Cadillac continues to innovate excitement with the all-new 2020 Cadillac CT5-V luxury sedan, which replaces the previously well-acclaimed ATS with revamped styling, more innovative tech features and higher power output. Engine options come in a 2.0L inline-4 and a 3.0L twin-turbo that will produce 237 and 335 horsepower respectively. The higher performing CT5-V variant outputs a staggering 360 horsepower!
Both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations are available. The aggressive styling outside, backed up by 360hp, a 10 speed automatic gearbox, Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 suspension and electronic limited-slip differential, paints the full picture of a proud North American high-performance luxury sedan.
BOLD EXTERIOR
The 2020 Cadillac CT5 speaks American design language synonymous with the Lincoln MKZ. The large 19” wheels, integrated rear spoiler and a revealing satin-black front mesh grille design intends to show off its massive radiator to keep its engine cool while enticing an aggressive visual appeal.
All exterior headlamp illumination is provided by white LEDs to give it a new-age digital look. Despite its long saloon wheelbase of 116”, the lengthened side-glass, low-profile silhouette and rear fastback curvatures give the 2020 CT5 a sleek and imposing look.
PREMIUM INTERIOR
The CT5’s aggressive theme continues into the cabin space with a deep homogenous black layout with options to configure the seats and side panels with a brown leather tan color. Front passengers will enjoy 14-way power adjustable leather seats that can not only be heated and ventilated, but also offers lumbar massaging. Both Premium Luxury and Sports trim will get upscaled treatment with Opus semi-aniline leather seat surface that offers a fading perforation pattern and decorative chevron accents.
The driver-centric experience is extended with an integrated noise-cancellation system that filters out unwanted road noise while promoting the deep and rich engine tone in the cabin space for optimal driver feedback. All AM/FM/XM and Bluetooth media are accessible via its massive 10” infotainment system with available Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for seamless smartphone connectivity.
The premium interior is adorned with the soft touch materials, supple leather and accent stitching. An overall sleek design brings together the huge display, the wide vents and climate controls to create a look of understated luxury.
POWERTRAIN
The 2020 Cadillac CT5 offers the rear wheel drive configuration as standard with the available option to upgrade to all-wheel drive for enhanced traction in cornering and harsh climate conditions. AWD is recommended for optimal traction, but that can at times, distract from some potentially adrenaline-fueled driving excitement. While the V6 offers higher output, the turbo-charged 2.0 I4 shouldn’t be neglected as twin-scroll turbo technology has come a long way in linearizing the engine power band, making turbo lag almost completely a thing of the past.
Engine options are also offered with two choices between a 2.0L twin-scroll inline 4 or a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 that outputs 237 and 355 horsepower respectively. Cadillac claims the I4 can do 0-60 in 6.6 seconds while the beefier V6 does it in 1.7 seconds faster at 4.9 seconds. The CT5-V variant gets a performance tuned twin-turbo 3.0L V6 that ups the power output to 360 horsepower.
All trims will get a snappy 10-speed automatic transmission, dynamic damping suspensions running on Magnetic Ride 4.0 and an electronic limited slip differential that can precisely control torque distribution independently between the two rear wheels. The result is optimal and linear power extraction from its engine, ride comfort and exceptional handling.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The notorious All-American luxury muscle sedan never left. It just got better thanks to its higher performing twin-scroll I4 and twin-turbo V6. As the lead innovator of Magnetic Ride Control dynamic damping suspensions, the latest version 4.0 is employed in the 2020 CT5 and continues to impress with seamless ride comfort without compromising cornering and handling.
The deep and rich engine exhaust tone and, quick and powerful torque response and cornering capabilities are prominent notes captured during a week’s test drive with the 2020 CT5.
Pricing for the base CT5 with the 2.0L I4 RWD starts at $43,398 with the AWD variant at $45,589. Opting for the 3.0L twin-turbo will cost $48,208 in RWD configuration and $50,408 for AWD. The 2020 Cadillac CT5 has a unique driving feel, so the best way to get the complete experience is to take one for a test drive.
