a la carte optioning. It’s one of the hottest drivers in its class, especially the mighty CT5 V-Series Blackwing.
