2021 Cadillac CT5-V

Apart from all the chiseling and fine-tuning with their recent launches, Cadillac also diversified its lineup similar to those of its arch rivals, Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The diversification is very evident in the positioning and powertrain options with the compact sports sedan. We are talking about the sweet flavor of performance, everyday comfort and maneuverability alongside some dist American style which the CT-V offers. 

Though it has evolved in terms of interior arrangement and quality but still feels lingering behind the best in the market. However, its tech and safety suite has taken a significant leap compared to its predecessor. It's not as furious as the 650 hp CT5-V Blackwing nor as humble as its base models. Talk about the sweet blend of a punchy V6 engine, compact proportions and enhanced handling over the CTS makes the CT5-V a very good package for the buck. At a starting MSRP of $47,795, the 2021 CT5-V stands pretty confident against the likes of BMW M340i, Audi S4 and Mercedes-AMG C 43 sedan. 

Right now though, the CT5-V sits right at the top of its family hierarchy. Thanks to its standard V6 engine and a plentiful other sport tuning. Because of the same tailored attributes, the CT5-V is recognized and reviewed as a separate model itself. However, the CT5-V will have to leave its throne sliding down to the mid-deck, once the 2021 CT5-V Blackwing hits the showrooms.

Pricing for the 2021 Cadillac CT5-V starts at $47,795 with the standard RWD while grabbing the optional AWD would require you to shell out an extra $2600. However, each of those additional dollars to return good value for the price. 

Trim	Cadillac CT5-V
MSRP (RWD)	$47,795
MSRP (AWD)	$50,395
Features	Premium leatherette seating surfaces
	Carbon-fiber and wooden interior trims
	Performance suspension with magnetic ride control
	Performance steering with V-mode select
	electronic limited-slip differential
	Rear lower air diffuser with body-color insert
	Launch control
	Blacked out exterior highlights

Compared to the basic 2021 Cadillac CT5 lineup, the CT5-V does maintain similar aesthetics to the former. The overall form factor and interior layout remains the same though you do have some sporty highlights. The major difference remains the sports surgery which the CT5-V has undergone. 

On the exterior the CT5-V is highlighted by dark-mesh grille, exclusive dark alloys, select set of paint options, quad exhausts and some additional features over the base models such as wireless mobile connectivity, Teen Driver system, SiriusXM satellite radio with 360L functionality and much more. 

Now the recently updated Cadillacs like the XT6, CT4, etc do show the brand’s efforts to revamp itself for higher market goals. However, there are some aspects where some consistent push is needed and reliability is definitely one of them. Talking about the all new CT5 and CT5-V sedans, they are still into their very early years being launched only a few months back. According to J.D. Power’s reliability index, the 2020 CT5 sedan received some pretty decent scores. The compact sedan received an 86 overall consumer rating, which is considered very good in its class. Though it is one step behind the likes of Lexus and Acura, in some aspects, the CT5’s overall reliability rating is surely overwhelming for a Cadillac. 

Since 2017-18, Cadillac has witnessed a great surge in sales. They have also improved their customer service and importantly the cars sold in the recent period have not faced any major recall or problems. NHTSA reports also hint that only 3 calls of the CT6 have been logged so far since 2018. So far so good then. We hope that Cadillac finds a mainstay in the “dependables” league with their new 2nd innings. Speaking of the 2021 Cadillac CT5-V, it does seem nicely built and should offer a good sense of trustworthiness that Caddy is heading towards. 

Warranty

On the warranty parts of things, Cadillac has really been pushing things upwards. Standard warranty on the 2021 CT5-V is on par with its rivals and even better in some aspects. A 6 years or 70,000 miles powertrain warranty looks very promising for someone stepping into the Cadillac portofolio for the first time. To add to your peace of mind, the CT5-VC also gets a bumper-to-bumper limited warranty of 4 years or 50,000 miles. 

Criteria	Period
Bumper to Bumper Limited Warranty	4 years/50,000 miles
Powertrain Limited Warranty	6 years/70,000 miles
Complementary Extended Warranty (optional)	6 years/70,000 miles
Warranty On Parts	12 Months/Unlimited Miles

Apart from the basic warranty scheme, the 2021 CT5-V also comes with a 6 years/70,000 miles optional extended complimentary warranty and a 12 months warranty on certain parts. Well, from buyers perspective, Cadillac is really offering a loaded warranty platter with the 2021 CT5-V.

Miles per dollar

Because of the fact that we are yet to get the complete annual costs of the all new CT5-V sedan, it's quite difficult to come up with the M.P.D ratio. The ratio is derived by factoring the total annual cost like financing, insurance, fuel costs and service/ maintenance costs, etc with average miles driven in a year. 

Upgrading to the 2021 Cadillac CT5-V seems a very sensible choice indeed. Especially for those enthusiasts looking to step up to something more powerful and fun than a Toyota Camry or Honda Accord. Though it may not be as polished as its German counterparts, the 2021 Cadillac CT5-V offers great value with its mix of power, handling and athleticism along with a premium taste. Thankfully, for the few fine gaps, the CT5-V compensates well with a significantly lesser price than its arch rivals.

How about a used mm?

Since it has not even been a year since the launch of the all new CT5-V, grabbing a used one doesn't make much sense. Probably you won't find much used CT5-V’s at the moment and if you do, chances are that their costs would only be a notch behind that of a new unit. 

While the basic CT5 sedan gets a 2.0-liter turbo pot, the 2021 CT5-V is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6. Mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, the engine makes 360 hp and 405 lb-fts of torque. No dearth of power and the turbo V6 has plenty of grunt into it. Not something really exhilarating but the V6’s wide torque band along with a healthy mid-reserve does allow you to play with it. 

At startups, you do get a slight hint of turbo lag, but once you are past 30-40 mph, the engine gets in its full glory. The 10-speed automatic though is not as refined as one in an Audi A5 and you will feel the gearbox a bit reluctant towards downshifts. However, for most of the time, the transmission remains compliant and smooth.

Models	2021 Cadillac CT5-V	2021 BMW M340i	2021 Audi S4	2021 Mercedes-AMG C 43
MSRP	$47,795	$54,700	$49,900	$56,500
Engine	3.0-liter twin-turbo V6	3.0-liter turbo Inline-6	3.0-liter turbo V6	3.0-liter Biturbo V6
Drivetrain	RWD	RWD	AWD	AWD
Transmission	10-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed automatic
Power (hp @ rpm)	360 @ 5400	382 @ 5800	349 @ 5400	385 @ 6100
Torque (ft-lbs @ rpm)	405 @ 2350	369 @ 1800	369 @ 1370	384 @ 2500

Among the competition here, the CT5-V has an edge over the Audi S4 in terms of power but lacks behind the BMW M340i and Mercedes-AMG C 43. The minor power variations though, along with the unique transmission setup in all the cars here do allow distinct driving behaviors in each of these. 

While the Merc and Bimmers powertrain is more aggressively tuned for spirited performance, the one in the CT5-V seems more loosely held and a bit relaxed. Even the Audi S4 with its lesser power feels more inviting than the Cadillac. Thanks to Audi’s better weight distribution along with a refined transmission and increased aerodynamics. 

2021 Cadillac CT5-V Acceleration And Braking Performance

Talk about performance which the CT5-V sells as its USP, the Cadillac sports sedan is actually a mixed bag. While the turbo V6 does feel powerful enough, it pushes the 2021 CT5-V from 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds. That is certainly exciting for a Cadillac but is the slowest among the lot here. Although marginally. 

Had the CT5-V been blessed with a slick transmission, it would certainly perform even better. In the competition here though, the BMW M340i turns out to be the quickest with a 0-60 run in just 4.1 seconds. Thanks to the Bimmers exciting powertrain and an even weight distribution. 

Models	2021 Cadillac CT5-V	2021 BMW M340i	2021 Audi S4	2021 Mercedes-AMG C 43
0-60 MPH (sec)	4.6	4.1	4.4	4.5
Quarter-Mile (sec)	12.4	N/A	12.7	13.1
Top Speed (mph)	155	155	155	130
60-0 MPH (feet)	114	N/A	104	N/A

It's not only the acceleration where the CT5-V could have been better but also the braking. While it does get decent sized ventilated discs with ABS at all four corners, braking in the CT5-V lacks predictability. The pedal feel is firm but the braking practice does reward you at times with unexpected results. The standard braking from 60-0 mph comes up in 114 feet which is again not as good as the Audi S4’s 104. 

2021 Cadillac CT5-V Ride and Handling

Though Cadillac claims that the new CT5 is more fun to drive than its predecessor, the basic CT5 doesn't feel as exciting as the CTS. However, the performance-tuned CT5-V stands out with its helpful character. First up under normal city conditions, the CT5-V rewards you with a comfortable and serene ride. The suspension is neither too firm nor too floaty and soaks up road undulations pretty well. Even the throttle response seems linear and smooth with no fuss or fumble.

However, switch track mode and things change pretty quickly. The suspension stiffens up and the throttle response gains an instant aggression. Though the ride in this extreme setting gets a bit rough, it's compensated by a lighter steering, better maneuverability and stronger composure. In track mode, the CT5-V feels more confident and playful around corners but doesn't provide the same confidence as an Alfa-Romeo Giulia. 

One particular area where the 2021 Cadillac CT5-V disappoints, is its fuel economy. For a comparatively less aggressive powertrain than its rivals, one would expect a promising fuel efficiency but that's not the case. The CT5-V delivers a 21 combined mpg which is not impressive in this segment. 

Models	2021 Cadillac CT5-V	2021 BMW M340i	2021 Audi S4	2021 Mercedes-AMG C 43
MPG (city)	18	23	20	19
MPG (highway)	26	32	27	27
MPG (combined)	21	26	23	22
Fuel Tank Capacity (gallons)	17.0	15.6	15.3	17.4
Range (city/highway/combined)	306/442/357	358/499/405	306/413/351	330/469/382

Compared to its rivals, the 2021 CT5-V is the least frugal here. The BMW M340i turns out to be the most efficient with its 26 mpg combined. Thanks to the refined engine, slick transmission and enhanced aerodynamics on the M340i. Despite a comparatively smaller fuel tank, the impressive efficiency helps the Bimmer with the best in class driving range as well.

Step inside the 2021 CT5-V and the cabin seems more soothing than a CTS or even the 2020 CT6 for sure. Though it is quite similar to its other siblings like the XT6. The cabin does feel premium and most of the areas you might throw your hand at is covered with soft-touch materials. Though the base models are more like a black paradise but the CT5-V does get beautiful wooden, carbon-fiber and metallic inserts.

Though the CT5-V scores points for its nice interior build, its cabin layout does feel a bit dated. Compared to its more pristine rivals from BMW and Mercedes, the CT5-V also looks like a trade-off to some extent. Thanks to the more generous use of plastics than its rivals. No shortage of creature comforts though and the CT5-V does get 14-way power front seats with heating and ventilation. You get a heated steering wheel as well. 

Models	2021 Cadillac CT5-V	2021 BMW M340i	2021 Audi S4	2021 Mercedes-AMG C 43
Seating Capacity	5	5	5	5
Front Row (headroom/shoulder room/legroom; inches)	39.0/56.7/42.4	38.7/56.0/42.0	37.3/55.9/41.3	37.1/55.3/41.7
Rear Row (headroom/shoulder room/legroom; inches)	36.6/55.7/37.9	37.6/54.6/35.2	37.4/54.5/35.7	37.1/55.0/35.2
Cargo Capacity (cu-ft)	11.9	13.0	12.0	12.6

Where the CT5-V impresses the most is its cabin space. The cabin feels very spacious and roomy with loads of space at both the rows. Front headroom is best in class and the legroom at both the rows is also much better than its rivals. The sloping roof though, does eat some of the rear seat headroom. Disappointingly, the CT5-V doesn't display the same generosity in terms of cargo space. At 11.9 cu-fts, the CT5-V offers the smallest trunk in the segment here. However, it should be apt enough for your weekend shopping carts. 

How’s the 2021 Cadillac CT5-V’s infotainment system?

The infotainment system in the 2021 CT5-V remains similarly centered around a 10.0-inch touchscreen display. The screen is not the sharpest but its clean interface and good responses turn out to be quite helpful. For 2021 though, the CT5-V does get a few updates and interesting ones indeed. First and foremost is the new standard Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other changes are disappointingly in the optional lane.

The 2021 CT5-V gets an optional Super-Cruise autonomous driving tech but that would require you to go fully-loaded. This is for the fact that the Super-Cruise system would require the Driver Awareness Plus as well as Driver Assist Package. To make the Super Cruise function seamlessly, you will also need to have an active OnStar package along with an active WiFi hotspot. News for 2021 is also an optional 12.0-inch high-definition digital drivers display which can also be re-configured. Part of other optional goodies also include a head-up display and a wireless device charging.

You might have guessed by now and the 2021 Cadillac CT5-V remains mostly similar to the regular CT5 sedan. However, owing to its higher adrenal rush, it does get some sporty accents for differentiations. The CT5-V is distinguished by its aggressive front fascia with black mesh grille and larger air-intakes. There are black highlights around the window line and at the rear as well. The wheel-arches are more chunkier and they house exclusive black alloys. Major highlights also include a quad-exhaust tip finished in chrome.

Rest everything remains pretty much familiar though. You do get the same sloping silhouette with a kind of upright nose at the front. The sleeker headlamps and redesigned tail lamps gel very well with the sleeker outfit of the new CT5. The CT5-V on the other hand adds a lot more character and drams to the trendy yet gentle persona of the CT5. Its exterior design seems more of an evolution which has beautifully wrapped within itself the classic signature visible cues of Cadillac.

Models	2021 Cadillac CT5-V	2021 BMW M340i	2021 Audi S4	2021 Mercedes-AMG C 43
Curb Weight (lbs)	3974	3876	3847	3825
Length (inches)	193.8	185.7	187.5	185.0
Width (height)	74.1	71.9	72.5	71.3
Height (inches)	57.2	56.4	56.2	56.3
Ground Clearance (inches)	N/A	5.4	N/A	N/A
Wheelbase (inches)	116.0	112.2	111.0	111.8

Exterior design has always been a matter of personal taste and things are the same in the competition here as well. While the other three rivals of the CT5-V have a very European flavor in their appearances, the CT5-V distinguishes itself with a distinctive American styling. While the three Germans here are more inclined towards a certain aspect like the M340i being sporty, S4 being very stylish and the C43 portraying elegance, the CT5 has a blend of everything. It looks premium and special, has a stylish coupe-like profile, its edgier face gives it a modern appeal and its overall attire has a Classic American presence into it. 

No great changes in the safety department and the 2021 Cadillac CT5-V offers a similar safety suite as its 2020 model. That's not a bad thing at all since theCCT5-V offers a rich array of safety and driver-assistance features. While the CT5-V is yet to be rated by safety regulatories, the 2020 Cadillac CT5 sedan did receive a “5-star” safety rating from NHTSA. With stiffer mechanics and a plethora of added-tech, the 2021 CT5-V should offer an even stronger safety suite than the 2020 CT5. Mentioned below are some of the essential safety features in the 2021 Cadillac CT5-V:

Safety Features

• Side-impact bars
• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Front and rear ventilated disc brakes with ABS
• 8 airbags
• Electronic stability and Traction control
• Pre and Post-Collision safety system
• Blind Spot warning system
• Panic alarm
• Occupant sensing airbags

2021 Cadillac CT5-V Vs BMW M340i

Compared to the classy and elegant 2021 CT5-V, the BMW M340i looks more young and aggressive. While the Bimmer certainly lacks the space of the CT5-V, it offers better efficiency and a more vibrant yet premium interiors. The M340i also gets more friendly and updated tech along with more power and better driving dynamics

2021 Cadillac CT5-V Vs Mercedes-AMG C43

The Mercedes-AMG C43 has a distinct auro of its own. While it might not look as agile and edgy as the CT5-V, it's a lot more inviting than the CT5-V from behind the wheels. Thanks to its powerful engine, slick and refined transmission coupled with a nicely tuned suspension. The C43 is surely ahead of the CT5-V with its dynamic character. The Merc here also offers a more modern and rich cabin alongside better tech on board. 

The 2021 Cadillac CT5-V sport sedan turns out to be a mixed bag of impressions. While it is certainly miles ahead than its predecessor in terms of overall built, design and performance, it still has some grey areas. The transmission could be improved, interior layout could be updated and the handling still has a scope for sharpening. However, at a price point of $47,795, the 2021 cadillac CT5-V does offer a good package for someone who wants a blend of enthusiastic performance and premiumness with pure American attitude.