What you should know:
At each gear change under moderate to hard acceleration, there’s a short and sudden ‘BLAAAP’ noise — also common to Audi and Mercedes-Benz competitors — and will likely give CT5-V owners a thrill. Until it gets annoying and they change exhaust modes.
According to Cadillac, the CT5-V can reach 60 mph from rest in a reasonably quick 4.6 seconds, which feels about right. Fuel economy is rated at 18 mpg in the city, 27 on the highway and 21 combined.
Pricing starts at $48,800 for the RWD model and $51,400 for the AWD. Among the optional packages is Cadillac’s latest semi-autonomous Super Cruise system that for 2021 comes with lane-change-on-demand capability (which does exactly what you think it would do).
Other extras include a panoramic sunroof, driver’s- and passenger’s-seat lumbar massage, illuminated door handles and sill plates and a 15-speaker Bose-brand audio system. Key active-safety technology is included, such as emergency braking and blind-spot warning, but lane-departure warning and active cruise control are optional.
The question is whether the CT5-V’s attributes put it in the same league with the BMWs and Audis of the world. The answer is absolutely. The bonus is that the Cadillac costs less, which makes it a terrific value.
Consider that the V’s V-6 engine makes only 25 horsepower more than the non-V and you might wonder what all the fuss is about. Well, the CT5-V is a more complete performance package. PHOTO: CADILLAC
Compared with the CT4, the CT5 has seven more inches of space between the front and rear wheels, which means the rear seat space is quite generous. PHOTO: CADILLAC
Type: Rear- /all-wheel-drive midsize sedan
Engine (h.p.): 3.0-liter V-6, twin-turbocharged (360)
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Market position: Cadillac is attempting to compete with other premium-level models by offering a range of sophisticated sedans with reasonable levels of luxury plus available performance powertrains. Points: The CT5’s styling is attractive and Cadillac adds just enough to the V to make it distinctive and athletic. • Potent twin-turbo V-6 and 10-speed automatic transmission make a great team. • Surprising that a complete array of dynamic safety technologies is not standard. • Blackwing model with a considerably more powerful engine is slated for 2022.
Driver assist: Blind-spot warning with cross-traffic backup alert (std.); active cruise control (opt.); front-emergency braking (std.); lane-departure warning (opt.); pedestrian detection (opt.)
MPG (city/hwy): 18/27 (RWD) Base price (incl. destination): $48,800