Cadillac’s CT5 is a mid-size luxury sedan that slugs it out in one of North America’s most competitive market segments with the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Audi A6. The 2025 Cadillac CT5 has had a mid-cycle facelift and looks better than ever, with updated exterior and interior design, new features and technology, and a revised powertrain lineup. Our favorite model, the CT5 Blackwing, returns with its looks and performance sharpened as well.
Of course, for us enthusiasts, the most exciting member of the CT5 family is the Blackwing model, which is the ultimate expression of performance and luxury from Cadillac. What’s more, after the gas-powered Camaro bows out of production at the end of 2024, the CT5 will be the last ICE muscle car from General Motors. This final chapter of the GM small block will inherit over 100 years of refinement and power from General Motors.
The 2025 Cadillac CT5 cuts a trim silhouette at the curb with a sporty exterior design, a fastback profile, and a bold front fascia. New headlights feature thin LED signatures that extend into the bumper, creating a distinctive look. The grille is also larger and more prominent than before, with different finishes depending on the trim level. The rear end has a subtle update, with new taillights and a revised lower diffuser. The Blackwing model adds more aggressive styling cues, such as a carbon fiber front splitter, rear spoiler, and rocker extensions, as well as larger wheels and tires, quad exhaust tips, and unique badging.
The interior of the 2025 Cadillac CT5 has been revised with a more modern and tech-forward cabin. The epicenter of this update is the new 33-inch screen that combines the driver instrument cluster and the infotainment system in the display. It offers high-resolution graphics, customizable layouts, and intuitive controls. The cabin also features premium materials, such as leather, wood, metal, and carbon fiber, as well as comfortable and supportive seats, ample space for passengers and cargo, and a host of standard and available features. Some of these features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, Bose premium sound system, head-up display, heated and ventilated seats, ambient lighting, and more.
The 2025 Cadillac CT5 will continue to offer a range of powertrain options to suit different driving preferences and needs. The base engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The next step up is a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that delivers 335 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
The top-of-the-line engine is reserved for the Blackwing model, which boasts a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that cranks out 668 horsepower and 659 pound-feet of torque. This engine can be mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic transmission, both with rear-wheel drive only. The Blackwing model also features adaptive dampers, an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, Brembo brakes, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, and a performance traction management system. If you love GM LS/LT motors as we do, this mother trucker of a mill is the last and best of its kind.
The 2025 Cadillac CT5 is expected to go on sale in early 2024. The pricing for the new model has not been officially announced yet, but it is expected to start at around $45,000. The current model has a starting cost of under $40k with the base engine and RWD, so we expect the newest version to start upwards of $42,000 when it arrives in the USA. Sport versions will likely come in around $50k fully equipped. The Blackwing model will have a much higher price tag, starting at $93,495, but it will also offer unparalleled V8 performance and exclusivity from Cadillac.
The only fly in this ointment is the MSRP of the Blackwing model. After a hefty dealer markup, these cars routinely go for over six figures. What’s an enthusiast to do? You’ve got two options. First, scrounge up a down payment, bite the bullet, and pay the thing off over several years. Or, wait until used models come on the market and find a low-mile example that you can mod or simply enjoy the almost 700 factory horsepower that it comes with out of the box. Either way, this is the end of the line for V8 factory super sedans from GM, so act now or forever hold your peace.