Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Sedan

Only one Blackwing model is available, and you may choose between a manual or automatic transmission. A head-up display, dual-zone climate control, a ten-inch infotainment screen with the newest connectivity features and a 16-speaker sound system, a 12-inch configurable digital instrument cluster, and power-adjustable front seats with both heating and ventilation are all included as standard features. The CT5-V Blackwing will be sold at $92,390 and the price goes up north depending on the options and configurations picked. You also get front and rear parking sensors, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic assist in addition. Keyless entry and start, a surround-view camera, wireless phone charging, forward collision warning with automatic braking up to 50 mph, and LED headlights are other features that come standard. Adaptive cruise control however is only available with the automatic transmission model.

We Recommend

Although the CT5-V Blackwing has the option of a 10-speed automatic transmission, which makes it somewhat faster, we recommend sticking with the 6-speed manual since it provides a more enjoyable driving experience. We would choose fewer options, but we would splurge on the suede microfiber interior upholstery and high-performance sports seats. A powerful engine with a manual transmission is a potent combo that shouldn't be passed up, even though choosing a manual means skipping some driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control and rear automated emergency braking. The Parking package, which adds a rear camera mirror and helps to address the sedan's rear visibility difficulties, is our favorite of the various option packages.

Release Date

The release date for the 2023 CT5-V Blackwing has not been confirmed yet but the production began in the month of July 2022 in the Lansing Grand River plant. The car can be expected to hit the dealer towards the end of 2022.

The CT5-V Blackwing is not powered by the newly created twin-turbo Blackwing V-8 from the long-discontinued CT6-V. Instead, a modernized 6.2-liter V-8 engine with a monstrous 668 horsepower from the CTS-V is paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 10-speed automated transmission. Despite its athletic goals, the CT5-V Blackwing is a sedan with excellent handling that can also be adjusted to ride fairly comfortably. Standard magnetorheological dampers adapt themselves in accordance with the road surface and your driving intention. Rapid acceleration allowed the CT5-V Blackwing to reach 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds when configured with the 6-speed manual transmission. However, with the optional automatic transmission, Cadillac claims that it will be able to do it in as little as 3.4 seconds.

From the stats above, it is evident that the Cadillac carries the largest engine and produces the most power. However, it isn’t the quickest to reach 60 mph when equipped with a manual transmission. The Mercedes clocks a staggering time of flat 3.0 seconds and the reason for the Cadillac to fall behind is due to the rivals running on an AWD system. The Audi barely manages to beat the Cadillac but equip the CT5-V with the optional automatic transmission, and the car hits 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds, managing to beat the RS 7. The BMW takes the second spot here with its 4.4L V8 that churns out 600 hp.

2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Ride and Handling

It's a monster, but not in the way you might expect. Although rear-wheel drive and 668 horsepower would seem like a match made only for burnouts and barely manageable straight-line acceleration, the Blackwing's combination of advanced electronic controls provides its driver the assurance to employ that power anywhere they want. Despite being a large and hefty sedan, the Blackwing handles remarkably well. When coming out of a bend, the differential carefully distributes power to the Michelin tires, allowing you to accelerate much earlier than you had anticipated. With the gas pedal pinned, you can drive over track curbing without the rear tires spinning thanks to the damper setup. Adjustable stability control teaches you when to back off as well as the limits of the vehicle and your own capabilities.

2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Braking Performance

The CT5-V Blackwings' stopping distances were also a bit puzzling, with the heavier automatic car stopping 2 feet shorter at 100 feet flat. The manual car's best measurement was 102 feet. Discreet on the highway and proven on the racetrack. Brembo performance front brakes provide the CT5-V a reliable stopping power and a comfortable pedal feel. Also, improved cooling improves fade resistance and braking performance. Additionally, the CT5-V Blackwing is the first Cadillac vehicle to include cross-drilled carbon-ceramic brakes, creating a brake system that is both aesthetically pleasing and highly effective. The CT5-V Blackwing has the largest factory-installed brakes ever on a Cadillac thanks to optimally engineered wheel diameters.

Despite having the smallest brakes, the Cadillac puts out one of the best braking distance and when equipped with the automatic transmission, the car manages to top the table. The Audi carries the largest front brakes but the car hasn’t been tested and since it’s the heaviest car here, there are high chances that it could fall in the territory of what Mercedes has managed to push out. Even though 116 ft. of barking distance is great, the kind of class and rival performance it’s up against makes the AMG E63 S a decent performer. The BMW M5 takes the lead with just 1 ft. shorter compared to the default configuration of the Cadillac.

The CT5-V Blackwing's EPA fuel efficiency ratings with the optional automatic transmission are 13 mpg city and 22 mpg highway but switching to the six-speed manual transmission reduces the car's estimated highway fuel economy to 21 mpg. It is however possible to squeeze out 24 mpg on highways when driven at constant and controlled speeds. Performance vehicles were never meant to have high gas mileage and the fact that the CT5-V holds a massive 6.2L V8 justifies the low figures that it pumps out.

It was evident from the high power figure and larger engine that the Cadillac would push out the lowest numbers in terms of fuel economy. Additionally, the CT5-V also carries the smallest gas tank and that cuts down the overall range by a large margin when compared to its rivals. Mercedes takes the lead by offering a decent 18 mph in combined drive conditions and offers a total range of almost 380 miles, which is impressive for a car of such class. Both the BMW and Audi have near identical figures while the M3 carries the advantage of having a larger tank.

The CT5-V Blackwing and regular CT5 share the same interior space, giving the performance sedan a roomy interior with lots of amenities. The CT5-V Blackwing is outfitted by Cadillac to better match its far higher starting price than the normal CT5. We found the regular CT5's cabin to be a mix of materials comprising of some decent and some that felt downmarket. Genuine leather upholstery is standard on all versions, and the front seats have 18-way power adjustments, as well as being heated and ventilated. Optional high-performance sport seats with leather and microfiber fabric and matching door panel inserts are also available. We put five carry-on suitcases into the Blackwing's trunk, which has the same size and shape as the standard CT5's trunk. A lap timer is a function available on the gauge display while a performance data recorder is an add-on.

Since the Cadillac is based on the regular CT5 which is targeted towards the luxury sedan segment, the CT5-V Blackwing gets its massive and comfortable cabin. Both the rows have ample space to accommodate tall passengers and while the materials may at times feel mediocre for the price, the cabin keeps its occupants very comfy. However, that isn’t the case in terms of cargo space and the Cadillac holds the smallest trunk. Those looking to haul vacation worth of cargo in a sports sedan can pick the Audi. It is also noticeable that the RS 7 has the most balanced interior space with an equally impressive passenger room.

Some standout interior features on the 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing include:

• Leather upholstery
• Power-adjustable front sport seats
• Heating and ventilation for front seats
• Alcantara headliner
• Ambient lighting
• Power tilt & telescopic multi-function leather steering wheel

How intuitive is the 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing infotainment system?

The 10.0-inch touchscreen display and CUE infotainment system seen on the CT5 standard are also included on the CT5-V Blackwing. For users who would rather not touch the screen, this system includes a second rotary controller on the center console. Wireless smartphone charging, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto will all come standard. The Blackwing has a 16-speaker AKG sound system as standard, while the CT5 comes with a Bose stereo system as an option. All versions also include a head-up display and a 12.0-inch digital gauge display with a special start-up animation peculiar to the V-series.

Some of the standout infotainment features on the 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing are:

• 10-inch central touchscreen
• 16-speaker AKG sound system
• 12-inch digital gauge cluster
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Head-up display
• Wireless charging

The CT5 -V Blackwing combines a remarkable appearance with outstanding functionality in an elegant and expressive package. In order to create a design that is understated yet captivating on and off the track, aesthetic beauty collaborates with extensively proven aerodynamics, as seen in the bold-faced grille and the sleek, long, and low proportions. The distinctive looks of the V-Series have a significant function. The front splitter and rear spoiler work together to reduce lift and increase traction, while the mesh grille design directs air to the primary radiators, cooler, and airflow ducts. The aero-obsessed CT5-V Blackwing has 11 separate heating and cooling exchanges to fuel its powerful motor. This is science that has been put to use by a sculptor's hands. CT5-V Blackwing provides two different Carbon Fiber packages to further boost performance design which includes an exposed carbon rear wing. The CT5-V Blackwing has forged aluminum alloy wheels with a great strength-to-weight ratio and laser-etched design elements that demonstrate how thrilling the V-Series Blackwing is both while it is moving and when it is still.

For a performance vehicle, it is important to keep the center of gravity low and Mercedes achieves it by keeping the car lower to the ground. Despite the Audi having a smaller wheelbase, the RS 7 is the longest car. The M5 in comparison has a taller stance but this helps keep the entry and exit from the cabin easier. Cadillac holds a slightly lower width than its rivals and this makes it hassle-free when trying to maneuver in the city or in tight spots without the fear of getting the mirror scraped by an obstacle.

Some of the standout exterior features include:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights
• Rear carbon spoiler
• Quad exhaust pipes
• Rainsense front intermittent wipers
• Solar absorbing glass

The Blackwing doesn't have a model-specific safety rating from the NHTSA or IIHS, although the CT5 standard from 2022 does have one. It received a 5-star rating overall from the NHTSA, and it received five stars in each of its subcategories. Sadly, the IIHS has not had the chance to conduct a complete evaluation of the CT5-V Blackwing. Whether you choose the manual or automatic transmission, the CT5-V Blackwing comes standard with a respectable amount of safety features. It includes eight airbags, including dual front knee airbags, powerful Brembo brakes with ABS, and a surround-view video system with the mandatory rearview camera. It also has traction, stability, and chassis control. Buyers can further increase the list by opting for the additional packages and options available.

Some of the standout safety features available with the 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing are:

• Brembo brakes with slotted rotors
• Surround-view camera with recorder
• Forward collision mitigation
• Lane-keeping assist
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear pedestrian alert

2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing vs 2023 BMW M5

The Blackwing presents a respectable challenge with more power for less money to the BMW M5, which has long set the benchmark for high-performance midsize sedans. Yes, the interior and technological features of the BMW give it an advantage, but the Cadillac is the only vehicle that allows you to manually shift the gears. Despite the drive dynamics on the BMW being slightly better, the difference is only noticeable if you critique it to the tiniest of drive aspects.

2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing vs 2023 Mercedes-AMG E63 S

The Cadillac has managed to surpass the Mercedes in almost all aspects except for gas mileage and cabin quality as the E63 S simply can’t be matched when it comes to the kind of materials used. The CT5-V has an equally engaging drive but the joy of manual shifting the gears can only be experienced on the Cadillac.

2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing vs 2023 Audi RS 7

With a faultless interior and a sizable advantage in cargo space because of its fastback layout, the all-wheel-drive RS 7 is a fantastic performer in its own right. However, it is less powerful than the Blackwing and costs almost $35,000 more. That is a significant cost for greater refinement, making the CT5-V Blackwing a more valuable choice.

The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing could possibly be one the last of its kind when it comes to performance sedans and with the number of stick shift vehicles decreasing, it is better to pick one before it’s gone. The CT5-V Blackwing requires skills to tame it as it feels raw but don’t let that scare you as the suspensions on this car help keep the vehicle stable and lets the driver tackle sharp corners without having to muscle on the brake pedal. Cadillac has managed to offer what its rivals carry for a much more affordable price, making it one of the most valuable deals in the performance segment.