Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
Overview
Fans of the outgoing Cadillac CTS-V take note: The CT5-V Blackwing is the rightful successor to that performance powerhouse, even though it’s wearing a different name. The new car is powered by the same supercharged V-8 engine, but its updated styling and new interior are what Cadillac is pinning its high-performance hopes on. The Blackwing is well equipped to take on rivals such as the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, the BMW M3, and the Mercedes-AMG C63. To win against these world sports sedans the CT5-V Blackwing provides more than just horsepower; it also delivers brilliant ride and handling to accompany its acceleration. Based on how good the CTS-V Blackwing proved to be in our first drive, we’re considering it the one to beat in this segment of hot four-doors.
What’s New for 2022?
The 2022 CT5-V Blackwing is an all-new performance sedan in the Cadillac lineup. Don’t be confused by the new naming scheme: The Cadillac CT5-V is now merely a sportier trim level of the standard CT5; the Blackwing reviewed here is the all-out hyper-performance version.
While a 10-speed automatic is optional and theoretically makes the CT5-V Blackwing a little bit quicker, we’d stick with the standard six-speed manual for the more engaging driving demeanor. We’d go easy on options, but we’d splurge on the high-performance sport seats and sueded microfiber interior upholstery. If the CT5-V Blackwing’s price is too high for your budget, consider the smaller and cheaper Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing, which we review separately.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The CT5-V Blackwing shares its cabin with the standard CT5, which gives the performance sedan a reasonably spacious interior with plenty of features and niceties. We’ve found the regular CT5’s cabin to be a mix of materials—some fine, some decidedly down-market—but Cadillac dresses the CT5-V Blackwing to better match its much higher entry price. All models come with genuine leather upholstery with heated and ventilated front seats and 18-way power adjustments. High-performance sport seats with leather and microfiber upholstery are optional and come bundled with matching door panel inserts. The Blackwing’s trunk is the same size and shape as the regular CT5’s, into which we fit five carry-on cases during our testing. The gauge display includes a lap timer feature; a performance data recorder is an optional extra.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
A host of driver-assistance features are available, both as standard and optional, but several are not available with the desirable manual transmission. For information about the CT5-V Blackwing’s results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety websites. Key safety features are likely to include:
Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
Available adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
When compared to rivals such as the M3 and the C63, the Cadillac’s standard powertrain warranty offers coverage for a longer period of time and miles. But Cadillac only covers the first service visit, unlike BMW, which offers three years of complimentary maintenance.
Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
Powertrain warranty covers six years or 70,000 miles
Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit
