The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing stands as a titan among premium sports sedans, clinching our 10Best award for three consecutive years—a testament to its unrivaled prowess. Sharing the pinnacle of General Motors engineering with the likes of the Corvette, the Blackwing is a fusion of raw power and refined engineering. It’s the embodiment of a supercharged, gasoline-powered thrill ride, boasting a mighty 668-hp V-8 engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission, all while maintaining a sleek and luxurious facade typical of a mid-size luxury sedan.
What sets the CT5-V Blackwing apart is not just its heart-racing performance but also its superior traction control system, making it feel more vibrant and dynamic than competitors like the BMW M5 or the previous generation Mercedes-AMG E63. Add to that the advantage of being significantly more affordable than its rivals, and it’s clear why the Blackwing resonates so strongly with enthusiasts.
Despite its formidable capabilities, the interior of the CT5-V Blackwing might remind some of a high-end Chevy Malibu rather than reflecting the unique essence of Cadillac. However, this minor critique barely makes a dent in the Blackwing’s mission to deliver exhilarating driving experiences. With its perfect balance of power and poise, the CT5-V Blackwing continues to thrill drivers, proving that Cadillac’s vision for the ultimate sports sedan is as clear and compelling as ever.
What’s New for 2025?
For 2025, the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is getting a series of updates that promise to enhance its allure as the reigning champion among premium sports sedans. These changes aim to refine its aggressive aesthetics and infuse the cabin with the latest technology, reinforcing its position at the pinnacle of General Motors engineering. Here’s what’s in store:
Exterior Updates
The Blackwing’s front end receives a significant makeover, featuring a wider, more dynamically shaped grille and daytime running lights that now stretch down to a redesigned lower grille. To further set the Blackwing apart from the standard CT5, designers have introduced more pronounced diagonal creases and cutlines, as well as decorative air vents below the newly designed stacked headlights. The rear spoiler’s transition to black and the addition of three new metallic paint options—Deep Space, Typhoon, and Drift—further distinguish this model. Additionally, new LED lighting animations offer a warm welcome as the driver approaches the vehicle.
Interior and Technology Enhancements
The cabin sees the replacement of last year’s 10.0-inch touchscreen and analog gauges with a cutting-edge 33.0-inch curved display that merges the infotainment system and instrument panel into one seamless unit. This upgrade is more than just cosmetic; it includes GM’s latest Google-based infotainment interface, along with new telemetry and performance-measuring applications designed to engage the driver further.
2025 Cadillac CT5 V Blackwing Price
With an estimated starting price of $96,000, the 2025 CT5-V Blackwing remains a compelling option for enthusiasts seeking exhilarating performance without the premium cost associated with some rivals. The standard six-speed manual transmission offers an engaging driving experience that we recommend for purists, though an optional 10-speed automatic is available for those prioritizing acceleration efficiency.
For those seeking to enhance their driving experience, the performance front bucket seats are a worthwhile addition, and if the budget permits, the carbon-backed high-performance seats offer even greater support and style. For shoppers finding the CT5-V Blackwing’s pricing a stretch, the smaller and more affordable Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing presents a worthy alternative, delivering similar thrills in a slightly smaller package.
2025 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Engine
The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is a testament to the exhilarating potential of American muscle, cleverly disguised in a luxury sedan’s attire. At its heart lies a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine, a powerhouse capable of delivering a breathtaking 668 horsepower. This engine’s raw power is matched with a choice of transmissions that cater to different driving preferences. For those who cherish the tactile engagement of shifting gears themselves, the standard sublime six-speed manual transmission is a dream. Meanwhile, the optional quick-shifting 10-speed automatic offers an alternative path to exhilaration, with slightly quicker acceleration times.
The CT5-V Blackwing isn’t just about straight-line speed; it’s engineered for agility and control. Features like launch control and a line lock feature, paired with a limited-slip differential and Performance Traction Management, enable this Cadillac to handle corners and straightaways with equal finesse. Whether you’re carving through tight turns on a track or powering down a straight road, these systems work in harmony to keep the car balanced and responsive under your command.
Adding to its versatility, the Blackwing is equipped with standard magnetorheological dampers. These advanced dampers continuously adjust to the road surface and the driver’s inputs, ensuring the car remains poised and comfortable, whether you’re pushing its limits or simply cruising.
0–60-MPH Times
In terms of performance metrics, the CT5-V Blackwing’s acceleration is nothing short of explosive. Our testing revealed that a Blackwing equipped with the manual transmission can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. Opt for the automatic, and that time shaves off to an even quicker 3.5 seconds, placing it in the realm of elite sports cars, nearly on par with the likes of a Porsche 911 GT3 RS in our 0-150-0 mph test. This blend of luxurious comfort and raw, unbridled performance makes the CT5-V Blackwing a standout in the realm of premium sports sedans.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, while a marvel in performance, faces the inevitable trade-offs when it comes to fuel economy, a common aspect among high-powered sports sedans. With the optional 10-speed automatic transmission, it receives EPA ratings of 13 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. Opting for the engaging six-speed manual slightly reduces the highway estimate to 21 mpg. However, real-world testing has shown better performance; on a 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, a CT5-V Blackwing equipped with the manual transmission exceeded expectations by achieving 24 mpg.
2025 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Interior, Comfort
The interior of the CT5-V Blackwing, while sharing its basic architecture with the standard CT5, takes several steps to differentiate itself and justify its position as the pinnacle of the lineup. The space inside is reasonably generous, but some may find that the cabin does not exude the level of luxury anticipated at its price point. Despite this, the Blackwing version adds a layer of sophistication over the standard CT5 sedan through exclusive features and materials.
Standard appointments in the Blackwing elevate the driving experience significantly. Leather upholstery, ventilated and massaging front seats with 18-way power adjustments, and a digital gauge cluster are all standard, enhancing both comfort and the vehicle’s premium feel. The addition of a head-up display and ambient lighting, including climate control animations, further enriches the interior ambiance.
For those seeking an even more race-inspired environment, optional high-performance sport seats are available. These seats, upholstered in a combination of leather and microfiber, also extend their aesthetic to matching door panel inserts, creating a cohesive and sporty interior design theme.
Cargo capacity remains practical despite the CT5-V Blackwing’s performance orientation. The trunk shares its dimensions with the standard CT5, proving spacious enough to accommodate five carry-on cases in our tests. Additionally, the inclusion of a lap timer in the gauge display and the availability of a performance data recorder as an optional extra underscore the vehicle’s track-ready credentials, blending performance with practicality in a way that few sports sedans can.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing distinguishes itself in the realm of infotainment and connectivity, offering a suite of features that blend seamlessly with its high-performance ethos. The centerpiece is a 33.0-inch display screen, boasting an impressive 9K resolution that provides both clarity and a modern touch to the dashboard. This expansive screen houses the touchscreen infotainment system, powered by a Google-based OS. This setup includes integrated Google Maps and Google Assistant, alongside access to the Google Play app store, ensuring a wide array of apps and services are just a tap away.
For those who prefer tactile control, a secondary rotary controller on the center console offers an alternative to the touchscreen, providing a more traditional interaction without compromising functionality. The infotainment system is further enhanced with new Cadillac apps that display dyno-style graphs of power and torque, alongside readouts for tire temperature and engine performance, enriching the driving experience with detailed feedback.
The Performance Data Recorder is a notable addition, featuring a lap analysis function that can not only save your best laps but also analyze speed traces and display extensive performance data either on the dashboard display or the head-up display. Standard tech amenities include wireless smartphone charging, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, onboard Wi-Fi, and a 16-speaker AKG stereo system, ensuring the Blackwing is as connected as it is exhilarating to drive.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The CT5-V Blackwing doesn’t skimp on safety, offering a comprehensive array of driver-assistance features as standard. Although Super Cruise hands-free driving is exclusive to models equipped with the automatic transmission, all Blackwings benefit from essential safety technologies, including automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist. Adaptive cruise control with a hands-free driving mode is also available, adding a layer of convenience and safety for the driver.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
When compared to competitors like the BMW M5, the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing shines with its warranty offerings, providing longer coverage for the powertrain. However, it’s worth noting that Cadillac covers only the first service visit, a contrast to BMW’s three years of complimentary maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty extends to six years or 70,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance for the first visit
This comprehensive suite of features and coverage highlights the CT5-V Blackwing’s commitment to delivering not just exhilarating performance but also a richly connected and protected driving experience.
