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This Is The 2020 Cadillac CT5: Breaking

Meet the all-new, 2020 Cadillac CT5. GM’s luxury car brand revealed the all-new sedan in a surprise announcement late Sunday night / early Monday morning. Rather than tell us about the car in its actual announcement, Cadillac decided to instead announce how it will announce the car – via a series of “Sensory Symphony” videos. In other words, treat this as an announcement of an announcement. Nevertheless, there were a few noteworthy elements in the presser. Let’s dive in.

The CT5 Premium Luxury showcases Cadillac’s unique expertise in crafting American performance sedans, with details designed to elevate every drive. The CT5 will be built at GM’s Lansing Grand River facility and will make its public debut in April at the New York International Auto Show. Cadillac revealed its newest sedan with a social media campaign designed to stimulate the senses.

Cadillac says that the platform is “an evolution” of the award-winning RWD/AWD Alpha architecture. We have learned that the architecture is known internally within GM as the Alpha 2 platform. Then there’s the positioning. Though Cadillac doesn’t say it outright, the CT5 is the indirect replacement to the ATS and CTS that will compete in the D-segment against the likes of the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Despite having a fast-sloping roof that gives it the appearance of a fastback, the CT5 still features a trunk found in a typical sedan. It’s unclear whether other body variants, like a coupe and convertible, will be offered.

The CT5 Premium Luxury showcases Cadillac’s unique expertise in crafting American performance sedans, with details designed to elevate every drive. The CT5 will be built at GM’s Lansing Grand River facility and will make its public debut in April at the New York International Auto Show. Cadillac revealed its newest sedan with a social media campaign designed to stimulate the senses.

As for the engines, the Cadillac CT5 will be powered by the all-new, turbo-charged 2.0L I-4 LSY engine. A Twin-Turbo 3.0L V6 will be available, though it’s unclear whether the engine will actually be the 3.0L LGW V6 offered in the CT6 or an upgraded version. Notably, the 3.0L TT motor features “unique sound calibrations.” Both CT5 engines will be mated to the new GM 10-speed automatic transmission that offers “nearly imperceptible shifts”, according to Caddy.

2020 Cadillac CT5 Premium Luxury Exterior 003

The Cadillac CT5 will be offered in three trim levels, at least initially: Luxury (base), Premium Luxury, and Sport – thereby giving customers a choice of appearance and ride character. In that regard, the CT5 becomes the fourth Cadillac model to follow the brand’s new Y-trim level strategy. An ultra-high-performance CT5-V model is expected to be offered later on in the model’s lifecycle. It’s unclear whether a CT5 V-Sport will be offered.

In these photos, the grey model is the CT5 Sport, while the one in burgundy is the CT5 Premium Luxury.

2020 Cadillac CT5 Sport Exterior 003

Inside, the new Cadillac CT5 features a “driver-centric cockpit” that “blends high tech and high touch for an exceptional blend of control tactility.” Interestingly, no pictures of the actual cockpit were made available in the announcement except for the one below, which shows the rotary controls initially introduced in the refreshed 2019 Cadillac CT6 and all-new 2019 Cadillac XT4.

2020 Cadillac CT5 Premium Luxury Interior 001

Finally, Cadillac says that the “CT5 showcases Cadillac’s unique expertise in crafting American performance sedans, with details designed to elevate every drive.”

The new Cadillac CT5 will make its public debut in April at the New York International Auto Show. It will be built at the GM Lansing Grand River plant. The facility received a $211 million investment to build the next-generation Cadillac sedan. The Cadillac Jinqiao plant in Shanghai, China is expected to produce the model for the Chinese market.

And that, ladies and gents, is all that Cadillac shared on the new CT5. As soon as we hear more, we will share it with you right here… so be sure to subscribe to GM Authority (for free) and stay tuned for more CT5 news and Cadillac news coverage.

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Comments

  1. I actually like it in the burgundy photos. I think we are so used to the angular Arts and Science of old. The back end is gorgeous.

    Reply
    1. Also, glad that they didn’t mention of outdated 3.6L V6 engine. But i’m sure they will find a way to implement it somehow.

      Reply
      1. The present 3.6 V6 was all new in 2016 me thinketh.

        Reply
        1. I just love it !

          The all new same old 3.6 V6 !

          You know why GM wants you to think its “ALL NEW” .

          Because if you have replaced a timing chain in one, two, or three, you will be very leery of buying another GM vehicle with the same thing.

          How ids it all new ?

          Reply
        2. I believe it was but it is not good enough to go toe to toe with the German 3.0L engines. I mean two of them are Inline as well.
          I am so happy Cadillac is dumping the corporate V6 on at least their so called Sport sedans. The CT6 needs to follow suit.

          Reply
      2. In what way exactly is the LGX 3.6 outdated? Enlighten us

        Reply
        1. Well for one it is not as smooth as the German 6 Cylinders sooooooo.

          Reply
          1. If your talking about the inline sixes that is probably so. If your talking about other V6 engines then proof is required. Smoothness and NVH characteristics have little to do with the date the engine was put into production and everything to do with engine mounting, exhaust systems, ancillary device mounting etc. The LGX 3.6 I drove in a current LaCrosse was super smooth and quiet to the point I seldom noticed it. If something needs to be quieter and smoother than this tan you might as well buy an electric car if you don’t want to hear anything. And FYI the LGX 3.6 was introduced in 2016. I honestly don’t know what all the fuss is as i would much rather have a 335 Hp 3.6 LGX than a weak de-tuned wimpy sounding 237 HP LSY 4 banger.

            Reply
            1. Its just a little weird that after 100+ years we are still talking this engine that engine blah, blah.
              It takes X torque.
              To get X thrust or “G” force in the seat.
              It takes X torque.
              To move a X sized and weighted X down the road. (wind resistance, load, Etc.)

              Horse Power has NOTHING to do with this.
              HP is just the torque number in relationship to the RPM.

              Back in the day the V engines of the same cubic inch would keep the torque in a longer RPM range.
              So with transmission gearing + differential gearing + and tire size gearing , they were able to accomplish the above feeling.
              Inline engines of the same cubic inch always had more torque with less rpm, or its just a combo of stroke and bore, but for less rpm range.
              Do to the use of the turbo they can force boost into the engine and increase the torque band over a larger range of rpm.

              And now with the 10 speed it just takes a lot out of the equation and keeps the torque on the road.
              So I dislike the 2.0T its to small and to little torque, in my opinion.
              So I dislike the 3.6 V6 it has little torque at low rpm so to get torque it is screaming.
              So if they used the 2.7T like the new truck it has 70 or so more ft lbs torque than the 3.6 at screaming.
              So if they use the 3.0tt it has a huge torque band and at a lower rpm.
              And also remember the 3.0TT is the SAME engine as the 3.6 with a smaller bore and TT.

              But in the US that 2.0T can just go away in my opinion.

              Just think of the build quantity of the 2.7T if they used it in all the Cadillacs, Silverado, Colorado, and everywhere they use that 2.0T in the USA.

              And the same with the ten speed in all of them.

              GM would have a lot snappier product and a lot happier customer and use less fuel overall.

              Reply
              1. This I agree with. Imo they should replace the 3.6 v6 with either (a) smaller v6 with a single twin scroll turbo, or (b) replace the lgx with the 2.7t. If the 2.7t can get the 5k+ lbs of truck to 60 in 6 seconds imagine what it could do in a car that weighs 2k lbs less. At least in their Cadillac line up, the lgx doesn’t have the tq to be competitive. Hp is fine but without tq it will be slower and feel slower.

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    2. I like that the luxury trim has chrome and the sport trim is properly de-chromed. The sport model looks pretty mean from the profile shot. Also making the TTV6 the optional engine is a good move. The N/A V6 just doesn’t move the bar that much over the 4.

      To me, this says that the lights are still on at Cadillac. I started wondering after the recent crossover launches — now when do we see the V? and how does AWD fit in? and why wasn’t there a crossover based on this platform?

      Reply
      1. I am glad .they went with the 3.0 turbo also. But I disagree about the 3.6 not moving the bar much over the 4. The old 4 with about 275 horse perhaps not much,but with the new weak 4 that’s almost 100 hp.

        Reply
        1. Oh… I didn’t realize this was a downgrade to the weaker 4 from the XT4…

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          1. I honestly think GM could do away with the 3.6 V6 and the 2.0T and replace them both with the 2.7T and the 10 speed in most if not all the GM midsized vehicles.

            Reply
            1. That’s not a bad thought, but not sure the 2.7T is being used outside of trucks.

              Too bad the new 2.0T has really dropped in terms of HP well below the competition, while the competitors keep inching up (A4, 330, C-class). Base car is already at a power disadvantage.

              On the other hand, the 3.0T might be a bit ahead of the competition at 400+HP if GM doesn’t give that a haircut any time soon. It might also mean no need for a V-Sport except maybe as a suspension/trim upgrade.

              The TTV8 V-series is the one I’m most looking forward to.

              Reply
              1. GM should either have premium lux, sport, and platinum or rename sport to V sport and give it the better engine (and to premium lux), then do a full on V.

                Don’t see the point in Sport, V sport, and V as it complicates the model and adds productions costs where it could just be streamlined as noted above. But this GM so we’ll see lol. Either way this is a nice car from what we can see so far

                Reply
        2. Yes the lsy 2.0t is weaker than the 2.0t ltg but it’s more refined, more economical, and tq comes in much lower in the rev band. Rather than performance they were focusing on refinement, if you look up a review with the Cadillac CT6, equipped with the lsy and 10 spd. Most will say the power isn’t missed. But they have been dating that it’s more refined and power comes in lower.

          This is the difference between the ltg and lsy in the CT6.

          Ltg:
          1) Tq comes in at 2500 rpms
          2) 22/30 city/hey
          3) propels the CT6 to 60 in about 6.5 secs

          Lsy:
          1) tq comes in at 1500 rpms
          2) 24/34 city/hwy real world driving has seen 39 hwy (cylinder deactivation)
          3) is only 1/10 slower to 60 than the ltg
          4) refinement, they worked on nvh levels

          Reply
          1. Ok I would say the LSY is more refined.
            But that’s more refined than the LTG. GM.
            Not more refined than the competition. ( drive some, we have, don’t trust me )
            This is ALWAYS the thing with GM as of late. Well we made that better you should pay more ” its better”.

            This is NOT the case.

            The competition 2.0T has been “refined”, if that’s what you want to say, for a long time. One could say that the competition was “refined” when first released. We hear all know GM has a terrible time getting anything right out of the box lately. I do think its getting better, do to the constant pressure.

            When this car hits the dealer and people can drive it we will see. But it will have to be better than the current ATS with LTG in order to be EQUAL to the competition ” not better “.
            With the 10 speed this might be possible.
            We will see.
            So if it “feels” as good, it will come down to, do you like the design better, and how do you trust the reliability and GM terrible customer experience.

            And that’s at an EQUAL price !

            This will take TIME. Time to build trust, CUSTOMER relationships.
            If Cadillac thinks this thing is the greatest, best thing on the market, time will tell.
            I hope it is priced right “out of the box” to make the CUSTOMER think, and the competition think.
            I like this car !!

            Reply
  2. I love it! Like really love it. They finally fixed the rear 3/4 view and the front it just sex.

    Reply
    1. The front is WAAAAAY better than the XT6. This takes the best of Escala and remains true to Cadillac’s signature Art & Science. I look forward to seeing these approaching at dusk.

      … Unlike the XT6, which uses the worst part of the Escala concept and looks like any other CUV with vertical LED foglamps.

      Reply
  3. I don’t know why the side profile reminds me a little of the Infinity Q50 sedan. I hate the extended chrome notch in the rear quarter panel (window glass ?). Wish that section had the Escala lines; where its almost the same but without the extra chrome bit. Either than that, it has a beautiful solid design. That brings me to the beautiful Escala inspired rear roof line. Good to see there are no fake vents or fake exhaust outlets to be seen; even though these aren’t the range-topping V models. wish the front was more like the Escala, but overall my initial score is 7.5/10. Can’t wait to see the V.

    Reply
  4. I don’t know why the side profile reminds me a little of the Infinity Q50 sedan. I hate the extended chrome notch in the rear quarter panel (window glass ?). Wish that section had the Escala lines; where its almost the same but without the extra chrome bit. Either than that, it has a beautiful solid design. That brings me to the beautiful Escala inspired rear roof line. Good to see there are no fake vents or fake exhaust outlets to be seen; even though these aren’t the range-topping V models. I wish the front was more like the Escala, but overall my initial score is 7.5/10. Can’t wait to see the V.

    Reply
    1. Looks very much like an Infinity. The black plug at the C-pillar is especially cheap. Toyota doesn’t even do that. This design is not even in the same league as Lexus.

      Reply
      1. Agreed, the faux quarter window is chintzy. It would be nice on a Chevy Impala but not on a Caddy. But this is GM, who were recently surprised by the negative reaction when they put a truck front end on the Camaro.

        I think the CT5’s greenhouse treatment is even more jarring since the front and rear are so gorgeous. It’s like a different design team did the greenhouse.

        Reply
  5. Yes! It’s as if Infinity and Cadillac had a love child.
    It seems Art & Science is dead, and replaced by Johan’s me too design ethos. Perseonally I much prefer the current model.
    Why is Cadillac going curvy as the pack has finally re-discovered squared boxy like Polestar 2.

    Reply
  6. The opaque black plastic triangle under the C-pillar is very unfortunate. That’s just not acceptable in a 50K+ vehicle, or even a 30K+ vehicle. The headlights are confused, and not nearly as well executed as those on the XT6. It seems like an awkward transition model (think Porsche 968) between the CTS and whatever will be based on the VSS-R platform. I truly want Cadillac to succeed, and their design is still the best at GM (Chevrolet design is an unmitigated disaster at the moment) but I doubt this will sell much better than the CTS. I really hope the coupe in the patent drawing goes into production with a Blackwing.

    Reply
    1. Black plastic triangle on C-pillar is copy paste from former GM model Opel Insignia/Buick Regal and looks so cheap. No luxury car but cheap Chevy. Car is looks more like chinese crap – less is better. I hope that interior will be better than on spy shots.

      Reply
  7. Whole car is much better than current CTS. I guess CT5 will be more competitive to against European rivals. Now, they need fair price for it.

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  8. Looks like the crybabies have found something to complain and whine about.

    Reply
  9. Looks great, can’t wait to see it in New York in a few weeks!

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  10. I love the nose.

    The rest I will reserve comment till I really see it. I suspect the photo like other recent photos just really so not show the true form.

    Of recent I found new models tend to always show better in person.

    Reply
  11. If this is the 3/C class fighter….what’s fighting the 5/E? Is the CT6 going to be downsized with another model lurking in development to take on the 7/S class??

    Reply
    1. The CT8 is still in the works.

      My guess is that the CT6 will be slightly downsized.

      Reply
      1. My guess is that the CT6 will remain the same size, but still compete with the E Class on price.

        Reply
        1. I think it already does. In fact the base price of a CT6 is about $3K less than E Class.

          Reply
      2. They are going back to the roots of the first and second gen CTS. Size will be a segment larger while price will be segment smaller.

        Ct4 competes with 1/2 series, a class and a3
        CT5 competes with 3/4 series, c class and a4
        CT6 competes with 5/6 series, e class and a6

        Reply
  12. I will wait until I see more photos. Looks like Cadillac design language is changing. The styling is very conservative. I guess with a decline of sales they decided to blend in. I’m sure th driving dynamics will be exceptional. Just not blown away..

    Reply
    1. Blend in with whom? Everyone else has gone funky.

      Reply
    2. I guess you haven’t seen a new BMW or Mercedes. Snooze fest. BMW peaked around 2005, Mercedes around 2010.

      Reply
  13. That’s a beautiful car.

    Reply
  14. At first I didn’t like that bump in the chrome strip but after looking at a few pics, it’s growing on me. Wish the LED strip connected but that’s not a huge deal. Overall, the car has flow where the CTS didn’t. Front and back ends look really good. I like that not all Caddy’s look the same because it adds variety. If the regular car looks this good the V is going to be one sexy machine

    Reply
  15. I gotta say, I wrote many critical articles about Cadillacs Art/,Science Design Language in which it was not resonating with consumers, only the V series looked great and that only being the CTS V MODEL. This new CT5 Design Language is a major, major home run. The front end design is smooth, sophisticated and powerful, love the rear end styling.

    I love how people are complaining about the c pillar styling and this so called plastic piece, it is comical, you gotta see it in person, there is nothing like this car. It does not look cheap in person and the sport model is down right sinister looking, just wait till the V model hits with over 675hp . Every guy is going to want it.

    Cadillac Design has finally hit a DAMMMMM Home Run!!!!! The exhaust execution and lights look great, the interior is seriously stunning and finally at the top in luxury car standards.Bravo Cadillac.

    Reply
    1. Did you see it in person?

      675 hp is your guess or a reality? Damn, 675 hp will be crazy for the D-segment car.

      Reply
      1. I don’t know if that guy has any inside info or not, but I am guessing that the V will have to be a supercharged version of the 4.2TT V-8. Or at least that’s my hope. I think it is time for the V-Series to get a Cadillac exclusive engine. I know the Corvette engines are more performance oriented and I know that Americans like the idea of a 4-door Corvette, I think the 4.2 is better suited for the luxury market.

        Reply
  16. I loved the Escala and I love this. Coupla observations.. I see exactly what they did.. but because of size, the design exercise of the longer Escala (2010.5 inch vs this being probably 193-195 inch) could not be completely translated over to a smaller car particularly in profile. I still doubt that the CT5 will be much smaller than the current car with the CT4 still yet to debut. I am betting a longer wheelbase for both, even if the actual length drops a bit.

    Anyway,.. The black “faux window in the rear doesn’t even bother me because tinting the car as I always do will make it a moot point. Only real disappointment is the door handles aren’t the hideaway like the Escla.

    So cool that they are done with the 3.6L NA in this car and have gone onto feature forced induction as a sole means of propulsion. I am expecting changes in current HP rating from those as well. If the SPORT is available with the 3.0L… outside of an actual V, I see very little reason to break from the “Y” philosophy and offer a V-Sport. What I have noticed Cadillac has done of late with the VSeries program is put them on their website as separate models. Thus allowing them to stick to the Y with Lux, Prem Lux, Platinum cars even in the V

    As a current CTS owner I love it.. and look forward to the VSeries debut in a year or so. I’ll be sitting that one out as I want to go into the CT6-V, but curious and excited nonetheless

    Reply
    1. Chiming in here late.

      Focus the interiors, on the entry Cadillacs, to young people. Color options add pizazz to lower trims. And they love standout color. For one small idea: use color grained fiberglass in place of wood from the upper trims. Look up Hogue handgun grips to see what I mean.

      They have the best driver’s car chassis. Offer sticks (even for awd) and give the V cars that dual clutch. Make strengths count.

      Your posts are so pro-Caddy, I figured there’s a solid chance you’re on their payroll. Since they’ve re-started a pr/marketing push.

      Reply
  17. The front and back are std Cadillac. The side view made me yawn. Sad but true. The rear window treatment looks like something I would expect on a cheaper compact. The bright spot would appear to be the 3.0TT but as with most other GM entries will probably be only on the costliest versions. The low output LSY will relegate this as an average performer at best unless they somehow manage to get weight down to 3300 LBS or less. Otherwise i’m underwhelmed.

    Reply
    1. ‘The rear window treatment looks like something I would expect on a cheaper compact.’

      +100

      Immediate disappointment when my eyes caught the faux window treatment happening around the C Pillar. It’s neither stately or sporting; just cheap looking. It’s got most of the Escala design cues but just shorter and stubbier.

      I expected a much better exterior revamp but at the very least perhaps I’ll be won over when I see it up close and personal.

      Front and rear ends are wins but again that faux window is just hurtful – it doesn’t flow or blend in well.

      Reply
  18. The psychology for me is that by Cadillac switching its models up so much I can’t get into this car. It (CT5) has no history (3,C, A4, IS) another new Cadillac. Who knows anything about it?
    Catera, to CTS, to ATS now this….the CT5

    Reply
    1. As usual, you are reaching to the sky where your comments does not make any sense. Lets cut out the BS. Everyone on here knows that the CT5 comes from the CTS but will be more of a D segment competitor where the second generation CTS left off. The current CTS is a full E segment competitor that served its purpose well in its segment. Did the current CTS sold well? No but it did and serve its purpose excellently and showed Cadillac had a car that was seriously overlooked and underrated for what it is.

      Reply
    2. I get where you’re coming from. In an effort to find itself, the brand keeps switching up. All on this forum may know the lineage of this car (Catera, CTS,…) but then it’s safe to say many here a car enthusiasts; the general public isn’t.

      Same thing over at Infiniti: What was an M35 or G is now a Q something and on and on… No lineage or history.

      JDN should’ve just left well enough alone but hopefully this will be the final change in nomenclature.

      Reply
      1. The CT and XT naming makes sense to me. Especially since they will/are selling in China and Europe.
        What doesn’t or won’t make sense is if the news that they will once again have In-Between Sedan sizes and not Proper 3/A4/C and 5/A6/E Class Sedans is not good. I pray these reports are completely false but I am not holding out hope at all. Just look at the CT6. Great car but nobody is taking it serious in the marketplace. Doesn’t have a Proper position, I mean it foes from like 50K to 100K. That is simply insanity. Base CT6 needs to disappear ASAP to have some kind of shot in the Marketplace.

        Reply
        1. Despite the price, the CT6 is selling relatively well at least amidst the CUV/SUV craze. Despite what you might think, Cadillac did a proper 3/a4/c and 5/a6/e class cars and look how those turned out. The CT6 sold almost as well as the ATS even though there is a 20k price difference from base model to base model. To me this logic is the right course for now. I do agree that they still need to improve but the direction seems to be the right one for now.

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          1. I for one are down for it, tweener, or whatever.
            We owned the first gen CTS 2004 and would not and did not replace it with gen 3.
            We selected the 2014 ATS and dislike it immensely.

            As far as direct foreign naming comparison its whatever the CUSTOMER thinks it is.
            I mean the ATS and CTS of gen 3 was smaller than the so called competition.
            So what did make them a direct competitor ? a name, a number ?

            If this car on the interior feels large as the gen one and two and for us the A4, and the exterior is smaller than the outgoing CTS, its a done deal.

            Depending on the price !

            Because in our minds we would rather drive a GM product but after 38 years , the last three of which were ZERO CUSTOMER SUPPORT from GM, we are no longer going to pay more for GM and get less than the competition.

            Reply
  19. That’s an incredibly good looking sedan, especially the front end. It’s hard to stand out in that segment, but I think Cadillac has done it.

    Reply
  20. Saturn Ion/ design language is back. This design looks cheaper than main german competition. Hatchback is better choice than classical sedan. Remember sexy Escala concept.

    Reply
  21. Dang! Color me impressed.

    – Exterior design.

    The front end is very cool, I love that they kept the signature Cadillac light blades in a new design with a twist & didn’t just reuse the XT4’s headlights. The grille is great, just the right size & brightwork & the V shaped inserts blend in perfectly (better execution than the XT4)

    The headlight details seems off though, nitpicking I know, but it better not be bulbs … The new 3-series comes with LED as standard, adaptive LED above that & Lazer lights as an option.

    The profile is hot! Love the fastback design, if the CT5 was longer, you’d swear its an Escala. They just nailed it. The dash-to-axle ratio is just right & the trunk although traditional blends in with the fast roof perfectly. About time cleaned up the sheet metal too, I don’t why Bob Boniface was obsessed with the tipped shoulders anyway.

    As for the kink, it reminds me of the Lexus RC & Infiniti Q60, but I’ll withhold judgement until I see it in person. The plastic piece is off though.

    I’m glad they ditched the awful aftermarket-looking door handles they put on everything in the past few years or so.

    The rear is sexy, about darn time Cadillac paid attention to the rear ends of their cars.

    Bonus points for giving the Sport model a different front bumper & a lip spoiler to further differentiate it from the other models & not just settling for a different grille and dark taillights. I can’t tell if it have different exhaust tips though.

    More points for the Panoramic roof.

    – Interior Design.

    There’s not much to go on, but the door panel design got me concerned. It looks strikingly similar to the ones in the XT5 & XT6 … They better not do what I think they did.

    – Mechanicals.

    Thank everything holy in the world they didn’t shove the 3.6 under the hood.

    Tl;dr : They knocked it out of the park with the exterior, the fastback design will make it stand out from the traditional 3-box competition (aside from the A5 sportback). Assuming the 2.0 is rated close to 300hp & the 3.0 to 400hp, power train & handling would be more than than competitive … The transmission better be smooth as silk to avoid falling in the same mistake as the ATS. It all comes down to the interior, its the make it or break it point.

    I can’t help but wonder had they started their “assault” with the CT5, things might’ve turned differently for Cadillac & J might’ve been still here.

    Reply
    1. Loooool i was refreshing the page all morning waiting for your comment. Glad that you like it. As for the interior it is gonna be close to the XT4 with better materials.

      Reply
      1. Thank you Bader! I’m both flattered and humbled. 🙂

        I see whatcha mean, the HVAC control unit seems to be the same one from the XT4. In the Sport’s front ¾ view, you can see the back of a free standing screen, looks like they’re finally implementing bigger screens … Zee German way. *Cough*iPad*cough”

        Reply
        1. Everyone will compare it to the Germans. It is not German it is American i want to be different, otherwise i will buy an Audi

          Reply
    2. The interior has an XT4 feel to me.

      Reply
      1. Yea, I thought it might be identical at first because of the HVAC control unit, but In the Sport’s front ¾ view, you can see the back of a free standing screen (the “iPad” style).

        Reply
    3. You can’t use Laser headlights in the US yet. The BMW Laser lights are only available outside of the US. So LED’s as standard should be all it has.

      Reply
      1. I was under the impression they’re now allowed to offer it under the condition that they reduce the range of the beams from 600m to 300m, Uh well.

        Reply
  22. Looks promising!

    Reply
    1. Don’t know what the big fuss is on styling.

      I see plenty of Escala concept in the styling, slightly toned down. It’s a conservative and clean style that works well in the luxury sedan Qship space. And it’s more cohesive than prior CTS’s, which always had 1-2 odd perspectives where rounded and squared off lines met.

      + twin-turbo as the step up engine is welcome
      + how about AWD?
      + look forward to seeing the V!

      Reply
      1. If it’s anything like the CT6 where the 3.0tt is only available with awd. Than it’s a pretty good indication that the CT5 3.0tt will be awd only if not at least available. Where others are saying that this will get the lta Blackwing 4.2tt v8 for the v. I don’t think so. I think they are going to put an updated lf4 3.6tt. After all, the lf3/4 is one of Cadillac’s most reliable engines despite it being high performance engine.

        Reply
        1. It would be really nice to see AWD with a higher performing engine.

          Seems the 3.6TT would be a very marginal improvement over the 3.0TT. But why even bother? Just tweak the 3.0TT to squeeze extra horsepower and be done with it if the copy BMW mantra remains (thumbs down from me).

          The appropriate V engine upgrade would be preferably Blackwing TTV8 or at minimum supercharged small block V8

          Reply
  23. Still nothing revolutionary inside. The simple looking door panels from the XT6. Lots of cheap plastic buttons.
    Nope. This is just another ok’ish Cadillac, but nothing special.

    Reply
    1. Rye can feel the different plastic quality with his eyes, through a computer monitor, over the internet. What an incredible talent.

      Reply
    2. No, it’s the fake window behind the Infinity hump in the C-pilar that is the cheap plastic. Difference is, this is a real window in the Infinity. JdN influence seen here but GM beancounters substitute plastic. Good family resemblance to Buick’s soon to be discontinued Regal.

      Reply
  24. I like it and I think it looks more Art & Science than some others. it reminds me of something having a European flair to it as well.

    Reply
  25. Nice looking with the exception of the “infiniti kink” … tail end is great, front is strong…. hopefully the interior will not be a let down… but then again this is GM…

    Reply
  26. My opinion is that the design is too trendy and Nissan-inspired. The $24,000.00 Nissan Altima has a similar C-pillar in its new 2019 iteration. I can see Johan’s influence in this crucial design element and that isn’t a good thing. Maxima and new Accord have similar designs attesting to the trendiness of the look. Otherwise the design would look nice. It wouldn’t break ground and be anything fresh but it would have a familiar Cadillac look but that trendy C-pillar just looks too downscale for a Cadillac and kills the entire visage, stripping it of any elegance.

    On the positive side, and this is also huge, the RWD proportions are good with none of the ungainlyness of the XTS for instance. As a whole though, Cadillac needs a stunning design to compensate for the shift to CUVs and this isn’t really it. I think the best way to woo buyers back to cars is for them to be so stunningly beautiful that folks are willing to give up some practicality because they love the looks,

    Reply
  27. The C pillar and small engine are the only flaws I see at all, well done Cadillac!!

    Reply
  28. It looks great in the rear and maybe nice in the front. But from the side it looks like some sort of cousin to the Prius!

    Not a good looking automobile, especially the gray one.

    You’re looking at the first and last CT5.

    Reply
  29. Reading comments across the internet, they are pretty damning. GM Authority obviously skews towards a pro-GM viewpoint and even here, CT5 isn’t getting a lot of ‘likes’ but elsewhere it is being more stridently panned.

    I truly wonder if there is even a future for Cadillac at all. We’ve waited so long for the ‘new car every six months’ offensive to begin and so far, I haven’t seen the kind of winners Cadillac needs. I hate to be so critical and harsh but the FWD XT4 was underwhelming and cheap looking, XT6 was another phoned-in FWD effort on GM’s part. I had higher hopes for the new RWD sedans but appearance is really critical and CT5 just doesn’t present well. It doesn’t look like a luxury car. In addition to the obvious Accord/Maxima/Altima/Q50 comparisons, people are even calling it Saturn Ion-like. That’s very alarming.

    Cadillac needs some stunning products if they are ever going to recover and nothing from their product assault so far has been stunning. They aren’t even really good. At least with Oldsmobile’s attempted comeback, the cars looked nice. It wasn’t enough ultimately but they did try. GM needs way more effort and vastly better designs or I fear Cadillac will suffer the same fate that GM’s oldest brand ultimately did.

    Reply
  30. Terrible!!
    Looks like a Saturn Ion.

    Who designed this thing?

    Reply
  31. Is it just me or does the Cadillac badge look taller than the current one? Like halfway between the current shield and the old crested one?

    Reply
  32. Glossy press photos look great, as they usually do. The test will be in-person. Sheet metal looks good. Handling, obviously, will be more than up to snuff. Those were never really Cadillac’s problems as of late. The question is what will the interior look like? When Lincoln debuted its new design language, the auto industry was blown away by the interior design. It took one product cycle. Just one. The question is will the interior in this thing get people excited in the same fashion? Will it knock your socks off? My guess is no, it won’t stand out like the Lincoln. It’ll be adequate for the luxury class but not class leading, which is where Cadillac needs to be to succeed. But we’ll see. I hope I’m wrong and I’m stunned by the interior, in a good way.

    Reply
  33. If they price this right (not holding my breath), this could be a big hit. Americans love luxury midsize sedans, even in the age of crossovers.

    Reply
  34. I like the front and rear end, but not the c pillar yet. Maybe it looks better in person.
    I hope Cadillac give this car a proper interior, and more power to the 2,0 LSY. If not, there will be the CT5 350 and CT5 550? 3,0 TT will be the V-Sport?

    Reply
  35. I like it !!
    We will have one with the 3.0TT when the reliability study time frame is met.

    Great job IMO.

    We still have to see the interior.

    Reply
  36. Given up on Cadillac. A blob that looks like a Infinity from the side – back end boring – front even more so.
    The person who had authority to OK this as the renaissance from Cadillac needs to be fired along
    with the design staff. Horrid.

    Reply
  37. GM needs to fire Cadillac designers and the fool who okay this blob of mediocrity. Instead of making a splash, they got scared of their own shadow. If Johann was fine with this POS he deserved to be fired. Previous Cadillac was boring – this makes that look like super car territory. What a joke.

    Reply
  38. Guys,
    It’s good but I’m not impressed. Maybe the V versions will be more attractive with bigger rims, fenders and hood. If you could release the V specs I will wait on buying my next car. I’m hoping the HP is a lot more than the Blackwing.
    Cheers,
    Sean

    Reply
  39. It’s a swing and a miss. Cadillac again fails to build anything unique. Looks like it was cloned from a Nissan product. None of the vehicles that Cadillac makes today have a Standard of the World look. I purchased many Cadillac’s since since 1971. They may have been big boats back then but at least they could style a car. To much black plastic and lacks flowing lines. And they wonder why people are buying SUV’s over Sedans. They no longer build roomy sedans and none of what they produce have the style. The XT6 is bland and Tasteless. I will keep my Buick La Crosse. Wont be buying this or any over priced Cadillac anytime soon. Poorly styled

    Reply
  40. Thank you know what Cadillac is offering the 3.0TT in this and finally NOT stuffing the Corporate 3.6V6 in it.
    The front end looks great. The rear is maybe the best one Cadillac has done in recent History.
    I will withhold final judgement until I see the Specs (including dimensions which will be key for me) and especially Interior design and most importantly materials.

    Reply
  41. hola soy fanático de cadillac de toda la vida pero leyendo sus comentarios alli dejo el mio

    primero que todo y no solo en cadillac sino en GM En general NO RESPETAN LAS GRANDES MARCAS QUE EN EL PASADO DIERON GRANDES GANANCIAS .
    cadillac CATERA, CTS AHORA CT5 entonces no veo tradición no veo fanatismo porque los cts anteriores tenían fanáticos por los motores ls9 y lt4 ahora con el nuevo motor V8 TT Blackwing la situación se reduce.
    otro punto antes de llegar a CT5. Si el CT5 es competidor de BMW SERIE 3 y M3 M4 donde queda el competidor del BMW SERIE 5 M5 ????? porque el CT6 es competidor directo o indirecto del BMW SERIE 7 por tamaño y pero aun el FUTURO CT4 seria entonces un competidor de un BMW SERIE 1, 2 ?? AUDI A3??
    Se que es una estrategia (Y) pero es como confuso porque el CTS primera generación tenia el tamaño de un serie 5 pero al precio de un serie 3 y no existía modelo cadillac mas pequeño, por el contrario aquí si hay toda una gama con diferentes tamaños.

    ahora volviendo al presente CT5
    me gusta el diseño excelente ahora falta el mejor diseño y materiales en el interior

    gracias por eliminar por fin el motor 3.6 de gm

    lastima que no lo eliminaron del xt5 xt6

    saludos

    Reply
    1. “gracias por eliminar por fin el motor 3.6 de gm

      lastima que no lo eliminaron del xt5 xt6”

      Mis pensamientos exactamente.

      ✌️

      Reply
  42. Styling is disappointing. Looks like a C Class or AR-Giulia from the side.

    Reply
  43. Guys,
    Looks good, but would be more impressive in the V Variants trim, with bigger black wheels, bigger hood and fenders. I hope the Blackwing has more to offer than the proposed 550 HP. Im waiting for any news on that area.
    Cheers,
    Sean

    Reply
  44. I sure hope the engine choices are across all trim levels.

    And when it arrives at the dealerships there are both engines available in equal numbers as to not push disappointment on any CUSTOMERS.

    Except V of course.

    Reply
  45. Pretty from the front. Not bad from the rear. But the side profile is too Japanese for me. Some cars have grown on me and maybe a few years down the road I’ll really love this one.

    Reply
  46. Yet another Cadillac that won’t get the new Blackwing twin-turbo 4.2L DOHC-4v V8.. why design the dam thing if you’re not going to put it to use as the new CT5 would be a real beast with the Blackwing V8.

    Reply
    1. It will get the V8tt.

      Reply
  47. Yawn. Sedan. Entry 4 cylinder. Higher end v6. Once you equip it will run more than an Audi or bmw. What’s supposed to draw me to the brand? The looks or the notorious reliability?

    Reply
  48. I’m a fan. This thing is a winning strategy. It’s a very sexy interpretation of the Escala design language, and the front and rear fascias are just fantastic. I know everyone is going is going to whine and complain about the C-pillar, “oh it ruins the whole car!”, but seriously, save it for someone who cares. That’s pretty shallow. With the wider stance, this car is sure to be a killer driver’s car as well.

    And under the hood, its winning once again. Adding the 3.0 TT V6 was exactly what they had to do, and thankfully they didn’t @#$% it up. It’ll be nice to have a Cadillac-exclusive V6 in the midsize sedan (though there’s probably a solid argument to be made that they went with the 3.0 more to avoid Chinese taxes than anything else…). What I am REALLY pumped for is the CT5-V. Will it, as most are speculating, have the Blackwing V8? If so, will it be the same 550 hp, 627 lb. ft. or torque? Or will it have the LT4 or a different engine in the GM smallblock V8 family? I wouldn’t be angry if wither hapened, but I hate to admit that I’m kind of pulling for the LT4 to return. I’m sure the Blackwing is a stud, but such a massive drop in power would be kind of hard to swallow.

    Reply
  49. I will just go right ahead and say this is one of, if not the best looking sedan Cadillac has made up to date. Any of oddities the CTS displayed have been removed. More specifically the rear quarter of the car has been fixed. I also liked what i could see from the one limited interior pic.

    Reply
  50. I’ll reserve judgement till I see this in person, in spite of seeing the real life live photos. Too much darkness in the photos to really down the car with dim lighting.

    Front end is too dark same as for the rear end as well. Photos need to be lit up a bit to get a better understanding of the design overall. Do like what I see so far.

    Reply
  51. Totally boring. GM should have knocked off the Giulia for styling, instead of Infiniti.

    Reply
  52. That is the most beautiful front-end of any modern car. The back is good. Unfortunately, the profile is meh. The c-pillar looks like it was ripped straight off the Accord and that’s not a good thing. Car companies always seem to struggle with the c-pillar. They end up trying too hard. Just keep it simple.

    Looks are purely subjective but these are my scores on a scale from 1-10:
    Front: 10
    Profile: 5
    Back: 8
    Overall: 7.5

    Reply
  53. Yawn. Sedan. Standard I4, Sport option V6. Auto transmission with a million gears that shift “imperceptibly” through a slush box. If you like Cadillac and GM, you’ll like this car. But for other potential buyers out there, what’s going to draw them to this car? Features are the same that you’d find on any other luxury sedan, and the design is a bit lackluster, especially with that hideous opaque sheet of glass sitting on the C pillar. And, rest assured, Cadillac will price these at the same level as MB/Audi/BMW not having earned the brand cachet to do so. So they’ll end up moving these off dealer lots with heavy incentives by Q4. The Oldsmobile Aurora was a better final hurrah than Cadillac’s most recent attempts.

    How would I improve Cadillac’s sedan strategy? Recognize that magazine/youtube reviews are meaningful and driver confidence is critical, so I would equip these with the 400hp V6 AWD *only* at launch and price it at the same levels as I4 AWD competitors (A4 quattro, 330x series, C300 4matic, S60 AWD etc). It would smoke the competition in every review and in every metric except fuel economy. People would test drive it just to see what all the fuss was about.

    Reply
  54. Very disappointed. I expected more. The side and C pillar look like a Saturn Ion. The current CTS looks so much better. If this car sells at all it will be because of price. The CT4 will be a copy cat of this, only smaller. The front is the cars best feature, the back, with those copy cat tail lights from a BMW, has Cadillac loosing it’s most distinguishing feature,it’s signature vertical tail light.

    I hope the interior is unique, but fear it will not be….some things from the CT6, and a few new things I suspect. I hope to god the Escala is still coming.

    That C pillar is hideous, cheap Black plastic,…..really.

    I fear this car will not sell any better than the ATS/CTS, and Cadillac will have a good reason then for killing the sedans….

    To think they started with a clean sheet of paper……………sad!

    The future of Cadillac is dead!

    Reply
  55. Why don’t you people wait until you see it in person. You guys complain about the looks. Have you seen a Audi, a Mercedes lately? They all look the same. You can’t really tell a a4 from a6 or whatever. There is no issue with the 4 Cylinder turbos. They have good power and are fine for most people and decent fuel economy. Those saying the interior looks cheap…..how do you know, they show one small picture. FYI no body cares about plastic on the bottom of doors. Everyone does it. With Gas mileage a big deal overall shape of cars are going to be similar. The c pillar looks neat as its a character line. Yes some won’t like some will.

    Regarding looks again. I hear all these people complain about the XTS, CT6, in pictures not big deal. In person they looks sharp and I have friends who don’t like Gm and say they are very sharp. The CTS-V is probably one of the best looking sports sedans out there. GM does need to under cut the competition. But then again if they are making money it really doesn’t matter how many you sell.

    Reply
  56. Its funny how people hate the design of this car as much as the design of the last gen Malibu lol

    Reply
    1. The last generation Malibu at least looked like a Malibu and the general dislike was more to do with how they shortened it and removed rear seat legroom. This CT5 doesn’t even look like a Cadillac except maybe the front and could be any generic Japanese blandmobile. Surprise! it’s also getting many negative reviews on styling all over the internet. Hardly a great thing that

      Reply
      1. So you’re saying the Escala looked like a Japanese blandmobile?

        Reply
        1. Where in my comment do you see the word Escala?

          Reply
  57. Nice. I’m pleased to see they dropped the gaudy oversized and overchromed front grill. This is a sophisticated and muscular sedan, even, dare I say, sexy. I would not have guessed GM could design such a sexy beast.

    Of course, it’s GM so it had to have one glaring eff up. The faux rear quarter window is a gaudy contrivance worthy of the Cadillac name. A neat vertical cut off to the greenhouse would have looked sportier and more honest.

    Reply
  58. I was excited and ready to order in the fall to replace my 2017 ATS premium Luxury until i read engine options.I will not have a 4 cylinder turbo in a Cadillac that requires premium fuel nor do I want a 3.0 L twin turbo requiring premium fuel.The new 3.6 L which i have in my ATS requires regular fuel which is 20 cents cheaper per liter or 90 cents a gallon cheaper than premium .That’s a lot-about 9-10 dollars every fill up.And I just would not have a 4 cylinder engine in a Luxury mid size sedan..Very disappointed for sure.Love the look of the car though BUT not enough to go with engine options.

    Reply
    1. Here’s the thing. The lsy 2 0t gets really good fuel economy. In the the CT6 the lsy gets 24 city and 34 hwy. In real world testing it has gotten close to 39 hwy. That’s in a CT6 this will be lighter therefore more efficient. You’ll probably see close to 35 to 36 hwy and 25 to 26 city. Which for a 2.0t is pretty good fuel economy. It might not be as quick as the lgx 3.6 v6 but it will feel quicker and get better fuel economy than the ATS which for the model year that you have gets 20 city and 30 hwy. That’s a big difference in economy. In the end you might just pay the same but without having to go to the pump as often.

      Reply
  59. The people that take the time to comment on this site are GM people, they want GM to succeed. That should be kept in mind when criticism is offered. Chevrolet styling is currently awful; it doesn’t give me pleasure to write it, but the current Silverado, the Blazer and the Camaro facelift are exhibits A,B and C. For a while now Cadillac has been a frustrating brand to root for. The external designs of the ATS Coupe and ELR were downright beautiful, some of the best in the history of the brand. The ATS had an interior from the ’90s and the ELR was a Volt for the price of an i8. Now the CT5 has a C-pillar that discerning customers (so, people who buy luxury sedans) generally won’t accept and an interior that’s the equivalent of a movie that isn’t shown to critics before the premiere. Caddy, you’re killin’ me over here.

    Reply
  60. The sport exterior, blacked out trim around windows, helps to blend that C/D pillar, quarter rear window trim.

    Reply
  61. Pretty underwhelming if you ask me, the front view is pretty nice though

    Reply
  62. It seems as though I have been waiting for this car for a very long time, and am happy to see it has finally come to life. Really looking forward to trying out the new Alpha platform, as the first generation is fantastic in the ATS and CTS. I was thinking that they might go full Escala and make the CT5 a lift back, which would have given it even more of coupe like look. But if they eventually make a coupe variant like the drawings we have seen, it should be visually stunning. A lift back would have also made the car more functionally competitive with a crossover, but I suppose that is a small point. I am pleasantly surprised that the TT is available on both branches of the Y, as I thought it might be limited to the sport version. Also, I thought there might be a platinum, as the XT5 is available in platinum trim. That might be the place for a V8 as well as super cruise. But I think that an important part of the car’s success will come down to how much they improve the interior. The little we have seen so far suggests heavy reliance on the XT4 interior, but we will have to wait and see. Looking forward to the New York show.

    Reply
  63. I wonder if the marketing line will be “The Caddy That Zigs”?

    Reply
  64. I feel as though I have waited a long time for this car, and am glad to see it finally come to life. I am especially looking forward to experiencing the Alpha 2, as the first version in the ATS and CTS is outstanding. I thought that they might go full Escala and make the CT5 a lift back, which would give it an even more coupe like look, and make it competitive against crossovers for utility purposes. Nevertheless, if they make a coupe variant like the patent drawings we have seen, it will be visually stunning. I am pleasantly surprised to learn that the TT6 will be available in both branches of the Y trim system, and not limited to the sport. There is no mention of a platinum version, even though the XT5 can be had in platinum trim, but I suspect that it will come later, along with a V-Series, and will offer a TT8 and super cruise. I think that a good deal depends on how well they have done with the interior. What information we have had suggests heavy reliance on the XT4 interior, but we will see. Looking forward to the New York show.

    Reply
  65. There is a photoshop on gmi with 2 new colours. Blue and black. And boy this car looks fantastic. Even the C-pillar looks good.

    Pretty sure its gonna be a great looking car in person. This is a D-segment.

    Look at the A4, 3,C. What do u find in these cars? Bmw looks just like the previous gen,but with the LExus tail lights. A4 looks dated with ugly fwd proportions. C-class looks like an Asian bs.

    CT5 is a winner, no doubt.

    Reply
  66. I purchased a new 2004 and then the 2008 CTS when they came out–I skipped the 2014 CTS which had grown a little too large for my small garage–I’m okay with the new CT5–love the front end and especially the rear end of the car–a little reservation on the side view–the greenhouse from the front door handle rearward towards the gas cap door–looks a little odd–but I will wait for full review at New York Show.

    Reply
  67. I am embarrassed for Cadillac. The C-pillar styling is possibly the worst on the market.

    Reply
  68. The CT5 will not get the LGW 3.0TT engine. It will not be an upgraded version either. It will be a DOWNGRADED version making a pathetic 335 hp — down 69 hp. The same 400 lb-ft arriving 2,400 rpm — 100 rpm sooner (yawn)! Garbage 4-cylinder, garbage V6 and a Mazda 3 inspired look. More despised technology like START/STOP and ugly ipad on dash styling copied from M-B forced upon customers who don’t want it. LOL… good luck Cadillac. Bye GM! I am buying something else when it’s time to replace the CTS VSport.

    Reply

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