2025 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing: A High-Performance Sports Sedan Worth Celebrating
The 2025 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing stands as a final salute to Cadillac’s combustion-powered sports sedans before the brand transitions into an all-electric future. Revered for its thrilling performance and day-to-day usability, the CT4-V Blackwing delivers a unique blend of comfort, power, and handling that has earned it a place on both the 10Best Cars list and Editors’ Choice list for 2025.
Daily Driving Meets Track-Ready Power
Despite its high-performance DNA, the 2025 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing excels as a daily driver. During a 40,000-mile long-term test, it proved remarkably livable thanks to its fine-tuned adaptive dampers. These dampers balance agility and comfort by soaking up road imperfections without compromising responsiveness. Whether you’re commuting or canyon carving, this sedan handles it all with finesse.
Twin-Turbocharged V6 Performance
At the heart of the CT4-V Blackwing lies a potent 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, producing a remarkable 472 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque. Drivers can choose between a traditional 6-speed manual transmission or a quick-shifting 10-speed automatic. The rear-wheel-drive layout and expertly tuned chassis make it a thrill to drive, earning it praise over competitors like the BMW M3 and Mercedes-AMG CLA45.
Performance Specs: On-Track Results
The CT4-V Blackwing delivers impressive numbers on the track:
| Performance Metric | Manual Transmission |
|---|---|
| 0–60 mph Acceleration | 4.0 seconds |
| Skidpad Grip | 1.01 g |
| 70–0 mph Braking Distance | 153 feet |
While it may not match the raw figures of the 503-hp BMW M3 Competition, the CT4-V Blackwing provides a more connected and engaging driving experience.
Exclusive 2025 Collector’s Edition: Petit Pataud
For 2025, Cadillac offers a limited-run Collector Series called the Petit Pataud Edition, named after the 1950 Cadillac Series 61 that raced in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Only 50 units will be built, featuring exclusive visual upgrades:
- Magnus Metal Frost matte exterior paint
- Stormhawk Blue Carbon Fiber accents
- Phantom Blue leather interior with Santorini accents
- Optional Sky Cool Gray or Jet Black inserts
- Heritage sill plates, custom 3D-printed shift medallions, and a numbered B-pillar plaque
This edition celebrates Cadillac’s racing legacy without altering the core performance.
2025 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing: Pricing and Trim Options
We recommend the standard CT4-V Blackwing, which undercuts many rivals in pricing while offering a manual gearbox and track-ready suspension. Optional performance and luxury packages allow buyers to personalize their cars with features like ventilated front seats, premium materials, and high-tech displays.
2025 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing: Real-World Fuel Economy
The 2025 CT4-V Blackwing is relatively efficient for its class. EPA estimates are:
- Manual: 15 mpg city / 23 mpg highway
- Automatic: 16 mpg city / 24 mpg highway
In our real-world 75-mph highway test, the 10-speed automatic model achieved 25 mpg, slightly exceeding expectations.
2025 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing: Interior Comfort and Design
Inside, the Blackwing elevates the standard CT4 cabin with upscale touches:
- Carbon-fiber trim and microsuede accents
- Heated, 18-way power front seats (optional ventilation and massage)
- A 12.0-inch digital instrument cluster
- Adequate trunk space—fits five carry-on suitcases
- Ample cubby storage for daily essentials
While cabin materials aren’t quite class-leading, the overall experience feels premium and performance-focused.
Advanced Infotainment and Technology Features
Every 2025 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing comes equipped with an intuitive 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering seamless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging. Cadillac has thankfully replaced the outdated CUE interface with a more user-friendly design featuring a rotary knob and physical buttons. This makes navigating menus and settings much more intuitive for the driver.
Additionally, the Blackwing features a 14-speaker AKG premium audio system with brushed aluminum speaker grilles and lightweight components, delivering an immersive listening experience whether you’re on the highway or at the track.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Cadillac’s high-performance sedan is also engineered with safety in mind. The CT4-V Blackwing includes a wide array of standard driver-assistance technologies, with additional features available through the optional Driver Assist Package. While full crash-test results can be found on the NHTSA and IIHS websites, Cadillac equips the CT4-V Blackwing with the following:
Standard Safety Features:
- Forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
Optional Safety Features (Driver Assist Package):
- Adaptive cruise control
- Rear automated emergency braking
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Cadillac offers competitive warranty coverage for the 2025 CT4-V Blackwing, particularly when it comes to powertrain protection. However, its complimentary maintenance trails behind rivals like BMW.
| Coverage Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Limited Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 6 years / 70,000 miles |
| Complimentary Maintenance | 1st scheduled visit only |
Full Specifications and Performance Breakdown
Below is a detailed table summarizing the core specs and differences between the 2023 and 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing models:
🧰 Specifications Comparison Table
| Category | 2023 Model | 2022 Model |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Type | Front-engine, RWD, 5-passenger sedan | Front-engine, RWD, 5-passenger sedan |
| Base Price / As Tested | $61,890 / $84,715 | $59,990 / $76,040 |
| Engine | 3.6L Twin-Turbo V6 | 3.6L Twin-Turbo V6 |
| Power / Torque | 472 hp @ 5750 rpm / 445 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 472 hp @ 5750 rpm / 445 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Suspension (F/R) | Struts / Multilink | Struts / Multilink |
| Brakes (F/R) | 15.0-in / 13.4-in vented discs | 15.0-in / 13.4-in vented discs |
| Tires (Front/Rear) | 255/35ZR-18 / 275/35ZR-18 | 255/35R-18 / 275/35R-18 |
| Curb Weight | 3904 lbs | 3851 lbs |
| 0–60 mph | 4.0 sec | 4.0 sec |
| 1/4-Mile | 12.4 sec @ 114 mph | 12.4 sec @ 116 mph |
| Top Speed (Claimed) | 189 mph | 189 mph |
| Braking (70–0 mph) | 158 ft | 153 ft |
| Skidpad | 1.04 g | 1.01 g |
| EPA (City/Hwy/Combined) | 16 / 24 / 19 mpg | 15 / 23 / 18 mpg |
| Observed / Highway MPG | 15 / 25 mpg | 18 mpg (observed) |
| Highway Range | 430 miles | — |
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing continues to define what a compact luxury sports sedan can be. With its blistering performance, track-tested handling, and a driver-focused interior, it represents a rare breed in today’s increasingly electrified market. While its manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive may seem like old-school ingredients, they deliver a driving experience that enthusiasts crave.
With limited editions like the Petit Pataud commemorating Cadillac’s racing heritage, this could be your last chance to own a truly analog luxury performance sedan before the brand fully transitions to electric. If you’re looking for one of the best-driving sports sedans under $70K, the CT4-V Blackwing is tough to beat.
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