2025 Cadillac CT5-V: Underrated Performance Sedan Gets a Tech Upgrade

The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing often steals the spotlight with its supercharged engine and manual gearbox, but nestled between the base CT5 and the Blackwing beast lies the CT5-V – a compelling performance car that deserves more attention. The 2025 Cadillac CT5-V arrives with key updates, enhancing its appeal as a well-rounded sports sedan.

The refreshed CT5-V retains its potent twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine and Magnetic Ride Control, but for 2025, Cadillac elevates the interior with a premium feel and integrates its latest, cutting-edge infotainment technology. Starting at a competitive $58,390, the 2025 Cadillac CT5-V presents a strong value proposition in the performance sedan segment.

Cadillac’s twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine is a refined powerhouse. Delivering 360 horsepower and a robust 450 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels via a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission, the CT5-V is far from slow. It sprints to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds and can reach a top speed of 156 mph, given a long enough stretch of open road. The ample torque, available from 2,400 rpm, ensures strong low-end responsiveness, effectively minimizing any hint of turbo lag. The 2025 Cadillac CT5-V genuinely feels quicker than its official 0-60 mph time suggests. The exhilarating rush between stoplights, accompanied by the deep growl of the V6 exhaust, is undeniably enjoyable. Even at higher speeds on the highway, the engine maintains its eagerness, offering ample power even in the upper rev ranges.

The 10-speed automatic transmission is adequate and functional. While a six-speed manual, like the one found in the Blackwing, would undoubtedly elevate the driving experience for purists, the automatic shifts swiftly and is user-friendly for daily driving. For more engaging performance, switching the drive mode to “Track” and utilizing the paddle shifters yields the most rewarding results.

Pros: Smooth & Powerful Engine, Refined Ride, Excellent Technology, Decent Base Price

The combination of Cadillac’s Alpha platform and Magnetic Ride Control technology endows the 2025 CT5-V with exceptional cornering capabilities. The sedan demonstrates eagerness to turn into corners and maintains composure throughout, even when pushed. While there might be a touch more body roll compared to some rivals from Audi or BMW, it never compromises the car’s overall stability and planted feel.

However, the steering could benefit from enhanced precision. A slightly vague on-center feel and a lack of directness through the steering rack prevent the CT5-V from feeling as sharp and connected as it could be. Similar to the more potent Blackwing, there’s still room for improvement in the steering feedback of the CT5-V, perhaps through a future “Precision package” upgrade.

As a daily driver, the 2025 Cadillac CT5-V truly shines. The same Magnetic Ride Control system that enhances its cornering prowess also contributes to a remarkably smooth and comfortable ride, making it an outstanding long-distance cruiser. It effortlessly absorbs bumps and road imperfections. The interior of the 2025 CT5-V receives a significant upgrade, featuring rich brown leather upholstery on the seats and dashboard, complemented by high-quality trim accents on the center console. The most prominent change is the integration of a massive new touchscreen for 2025, finally bringing Cadillac’s in-car technology up to par with competitors. This was a key area for improvement in the pre-facelift CT5 models.

The entire 2025 CT5 lineup now boasts a standard 33.0-inch widescreen display, seamlessly integrating the digital instrument cluster with the central touchscreen. The display is visually stunning and remarkably user-friendly, featuring crisp graphics, rapid response times, and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Cons: Vague Steering, Pricey With Options, Needs A Manual

Notably, Cadillac remains one of the few automakers to retain a physical control knob for the infotainment screen, unlike brands like BMW that have eliminated their iDrive controller. While not ideal for every function, this controller is exceptionally convenient for basic operations, especially while driving, allowing for easy access to essential features without having to reach for the touchscreen at high speeds.

However, the most impressive technological feature in the 2025 CT5-V is Super Cruise, GM’s advanced hands-free driver-assistance system. Super Cruise comes standard on the CT5-V and operates seamlessly. Engaging it is as simple as pressing a button on the steering wheel, activating a green light bar that indicates when the system is active. Super Cruise effectively maintains the car’s position within the lane and can even execute automatic lane changes when it detects an opening in traffic, all without driver input on the steering wheel. While hands-free, drivers must remain attentive and ready to take control if necessary. Distractions like prolonged phone use or looking away from the road for extended periods will deactivate Super Cruise.

With a starting price of $58,390, the 2025 Cadillac CT5-V positions itself competitively within its segment. While the Audi S4 (starting around $55,000) and Acura TLX Type S (starting around $52,000) offer similar performance, the BMW M340i starts at a higher price point of approximately $60,000, and the Mercedes-AMG C43 exceeds $60,000 as well.

The as-tested price of this particular 2025 Cadillac CT5-V reaches $70,225 with options, which might give some buyers pause. The Platinum package, encompassing a sunroof, Technology package, upgraded leather, and a microfiber steering wheel, adds a significant $8,595 to the cost. The performance data and video recorder, arguably unnecessary for the non-Blackwing CT5-V, adds another $1,600. Additional options like premium paint, upgraded brakes, and ventilated seats contribute a further $11,865 to the total.

However, for those prioritizing the core performance elements—the potent V6 engine, sophisticated suspension, and comfortable ride—many of these optional extras can be skipped. In its fundamental form, the 2025 Cadillac CT5-V offers a compelling blend of performance, luxury, and technology at a competitive price, making it a hard-to-fault choice in the sports sedan market.

Competitors

2025 Cadillac CT5-V