2025 Cadillac CT5-V First Drive Review: A Sleeper Sedan With Luxury Flare

Again in 2020, Cadillac shocked its most loyal lovers when it repositioned the V Collection fashions as mid-level rivals for BMW M Efficiency, Mercedes-AMG Sport, and different premium sports activities sedans. Automobiles with the V emblem have been not handled as halo automobiles that rival M and AMG correct, as a result of that was left to the Blackwing variations.

The not too long ago refreshed 2025 Cadillac CT5-V is among the fashions that carries on this new mid-performance ethos. It loosely competes towards luxurious sedans such because the Acura TLX Sort S (which galvanized us once we drove it earlier this yr), BMW M340i, and Mercedes-AMG C43. On paper, the CT5-V appears to be like fairly aggressive due to its 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that produces 360 horsepower. However after experiencing this facelifted Caddy, we imagine it might truly be superior to these aforementioned fashions from Germany and Japan. This is why.

Exterior and Inside: Lyriq Injection

Each CT5 mannequin, together with the bottom mannequin and the CT5-V Blackwing, receives a brand new entrance finish that appears extra aggressive than the outgoing automotive. For CT5-V, the modifications embrace stacked vertical lights with animations if you stroll as much as or away from the automotive and a revised grille. We barely want the easier pre-facelift entrance finish, however this new design is way from unattractive, and places the CT5-V extra in-line with different Cadillac fashions, just like the Lyriq. Fortunately, 19-inch wheels stay the usual and solely possibility, maintaining the CT5-V glorious trip consolation intact.

The outside paint palette will get three new colours for 2025:

• Drift Metallic
• Deep House Metallic
• Storm Metallic.

There are extra vital modifications inside, the place a large 33-inch LED display screen replaces the previous 10-inch touchscreen and the analog gauge cluster. Some purists could want the old fashioned setup, however it’s laborious to argue that the brand new infotainment makes the cabin really feel extra upscale and futuristic than earlier than. Those self same folks could also be pleased to listen to that Cadillac left loads of buttons and knobs, so you do not have to depend on the touchscreen for the whole lot. As earlier than, clients get a large alternative of inside colours with obtainable heated/ventilated seats that supply a light-weight therapeutic massage.

Efficiency: Hidden Gem Of An Engine

The Blackwing could get all of the shine, however the common CT5-V ought to get extra credit score for having a particular engine throughout the Basic Motors lineup. Although it was beforehand used within the CT6, this 3.0-liter LGY twin-turbo V6 isn’t utilized in some other Cadillac or GM car. It delivers 360 hp on this software, which is the center of the pack for this section, however the 410 lb-ft score is far higher than most opponents.

Energy is shipped to the rear wheels or elective all-wheel-drive by means of a wonderful 10-speed computerized transmission. Cadillac claims a 4.6-second 0-60 mph time, however we couldn’t replicate that in the actual world, taking 4.9 seconds within the rear-drive model and 5.1 seconds with AWD. Regardless of the slower than estimated acceleration instances, the CT5-V launches off the road with vigor, however then the acceleration trails off barely. Gas economic system is rated at 18/27/21 mpg metropolis/freeway/mixed (17/26/20 with AWD), which is not class-leading however is way from the worst.

Driving Impressions: Comfortable Enjoyable

The CT5-V rides on an improved model of the GM Alpha Platform, which beforehand underpinned the Cadillac ATS and CTS in addition to the Chevrolet Camaro. This structure is understood for its comfy trip and world-class dealing with, two components that the CT5-V retains. In truth, we imagine it’s among the many most quietly underrated automobiles in its section. The chassis is athletic and talkative with out compromising one iota of consolation, and the steering is pure with close to excellent weighting and responsiveness. If you need a stellar day by day driver that may hustle shortly down a again highway, that is it.

It might not have the supercharged monster V8 just like the Blackwing, however the CT5-V twin-turbo V6 is a stellar energy plant. This engine emits a trumpet-like exhaust be aware that sounds higher than most of its six-cylinder opponents. The ten-speed computerized can be a gem, ripping off shifts with a satisfying thwack from the exhaust. Shifts are practically imperceptible in regular driving, however a Efficiency Shift Mode prompts routinely if you pin the throttle to ship razor quick modifications.

Pricing & Verdict: Deserves Extra Consideration

You should purchase a 2025 CT5-V beginning at $56,995. Choices and packages can pull the worth over $60,000, however a full configurator isn’t presently obtainable to speak about how costly the automotive can get. Cadillac has the CT5-V pretty priced, undercutting the Acura TLX Sort S ($57,000), BMW M340i ($59,600), and Mercedes-AMG C43 ($62,500). The Genesis G70 3.3T does undercut the CT5-V by a pleasant margin ($50,450), however that automotive is smaller than the Cadillac.

If you’re cross-shopping mid-level luxurious efficiency sedans, the Cadillac CT5-V must be added to your listing. For greater than a decade, Cadillac has proved it could possibly go toe-to-toe with the world’s greatest sedans, out-delivering by way of pure dealing with and driving pleasure. Whereas the CT5-V might not be the corporate’s final expression of efficiency – that honor goes to the CT5-V Blackwing – the CT5-V proves that even a medium sports activities sedan can put an enormous smile in your face. It might take some psychological gymnastics to persuade your self that the Cadillac crest belongs in the identical dialog as BMW and Mercedes-AMG, however in some ways, the CT5-V truly makes these vehicles look foolish. Give it an opportunity, you will not be upset.