Overview
The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing has been a game-changer in the sports sedan
world since it launched in 2022. This car is the pinnacle of General Motors
engineering, right up there with the Corvette. It packs a supercharged
668-horsepower V8, a six-speed manual, and rear-wheel drive, making every drive
an adrenaline rush. For 2025, it’s getting a few cool upgrades, like a new
33-inch interior display, putting it on par with tech-heavy German rivals like
the BMW M3 and M5. Sure, the interior might still feel like a fancy Chevy
Malibu, but that doesn’t take away from its main mission: to thrill drivers
with its incredible poise, power, and top-notch traction control. Compared to
the BMW M5 and the previous Mercedes-AMG E63, the Blackwing is more engaging
and much easier on the wallet.
What's New for 2025?
The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing grabs attention with its striking new
updates emphasising its performance-driven personality. Up front, a
wider grille blends smoothly with sleek daytime running lights, while sharp
creases and faux air vents under the stacked headlights give it an edgier look.
The back sports a black spoiler and quad exhaust tips that boost its sporty
vibe, and new metallic colours like Deep Space, Typhoon, and Drift add to its
bold appearance, with dynamic LED lights welcoming you as you approach.
Inside, a new 33.0-inch curved display takes centre stage, combining the
infotainment and instrument panel into one streamlined unit. This setup runs on
GM’s latest Google-based system, packed with advanced telemetry and performance
apps. The Blackwing sits on 19-inch forged aluminium wheels wrapped in Michelin
Pilot Sport 4S tyres, and for those wanting extra flair, an optional Carbon
Fiber Package adds both style and aerodynamics. All these updates make the
Blackwing a true standout in both design and performance.
Price
The 2025 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is anticipated to have a starting price of approximately $96,000.
Which Trim Model Should I Buy?
When it comes to the 2025 Cadillac CT5, choosing between the Premium Luxury and Sport trims really boils down to what you value most. The Premium Luxury trim? It’s all about comfort. Think heated, ventilated, and massaging seats—plus advanced tech like Super Cruise, Cadillac’s hands-free driving feature. You can even upgrade to a 3.0-liter V6 engine, pushing 335 horsepower, making it both smooth and powerful. But the Sport trim might catch your eye if you're more about performance and style. With its firmer suspension and sportier, aggressive look, it’s built for those who want to feel the road—although it skips the V6 option. If you’re a true driving enthusiast, the CT5-V Blackwing is where things get serious. The six-speed manual transmission gets you fully involved, while the 10-speed automatic shaves off fractions of a second on acceleration. The performance seats are a must, and if your budget allows, those carbon-backed high-performance seats? Pure luxury. Of course, with a price tag around $96,000, the Blackwing might be out of reach for some—but in that case, the smaller CT4-V Blackwing steps in as a more affordable, yet still thrilling alternative.
Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Engine and Transmission
The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing makes a powerful statement with its
6.2-litre supercharged V8, cranking out an impressive 668 horsepower and 659
lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission that
puts you in full control, though you can opt for a ten-speed automatic if you
prefer a different driving experience. Power is sent to the rear wheels, giving
you a thrilling drive. The Blackwing’s ride quality is equally remarkable,
thanks to its magnetorheological dampers that adjust to road conditions and
your driving style. Whether you’re cruising comfortably or navigating tricky
roads, the Blackwing offers a versatile and exhilarating experience.
Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Performance
The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing delivers explosive acceleration, with
independent tests showing the manual version reaching 60 mph in just 3.6
seconds. The optional automatic transmission boosts this performance even
further, achieving the same speed in 3.5 seconds. In a separate test, the
Blackwing completed a 0-to-150-to-0 mph run nearly as swiftly as a Porsche 911
GT3 RS, highlighting its impressive performance capabilities.
Fuel Economy and MPG
The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing’s fuel economy highlights its performance
focus, with the automatic transmission rated at 13 mpg city and 22 mpg highway,
while the manual version offers slightly lower highway efficiency at 21 mpg. On
a 75-mph highway test, the manual model achieved an impressive 24 mpg. Although
official EPA ratings for the 2025 model are still pending, they are expected to
reflect the outgoing model’s figures: 13/21/15 mpg city/highway/combined for
the manual and 13/21/16 mpg for the automatic. With a 17.4-gallon tank, the
Blackwing provides a range of about 278 miles on a full tank. For the latest
fuel economy details, the EPA’s website is the best resource.
Interior Design
The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing transforms the standard CT5’s interior with
a striking 33-inch LED colour display that modernizes the dashboard. It also
introduces a sophisticated performance data recorder and a new app that
delivers real-time insights into power, torque, and boost. Practical features
include Google built-in for easy access to essential apps and improved HVAC
controls for enhanced comfort. Inside, the Blackwing combines luxury with
sporty flair through leather and carbon fibre accents and optional
high-performance sports seats. Standard tech features like Super Cruise (on
automatic models), blind zone steering assist, and intersection automatic emergency
braking ensure a blend of cutting-edge safety and performance.
Cargo Space
The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, while sticking with the same 11.9 cubic
feet trunk size as the standard CT5, reflects a clear priority on performance
rather than cargo space. Though the trunk is spacious enough to hold five
carry-on cases, the relatively modest capacity is in keeping with the car’s
sporty design ethos. Inside, the Blackwing integrates a lap timer into the
gauge display and offers an optional performance data recorder, underscoring
its commitment to delivering an engaging driving experience.
Advanced Infotainment and Performance Tech
The CT5-V Blackwing is a standout with its 33-inch curved 9K LED display,
which offers much more than stunning visuals. Powered by a Google-based system,
it provides easy access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play
store, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The performance app enhances
the display, showing customizable gauges and a real-time strip chart for
precise monitoring of driving metrics. It also features a dyno-style graph for
power and torque and readouts for tyre temperature and engine performance.
Additionally, the display supports onboard Wi-Fi and a 16-speaker AKG stereo,
combining functionality with excellent entertainment. The Performance Data
Recorder further allows for detailed lap analysis, highlighting Blackwing’s
commitment to top-tier performance.
Safety
The CT5-V Blackwing is a safety standout, equipped with advanced features designed to protect both driver and passengers. Both variants of this high-performance vehicle now come with new additions like blind zone steering assist and intersection automatic emergency braking. For a comprehensive safety net, the car includes automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. If you want more, adaptive cruise control is available as an option. For detailed crash-test evaluations, be sure to check the NHTSA and IIHS websites.
Warranty
The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing stands out with its extended powertrain
warranty of six years or 70,000 miles, surpassing rivals like the BMW M5. While
Cadillac includes complimentary maintenance for just the first service visit,
BMW offers three years of free upkeep. The powertrain warranty comprehensively
covers crucial components—engine, transmission, and drive systems—against
defects in materials or workmanship, ensuring robust protection for your
vehicle.
