What were my thoughts about the 2025 Cadillac CT5 Sport, priced at CAD $69,300? A few years back I drove the CT5 V-Series Blackwing, priced at just under CAD$100,000, and it was understandably superior in performance, design and the features it offered.
The CT5-V Blackwing features a 6.2L supercharged V8 engine, generating a mammoth 668 horsepower and 659 lb-ft of torque, Cadillac’s most powerful production engine. While I didn’t test this directly, that vehicle does 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds, and top speed exceeds 200 mph. RWD, advanced Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, for track performance, on the suspension side, and a manual transmission option. It was three years ago, but I remember it – an elite driving experience.
Images by Mark Keast
The Cadillac CT5 Sport Is Just More Practical
The Cadillac CT5 Sport is more practical for day-to-day living and the price point reflects that. Still, the performance mesh grilles for improved radiator cooling, rear spoiler, rocker molding extensions, 20-inch gloss black wheels, is sporty enough, just less aggressive, and track-inspired, than the Blackwing.
The CT5 Sport is meant to be a luxury sedan. And it more than delivered in comfort – in this particular case a 3-hour drive north of the Toronto to Collingwood, Ontario, with the usual mixture of hard Highway 400 driving and softer back country roads. The Blackwing has more purpose, to deliver speed and performance, including its unique aerodynamic elements that aid in producing more power.
What’s your objective? Are you looking to blow people away in your dust, or are you just looking to get from Point A to Point B in comfort?
What Are the Competitors to the Cadillac CT5 Sport?
There are a range of sporty luxury sedans out there that compete with the CT5 Sport. Top of the list includes the BMW 3 Series, especially the M340i, the Audi S4, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, maybe the Genesis G70.
Depending on the features (the Cadillac CT5 I drove started at CAD $53,000) you go with, those competing cars start at price points $10,000-$15,000 more than the Cadillac.
What About the Interior Features?
Inside the Cadillac CT5 Sport is the Google built-in infotainment package with 33-inch diagonal colour LED display, plus the usual bells and whistles like Apple Carplay, and the 8-way power seats (driver and passenger) ensure optimal comfort. The leather-wrapped steering wheel was another luxury feature.
The Sport trim includes a Driver Mode Selector with Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice, and customizable MyMode, allowing drivers to tailor steering response, engine sound, and brake feel for a personalized driving experience.
Dual-zone climate control, 9-speaker audio system, sunroof, plus options like head-up display, air quality indicator, power fold mirrors all added another another layer of comfort to the drive.
Overall, a compelling value proposition for a luxury sedan with advanced tech and sporty features, make this one a solid 7 out of 10. Plus there’s a generous warranty. The CT5 Sport comes with a 4-year/50,000-mile (80,000 kilometre) basic warranty and a 6-year/70,000-mile (110,000 kilometre) powertrain warranty, outpacing some competitors like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Limitations for some might include the 2.0L, Turbo 4-cylinder engine, at 237 horsepower an 258 lb-ft of torque, more under-powered compared to its direct rivals. The BMW M340i for example offers up a 3.0L turbo inline-6, generating 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, and according to some reporting does 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds, so superior acceleration and performance there.
The CT5 Sport’s 11.9-cubic-foot trunk is smaller than competitors like the BMW 3 Series and Alfa Romeo Giulia, which may be a drawback for luxury buyers needing more cargo capacity.
I am a 50-something Torontonian who loves everything about my city. It’s been my home, my playground, for my entire life. I went to school here. I met my wife here. I own real estate here. I love writing about the transformation of my city on the world stage, which hasn’t been anything short of dramatic. That continues on, as I write this. I write on the real estate scene. I write on travel and fashion. I like following the world of luxury watches.
But I love writing about cars – check that, luxury cars, a level of superior, engineering sophistication, high performance and style, that transports you not just from one destination to another but also out of whatever you are going through on a particular day, whatever mood you are in, all to another head space. It’s complete and total exhilaration, head to toe.
Check out my stories, and email me direct at mkeast@regardingluxury.com
