Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing: The Ultimate Performance Sedan
The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing remains the undisputed leader among premium sports sedans, securing its place as a repeat 10Best award winner. For 2025, it continues its dominance, marking its fourth consecutive appearance on the prestigious list. Alongside the Corvette, the Blackwing represents the pinnacle of General Motors engineering. This high-performance sedan boasts a supercharged 668-hp V-8 engine, a six-speed manual transmission, and one of the best traction control systems in the industry. With its rear-wheel-drive configuration, the CT5-V Blackwing delivers a more engaging driving experience than the BMW M5 or the last-generation Mercedes-AMG E63—all while being more affordable. While its interior may feel reminiscent of a dressed-up Chevy Malibu rather than a luxury Cadillac, it doesn’t take away from the car’s primary mission: to offer an exhilarating driving experience with immense power and precision. As one of the top contenders in its segment, the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing has also earned a spot on the 2025 Editors’ Choice list.
What’s New for 2025?
The 2025 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing receives a refreshed front-end design, featuring a wider, reshaped grille and newly extended daytime running lights. To distinguish it further from the standard CT5, the Blackwing now incorporates more diagonal creases and aggressive cutlines, along with faux air vents beneath its newly stacked headlights. At the rear, a black spoiler adds a sporty touch. Additionally, three new metallic paint options—Deep Space, Typhoon, and Drift—join the color palette. Inside, the outdated 10.0-inch touchscreen and analog gauges have been replaced with a cutting-edge 33.0-inch curved display, integrating both infotainment and the instrument cluster. The new Google-based infotainment system also introduces enhanced telemetry and performance-monitoring applications.
Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing: Pricing and Best Trim to Buy
The 2025 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing starts at $99,090.
- CT5-V Blackwing – $99,090
The standard six-speed manual transmission offers a more engaging driving experience, while the optional 10-speed automatic shaves a fraction of a second off acceleration times. For enthusiasts, the manual transmission remains the preferred choice. Additionally, opting for the performance front bucket seats is recommended for enhanced support. For those with a flexible budget, upgrading to the carbon-backed high-performance seats adds even more luxury and sportiness. If the CT5-V Blackwing is beyond your budget, the smaller and more affordable Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing is a great alternative.
Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing: Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Under the hood, the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing houses a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 that churns out an impressive 668 horsepower. A 10-speed automatic transmission is available as an option, but the standard six-speed manual remains the enthusiast’s choice. Equipped with launch control, a limited-slip differential, and the advanced Performance Traction Management system, this Cadillac delivers exceptional handling and grip, especially during high-speed cornering. Standard magnetorheological dampers adapt to road conditions and driving style, ensuring both a comfortable ride and precise handling when needed.
Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing: Acceleration and 0-60 MPH Times
Acceleration in the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is nothing short of breathtaking. In testing, the manual variant sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, while the automatic version shaved that time down to 3.5 seconds. During a rigorous 0-150-0 test, an automatic-equipped Blackwing trailed the Porsche 911 GT3 RS by a mere 0.3 seconds, showcasing its remarkable performance.
Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing: Fuel Economy and Efficiency
With the 10-speed automatic transmission, the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is rated by the EPA at 13 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. Opting for the manual transmission slightly reduces the highway fuel economy to 21 mpg. However, in real-world testing on a 75-mph highway route, the manual-equipped Blackwing achieved an impressive 24 mpg. For further details on fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo Space
Inside, the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing shares its cabin design with the standard CT5. While it offers ample space, it falls short of delivering the luxury expected at its price point. That said, it does feature significant upgrades over the base model, including leather upholstery, ventilated and massaging front seats with 18-way power adjustments, a digital gauge cluster, a head-up display, and ambient lighting with dynamic animations. For those seeking a sportier interior, high-performance seats with leather and microfiber upholstery are available, along with matching door panel inserts. The Blackwing’s trunk retains the same dimensions as the standard CT5, accommodating up to five carry-on suitcases. Additional performance-focused features include a lap timer and an optional performance data recorder, further enhancing its appeal to driving enthusiasts.
Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing: Infotainment, Safety, and Specifications
Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing: Infotainment and Connectivity
The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing features a cutting-edge 33.0-inch display screen with an impressive 9K resolution. Part of this display is dedicated to the infotainment system, which operates on a Google-based OS with built-in Google Maps and Google Assistant. Drivers can also access the Google Play app store for additional applications. For ease of use, the system includes a secondary rotary controller on the center console for those who prefer tactile controls over touchscreens.
New Cadillac apps offer real-time performance insights, including a dyno-style power and torque graph, as well as tire temperature and engine performance data. The Performance Data Recorder now includes a lap analysis function, enabling drivers to track lap times, analyze speed traces, and display key metrics on both the dashboard display and the head-up display. Standard features also include wireless smartphone charging, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, onboard Wi-Fi, and a 16-speaker AKG stereo system.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The CT5-V Blackwing comes equipped with an array of advanced safety features. Models with the automatic transmission include Super Cruise hands-free driving technology, whereas manual models do not offer this feature. The CT5-V Blackwing also includes a comprehensive driver-assistance suite. For official crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control with a hands-free driving mode
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Compared to competitors like the BMW M5, Cadillac offers a longer powertrain warranty, although it only covers one complimentary maintenance visit, whereas BMW provides three years of free maintenance.
- Limited warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty: 6 years or 70,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance: Covers first service visit
Specifications: 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Manual
Vehicle Type: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
Pricing
- Base Price: $87,090
- As Tested: $114,645
- Options: Carbon-ceramic braking system ($9,000), Semi-aniline leather seats with carbon-fiber seatbacks ($6,090), Carbon-fiber package 2 ($5,230), Carbon-fiber package 1 ($4,100), Performance data and video recorder ($1,600), Electric Blue paint ($625), Parking package ($610), Faux-suede–wrapped steering wheel and shifter ($300)
Engine and Transmission
- Engine: Supercharged and intercooled V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
- Displacement: 376 in³ (6162 cm³)
- Power: 668 hp @ 6500 rpm
- Torque: 659 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
Chassis and Dimensions
- Suspension (Front/Rear): Struts/Multilink
- Brakes (Front/Rear): 15.7-inch vented, cross-drilled, carbon-ceramic disc / 14.6-inch vented, cross-drilled, carbon-ceramic disc
- Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
- Front: 275/35ZR-19 (100Y) TPC
- Rear: 305/30ZR-19 (102Y) TPC
- Wheelbase: 116.0 in
- Length: 194.9 in
- Width: 74.1 in
- Height: 56.6 in
- Passenger Volume: 98 ft³
- Trunk Volume: 12 ft³
- Curb Weight: 4092 lb
Performance Metrics
- 0–60 mph: 3.6 sec
- 0–100 mph: 7.7 sec
- 1/4-Mile: 11.6 sec @ 125 mph
- 130 mph: 12.4 sec
- 160 mph: 21.1 sec
- Rolling Start (5–60 mph): 4.3 sec
- Top Speed (Estimated): 205 mph
- Braking (70–0 mph): 154 ft
- Braking (100–0 mph): 321 ft
- Roadholding (300-ft Skidpad): 1.02 g
Fuel Economy
- Observed: 13 mpg
- Highway (75-mph test): 24 mpg
- Highway Range: 410 mi
Specifications: 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Automatic
Vehicle Type: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
Pricing
- Base Price: $87,090
- As Tested: $105,665
- Options: Carbon-ceramic brakes ($9,000), Carbon-Fiber Package 1 ($4,100), Jet Black leather ($2,890), 10-speed automatic ($2,275), Parking package ($1,100), Driver Assist package ($900), Torch Red seatbelts ($400)
Engine and Transmission
- Engine: Supercharged and intercooled pushrod V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
- Displacement: 376 in³ (6162 cm³)
- Power: 668 hp @ 6500 rpm
- Torque: 659 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Chassis and Dimensions
- Suspension (Front/Rear): Struts/Multilink
- Brakes (Front/Rear): 15.7-inch vented, cross-drilled, carbon-ceramic disc / 14.6-inch vented, cross-drilled, carbon-ceramic disc
- Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
- Wheelbase: 116.0 in
- Length: 194.9 in
- Width: 74.1 in
- Height: 56.6 in
- Passenger Volume: 98 ft³
- Cargo Volume: 12 ft³
- Curb Weight: 4130 lb
Performance Metrics
- 0–60 mph: 3.5 sec
- 0–100 mph: 7.3 sec
- 1/4-Mile: 11.4 sec @ 128 mph
- Top Speed (Estimated): 205 mph
- Fuel Economy (EPA Rated): 15/13/21 mpg (Combined/City/Highway)
The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing continues to set a high benchmark in performance luxury sedans, delivering an exhilarating driving experience with a supercharged V-8, precise handling, and cutting-edge technology.
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