2025 Cadillac CT5V Blackwing Test Drive & Review: Automotive Addicts
Cadillac has managed to keep its V vehicles alive and thriving in the performance realm as the latest CT5 sedan gets a styling refresh that trickles down into the performance-oriented CT5-V Blackwing that I had a chance to experience this week. The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is one of the best-kept secretes in the world of performance sedans. It is a vehicle which embodies the old-school benchmarks set by the E39 BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG and carried on through its successors. Today, the CT5-V Blackwing seems to find its performance footing in an undercover way until someone experiences such a vehicle, sees one drive by with its boisterous V8-growl from the active exhaust system, or gets eaten for lunch from the red light as the Caddy rumbles to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds.
Performance and Driving Character
Cadillac went the distance to improve upon the CT5 in all its trim levels but paid special attention to the CT5-V Blackwing by offering up what the brand calls the Precision Package. Such a package, setting you back an additional $18,000 onto the already-near-six-figure price, is claimed to enhance the track-going abilities of the Blackwing Caddy. You still get the same supercharged 6.2-liter V8 LT4 powertrain touting 668 horsepower and 659 lb-ft of torque directed through either a 10-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual.
However, in experiencing the CT5-V Blackwing equipped with the Precision Package on public roads, where most of the life of such a vehicle will be spent, there’s some getting used to the much stiffer ride quality that doesn’t exactly exude that ‘Cadillac-ness’ that you would expect. The Precision Package is not a detriment to the CT5V Blackwing’s luxury. However, it does affect the ride quality on public roads, where the vehicle will spend most of its life. It doesn’t exude the Cadillac-ness that you would expect. The suspension is stiff in all drive modes. Even in the’relaxed Tour’ mode, which is where you’d expect a Cadillac of this caliber to be more compliant, and have some’smoothing’ qualities, the suspension still feels better suited for track use. It would seem that only the Sport or Track modes are meant for the track. Well, no, unfortunately Cadillac made all the drive modes with the optional Precision Package rather rough, which is ultimately a factor that stands out in such a vehicle.
Please don’t get me wrong in my summation of the new CT5-V Blackwing in pointing out the ride quality fault in detail as the Precision Package does something great, and that is to elevate the performance luxury sedan to have newfound abilities to round a track with better balance and, ‘precision.’ Such a characteristic was found to be missing in the CT5-V Blackwing of the previous few years, as it may have overstepped its Caddy-esq ways that most expect. You may want to test drive the Precision Package before you spend the additional $18,000. This package includes the powerful Carbon Ceramic brakes, which would cost $9,000 if purchased separately. You’ll also pay more at the gas pump, as the EPA estimates for fuel consumption are 13 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. The CT5-V Blackwing, a luxury performance sedan that is unquestionably the best in its class, is an attention-getter and a leader when it comes to performance. The CT5-V Blackwing is the best vehicle you can buy, and it’s not just because of the 6-speed manual option. The Precision Package could be diminished if people purchase the CT5V Blackwing with the intention of spending most of their time at the track. I, for one, place the CT5-V Blackwing in my top 5 list of favorite vehicles in the past few years, but I would want the performance Caddy to be my daily driver, not my weekend track toy.
Interior and Technology
The interior of the 2025 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing has been updated slightly with a new screen setup situation, which is a page taken from the large-and-in-charge Escalade. The new screen is a large OLED that integrates seamlessly the digital gauge cluster for the driver and the touchscreen infotainment system. It also has a small touchscreen on the left side of the unit to display quick vehicle info and controls such as trip computer, gauge settings, and a launch control which can start an automatic performance timer. Google’s new built-in integration is a great alternative to integrating your smartphone. There are also new features that allow you to use Google Maps, Apple Maps, or even the old Google Maps when you connect your smartphone. Also, having a full set of physical buttons for the climate controls is a welcoming part of the Cadillac experience instead of having everything integrated on the large touchscreen.
Seating areas remain the same as in previous years, offering up delightful bucket seats in my test vehicle, including heating, ventilation, and back-area massaging. Cadillac has made the most comfortable performance seats around, despite their thin and aggressive look. The interior is luxurious, with soft-touch surfaces, accent stitching and carbon fiber trim pieces that are placed in the right spots and are not overdone. The rear seats are a bit accommodating and the front bucket seats have thin cushions that provide decent legroom. Cargo room falls at the bottom of the class, being midsized vehicles with 11.9 cubic feet, but having 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks helps in those times you need extra cargo space.
Safety
Cadillac brings all the expected active safety goodies to the table in the new CT5, and having the optional SuperCruise semi-autonomous driving aid at your beckon only adds to the versatility and value of the CT5-V Blackwing. Untimely, the CT5-V Blackwing is the vehicle that seemingly does it all short of being anything utilitarian outside of using up its cargo space.
Pricing
There’s an underlying value in the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing when you consider the collective of its parts and remarkable performance. The CT5-V Blackwing is a vehicle that can easily be used as a track toy, daily car, or even exhibited at prestigious events. The Blackwing starts at $96,990, which is a great price for a car that can compete with supercars while still providing luxury for your family.
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