Late last month, General Motors unexpectedly announced the all-new 2020 Cadillac CT5 via a surprise press release. In that announcement, the automaker left many questions unanswered about its newest sedan, until now. So without further ado, are the complete details on the 2020 Cadillac CT5.
Dimensions
One of the biggest unknowns about the 2020 Cadillac CT5 is its size. Well, the new sedan rides on a 116 inch-long wheelbase, has a length of 193.8 inches and a width of 74.1 inches. By comparison, the current, third-generation Cadillac CTS sedan measures in at 114.6 inches for the wheelbase, 195.5 inches in length, and 72.2 inches in width, and the discontinued Cadillac ATS Sedan had a 109.3 inch-long wheelbase, a length of 182.8 inches, and a width of 71.1 inches. Curb weight for the base model (Luxury, RWD) is 3,660 pounds.
So, from a size standpoint, the CT5 has a longer wheelbase than both the ATS and CTS. But the CT5 fits between the ATS and CTS in terms of length and width. Meanwhile, the all-new 2020 BMW 3 Series sedan has a 112.2 inch-long wheelbase, a length of 185.7 inches, and a width of 71.9 inches.
Design
Yes, the 2020 Cadillac CT5 has a fastback design, but it’s not a fastback. In other words, it is a traditional sedan made to look like a fastback, but with a regular sedan-like trunk – which makes it quite different from the Buick Regal Sportback. The long wheelbase and lengthened side glass “accentuate the car’s long, low proportion and sweeping fastback profile”, the brand stated in its press release. Meanwhile, body sculpturing includes “taut character lines” and “contributes to the car’s strong stance”.
Cadillac says that the fastback profile was inspired by the Cadillac Escala concept, and that the CT5 “charts a new direction for Cadillac sedan design”, one that takes advantage of the natural proportional advantage of the vehicle’s rear-drive platform to communicate power, presence and performance.
“From every angle, the CT5 exudes athleticism, sophistication and confidence,” said Andrew Smith, executive director of global Cadillac design. “Cadillac’s signature hard-edge cues have evolved to a more sculptural and fluid expression of the brand’s design language.”
The 2020 Cadillac CT5 also features all-LED exterior lighting, with Caddy’s signature vertical lights at all four corners of the vehicle.
The CT5 will be available in Luxury (base), Premium Luxury and Sport models. Bright exterior accents and unique grilles and fascias separate the CT5 Luxury and Premium Luxury models. The CT5 Sport model, meanwhile, is differentiated by darker accents and performance-inspired details, including unique grilles, fascias, rocker extensions, spoiler and standard 19-inch wheels.
Engines
At launch, the 2020 Cadillac CT5 will offer two turbocharged gasoline engines:
- The standard engine is the turbocharged 2.0L I-4 LSY that first debuted in the 2019 Cadillac XT4 and 2019 Cadillac CT6. The twin-scroll turbocharged four-banger makes its way to the CT5 without any changes, making the 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque as it does in the XT4 and CT6. It’s mated to GM’s new 10-speed automatic transmission with Electronic Precision Shift.
- The optional engine is a twin-turbo 3.0L V-6. Currently, GM has so far refused to provide the RPO code of the engine, and we suspect that’s because it will be slightly different than the LGW currently offered in the CT6 in that it will offer a different tune. In any event, the twin-turbo six is available on Premium Luxury and Sport models and rated at an estimated 335 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque (the CT6 is SAE-rated at 404 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque). This motor is also paired with the GM 10-speed automatic gearbox.
Both engines employ technologies such as direct injection, camshaft phasing, Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) and automatic (defeatable) stop/start to balance performance, refinement and efficiency. Sound tuning is done via mechanical and electronic sources, contributing to an “optimized effect on the senses, with engine sounds tuned to augment the driving experience in a refined manner, while helping to minimize unwanted noise in the cabin.”
Driving Dynamics
The 2020 Cadillac CT5 builds on GM’s critically-acclaimed Alpha platform. Riding on the second-generation Alpha architecture known as Alpha 2, the chassis features “evolutionary enhancements of the front and rear suspensions”, including Cadillac’s signature double-pivot MacPherson-type front suspension designed to improve road isolation and driver feedback, while a five-link independent suspension contributes to the car’s excellent feeling of control.
Additional chassis and driving dynamics features:
- Standard Bosch premium electric, rack-mounted power steering system
- Capable, confident and precise eBoost brakes
- Brembo front brakes are standard on the Sport model
- Standard ZF MVS passive dampers
- All-wheel drive is available on all models
Cadillac says that the CT5 “is designed to deliver an exhilarating driving experience while maintaining the brand’s signature blend of performance, comfort and refinement.”
An all-wheel-drive system will be offered on every model regardless of trim level, enabling the CT5 to handle a variety of road conditions no matter the climate. There will also be a “diverse range of tire choices” that includes 19-inch all-season run-flat tires and 18-inch Michelin self-seal tires. All of the options allow drivers to continue driving during most punctures that would sideline conventional tires, for immediate replacement/repair.
Active Safety
The 2020 Cadillac CT5 brings a very complete list of active safety features. But the headlining feature is SuperCruise semi-autonomous driving system that enables customers to drive hands-free on more than 130,000 miles of limited-access freeways in the U.S. and Canada. To accomplish this, SuperCruise uses LiDAR map data, high-precision GPS, a state-of-the-art driver attention system and a network of camera and radar sensors. However, it won’t be available at launch; instead, it will become available in the 2020 calendar year.
GM’s full suite of active safety features will also be available.
[quicktable caption=”2020 Cadillac CT5 Available Active Safety Features”] Traction & Stability Control,Enhanced Automatic Emergency BrakingHD Rear Vision Camera,Automatic Parking Assist with Braking
Forward Collision Alert,Following Distance Indicator
Front Pedestrian Braking,Front Park Assist
Automatic Emergency Braking,HD Surround Vision
Safety Alert Seat,Surround Vision Recorder
Reflective LED windshield collision alert,Head-Up Display
All-Wheel Drive (AWD),Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert,Rear Camera Mirror
Rear Cross Traffic Alert,Rear Pedestrian Alert
Rear Park Assist,Reverse Automatic Braking
Auto dimming mirrors,IntelliBeam automatic high-beam headlamps
Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control – Advanced,Super Cruise
[/quicktable]
Interior & Connectivity
Inside, the 2020 Cadillac CT5 features elegant, wide surface lines and simple interfaces with a focus on quality, attention to detail, authenticity of materials and impeccable craftsmanship.
Cadillac says that “everything from the instrument panel to the center display is focused on the driver”, emphasizing control.
A prominent, 1080dp high-definition full-color 10-inch-diagonal touchscreen is mounted high within the instrument panel for visibility. It runs the latest version of the Cadillac user experience infotainment system. One can control the system via the touchscreen, or using the new rotary controls by the gear selector. There’s also Near Field Communication technology for easier phone pairing.
The 2020 CT5 also features Adaptive Remote Start as standard. The feature automatically activates features such as the available adaptive heated/ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel and other climate systems, depending on the temperature. In addition, there’s a hands-free decklid that uses a motion sensor with Cadillac crest target projection, allowing drivers and passengers to activate the trunk release with their foot, which helps easy access to the trunk when one’s hands are occupied.
Launch Cadence
Ordering for the 2020 Cadillac CT5 will open this fall, and the sedan will begin arriving at dealers shortly after. Manufacturing will take place at the GM Lansing Grand River plant for North American markets, with the facility receiving a $211 million investment to build the next-generation Cadillac sedan. Meanwhile, Cadillac Jinqiao plant in Shanghai, China will produce the model for the Chinese market.
That’s all we know for the time being, but expect to find out much more in New York on Wednesday (April 17th).
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[toggle title=”2020 Cadillac CT5 Photos”] [nggallery id=959] [/toggle]
Comments
The interior is a lot better than the previous model but not class leading. I am waiting for the V model.
Having spent a significant amount of time with the German players in the D segment, I would say that the interior of the CT5 is on par with that of the competition at the least, and excels beyond the competition at most.
By the way, the new 2020 3 Series won’t even offer ventilated seats. The CT5 will. Meanwhile, the A4 is almost impossible to get with the feature, while the C-Class offers it but the implementation leaves a lot to be desired. How’s that for “class leading”?
Alex, will you be trading your ATS in for one? I may have to get over that C-pillar treatment. The interior looks nice!
The interior design appears to be 30% MB, 30% BMW, and 40% Cadillac and that’s not a bad thing; it’s a major improvement over my 2015 CTS.
Let’s see it in person but I have owned a 2008 CTS, 2013 ATS 3.6, and now driving a 2014 CTS Vsport. Cadillac is always behind in interior. I did say it was a step up and it might be a par but the two pictures were not enough for me.
Cadillac was entirely transparent about its new pumped-in engine sound strategy, too. They seem to be rather proud of the noise that will be playing over your speakers, but we’ll be the judge of the sound these engines make upon driving them. HAHAHA
Umm…did you even look at the length of the car? It’s 193.8 inches. WHICH EXACTLY TIES THE MERCEDES E-CLASS!!
It competes with the A6, E-Class, 5 series etc. It’s a midsize sedan regardless what Cadillac calls it. The CT4 is the compact 3 series, A4, C-Class competitor.
Not class leading, but it doesn’t need to be. BMW interiors fall short of Audi and Mercedes-Benze but they’re good enough to create the aura of luxury and performance.
The CT5’s instrument cluster is a welcome improvement. I love how they stuck with real guages for the tach and speedometer, with a customizable panel between them. That’s the perfect IC layout in my view.
I personally prefer BMWs interiors over those of Audi and MB. Audi tries to be too high tech for me. I always like to think ahead and I doubt all of the touch screens will be cool in the long run as in over five years. Same with MB too many screens for me. I like BMW’s because they do have the tech for people but I like “traditional” car interiors, I like buttons for all of my controls.
It’s pretty damn nice. I’d say only Mercedes beats it, but this looks more cozy. The Merc is very techy inside.
Shifter out of the XT5 would stop me from buying it. Otherwise, it looks promising.
The people who actually touched the car Alex L whos looking at online like we are. Once again, GM has cheapen it up in the inside.
It is amazing that people can’t accept the fact that GM cannot make good luxury car. The review from KBB said he buttons feels cheap inside compared to the COMP.
Yes! I am really impressed! I hope this does vehicle sells well! I imagine it will be great to drive. Guess I will start saving for the V series!
Finally! A new Cadillac that seems to not have skipped on the details and has actually made an interior that is worthy of its price tag. This is what the interior of the xt6 should have been.
I’m not totally sold on the CT5’s exterior design, but I do like the big infotainment screen in the interior.
Did you mix up the wheelbase between the CT5 and CTS? Im confused and shocked if the CT5 has a 116″ wheelbase.
Any idea on curb weight of the 3.0TT?
The car looks great but I’m curious of the infotainment screen angle re: sun glare.
That 3.0TT 335hp/400lb-ft would make for a fantastic top trim engine in the midsize trucks. Lets see the next generation midsize trucks get it: Canyon Denali, Canyon AT4, Colorado ZR2, Colorado SS. And even better if they did a high output/performance spec, with it tuned up to something like 375hp
A ZR2 with 375hp and 400lb-ft would likely actually keep up with the heavy 450hp F150 Raptor, especially if the next generation midsize trucks lose a couple hundred pounds. Not to mention whatever Ford eventually has in the work for a Ranger Raptor in north america
Awesome news. 10 inch 1080 screen. NFC.. AND FINALLY.. forced induction only engine line-up! 335HP/400ft-lb of torque is a welcome mid level engine. Same HP as the 540i, but a whopping 68ft-lb torque advantage. I’m betting a much lighter overall car too. Comparable in every way to the 5Series, this new car has a 116 inch-long wheelbase(5series 117.1), has a length of 193.8 inches(5series 194.6) and a width of 74.1 inches(5series 73.5). Yes.. the Caddy is wider.
Another car news site is reporting that Cadillac stated the curb weight of the 4 cylinder, rear wheel drive version of the CT5 will weigh 3660 lbs and go up from there depending upon options. This weight is pretty close to a current similarly equipped CTS and around 200lbs more than a similarly equipped ATS.
Also looks like the paddle shifters are magnesium and not some cheap plastic crap!
This is a D-segment car. And looks pretty damn good for this segment.
I see only 2 big –
1. I don’t see an ambient lighting.
2. No full digital dash. This is a shame.
The rest is great.
I wonder if it will be offered on a higher trim because if I’m not mistaken the current cts and ct6 have available digital dashes.
Pretty sure a digital dash will be available later. But doubt about the ambient 🙁
I was also thinking the same about the ambient lighting. BMW does a good in all their newer cars. However I will overlook that if the pricing is good.
Thanks for the info, Alex. I know you work hard to bring us the details and I appreciate it in spite of my perhaps snide remark above.
As far as the CT5 goes, the Inside looks okay. It doesn’t wow and breaks no new ground but it has appealing shapes and looks well laid out. Can’t tell much about the crucial material quality but It looks to at least be on par with the Mazda6. I personally think Cadillac needed much more than this but then I think nobody at GM really wants Cadillac to be world class like I do so maybe that’s just me. Lincoln is beating Cadillac on interiors now.
Exterior looks good in the real world shots, still looks awful in the studio shots. Rear quarter window treatment still is unbecoming of a Cadillac. It’s the same thing GM did with the Regal and that car isn’t the company’s flagship brand. I fail to understand what the designers were thinking. This is why Johan sought to separate Cadillac from the rest of GM so you don’t have the same kind of design execution on Cadillacs as are found on mainstream GM products.
The engines are the same old, same old. Not much to talk about. At least they aren’t using the 3.6 NA V-6.
Overall, it’s decent but hardly the game changer Cadillac needed. I’m sure Carlisle will tell us, “wait till 2021, we’ve got some stuff coming that’ll knock your socks off’. It’s always next time with these guys.
I’m surprised about the lower than expected HP numbers on the v6, given it puts them below the 6-cylinder competition (MB, BMW, Audi) — maybe there will be a V-sport.
Otherwise, the rest looks promising. I’ll be more interested in the V anyway,
A4, 3, IS, Q50, S90, Stinger, TLX, XE, Giulia vs CT5 LOL.
LOOK AT THE INTERIOR! Look the CTS front pass dash and look the same in the ALL NEW CT5 its almost the same. The Door handles. They used the parts bin from the CTS and ATS. JOKE.
Also for the inside guys D seg why is this car the same length as an E class.
It should be noted that while the ’20 CT5 is actually the same overall length as a Mercedes-Benz E-class
From the people who have seen the car in person:
The back seat also lacks heating and cooling functions, as well as dual climate control. The insides of the rear door pockets are not flocked, and feel like hard, cheap plastic, while the two rear-facing vents are small and not at all expensive-looking; the plastic panel below them—so, the back of the center console—is rendered from dull black plastic, although the cars we saw were pre-production examples
Thanks for the thumbs down. Just the pubic will do against the comps.
NAME one Cadillac that is class leading.
The ATS and CTS are thumbs down! FACTS!
You thumbs down because it’s a D car
None of you losers have touched or seen the car in person. the lines are from the automotive press. It’s amazing how you all will defend the junk that GM/ Cadillac makes and wonders why people does not buy. The sedan is dead yeah right! Tell that to C, E, 3, 5, Tesla, ES are those cars sedan sell well.
Strange your quote (from Automobile) didn’t include the part where they said the Alfa Giulia’s rear seat area was no better. But you’re a troll, and a really moronic one at that!
LOL. You are a loser just like the Cadillac; Allante, Cimaroon, XLR, ELR, CTS, ATS, Catera, and the last STS and CTS. LOSER.
Is there a foot differene is back seat room vs the Giulia? Who cares other than you?
But the fact that Giulia outsold the ATS 11,519 vs 10860. Yes, we know its going away. It will outsale the CT5 as well The A4, 3 and C.
Strange that the new Lincoln SUV has more features than the XT4.
Strange that Cadillac can’t build make or sell a car that kills the comp in all areas; design, features, powertrain, price and sells.
Strange that Cadillac keeps changing models every 5-6 years. I can’t wait for the 2026 Cadillac – all new Cadillac vs A4, C, 3, IS and others.
Strange that every review of the XT6 says it SUCKS like you.
The interior design look like simple “evolution” of the CTS interior, i like the adjusts and center console, gives elegance.
Bit by bit, Cadillac improve their interior details, needs to wait to boost Crossovers sales and have a lot of money for go improving more details
The 3.0tt in the CT6 is 404 horsepower……
Right, but this is a awesome way of differentiating engine power. They could literally come out with a V sport now with 500hp V8 or even high 400s and a V series with 600+. It makes perfect sense. And the torque is absolutely perfect for trouncing the competition. So much better than having a na 3.6L with 335HP and 278 ft-lb up in the rpms.
So this is more of a CTS sized car?
Sorry but I’m fighting that fact that Cadillac is even calling this compact. I mean my STS-V has a 116 in. Wheelbase which is equal to the CT5; CTS 114. Granted CT5 two inches shorter than CTS and 3 inches compared to the STS but it’s still 4 inches longer than the biggest compact sedan the Q50 most compacts in the luxury segment average about 187 in with a wheelbase almost 6in shorter than CT5, price it competitively but in my eyes this is a mid-sizer.
Very surprised in the length–was led to believe the CT5 was to be more like the 2003 and 2008 CTS in size–below 192 inches–this model is almost the same size as the last CTS—disappointing–I was even hoping for 187 to 190 inches in length–maybe the CT4 will be close to that size.
Never believed that it was going to be sized like a tweener.. Heard the price was going back to the strategy tho. At least starting out. I’m betting that like the CT6 starts out low in price, as U move up the trims it goes head to head on price with the 7 series
K. So when are we getting the coupe????
1. If you’re going to give a car a fastback design, maybe you should give it a fastback.
2. The quality might be there on the inside (hard to say from pictures), but the interior design doesn’t move me.
3. This car very much reminds me of the Malibu Maxx.
4. This car depresses me.
Should I have used liftback in place of fastback???
It’s supposed to be a 3 series competitor.
In case pics aren’t enough:
My guess on the 3.0TT is that they focused on low end response. The LGW produces maximum torque way up at 2500 rpm. By using smaller turbos they could shorten spool time and improve low end torque, all at the cost of peak HP. Fuel economy should also improve with smaller turbos pumping less air and less need for the driver to rev high for torque.
There’s also a good chance they worked on NVH. GM’s forced induction fours and sixes have been pretty bad with vibration so it was time to shift development from maximum power output to finding a better balance between performance and comfort.
I’ll never get another Cadillac with that weak, clunky 4 banger.
The 4-banger in the CT5 is anything but “weak” or “clunky”. The LSY is very refined… and is a significant improvement over the LTG is replaced.
I’ve been reading conflicting reports about the noise.
Burlapp said it was much quieter when warmed up.
Then buy one with the V6. Problem solved.
The dimensions are a surprise, I wasn’t expecting it to be that long.
The interior is an improvement over the ATS/CTS, but it still reeks of GM cost cuts and afterthought pieces.
– The bezels on the screen are too thick and the screen is not wide enough to cover the entire area dedicated to it.
– The section between the screen & HVAC vents seems like an added afterthought (knobs, button and nfc contact area), doesn’t blend with the rest of the interior.
– The Mode switches in front of the gear shifter also look like an afterthought.
– The trim surrounding the window switches is awful, piano black, really? Really?
– Only the speakers at the upper section of the doors seem to be metal.
– I like the new gauges, but there doesn’t appear to be a optional TFT screen on offer. The 3-series, A4 & C-class all have them.
– Bonus points for giving the Sport model a unique steering wheel.
_____
On the mechanical side of things, I don’t see Magnetic Ride Control on offer, they seem to be settling for same ZF dampers from the XTS. That’s a downside as both ATS and CTS had it.
Love the leather color. Too bad it’ll probably only be available on the higher trim models likely at a $15k premium over the base. Black pleather standard?
Had high hopes for this car till I seen the engine options…A 4 cyl with 237 hp/ or a twin turbo with 335 hp both “Requiring “Premium Fuel…I have a 2017 Cadillac ATS with a 3.6 making 335 hp on regular fuel.Premium fuel is 90 cents more a gallon where I live….Soooo CT5 is stroked off the list.
Does your 3.6L ATS make 400 pound-feet of torque? I know mine doesn’t!
Black carpet, dash, and headliner in all of them! Yuk!
Less rear headroom and 2 cu ft less trunkspace. More yuk.
But I wasn’t going to buy one anyway, I just hope someone else will.
Is it just me or does it seem like the “CTS” and “CT5” badges look almost exactly the same? I guess that is good for all the confused customers coming in. Maybe they will look quickly at it and think it still says CTS.
So far in the pictures, the only one I’d consider would be the premium luxury in the dark maroon. The rest look boring and bland. Certainly don’t look like a Cadillac to me. And why so many buttons on the dash when you have such a huge in-dash screen stuck to the dash? Although I’m working with Volvo now, I’m not a huge fan of the Volvo’s. However, I give them credit for having a really nice interior and a very clean looking dash without a bunch of buttons.
Looks like Cadillac copied the Infiniy Q50 and Honda Accord for the crew CT5!
It’s roughly the size of the CTS (slightly smaller), but with better styling, a significantly upgraded interior, and a huge touch screen.
I’m on board.
This car may be my next vehicle.
Will there be a CT5 convertible?
Cadillac does need a ‘vert in it’s lineup.
Yeah, don’t even bother with a coupe, unless it’s truly distinctive like the CTS coupe.
“But the CT5 fits between the ATS and CTS in terms of length and width.”
Correction, the CT5 is wider than CTS. Recall the squatty looking mules with CTS body. Thought they’d do a full 75″ by the photos, but no… sigh
I think the CT5 is a good looking car. Its different. I’m sooooo glad it doesn’t look like everything else out there. Sedans have been getting a little boring lately so this is a good change to me.
I’ve been reading the comments and people are so quick to take jabs at Cadillac. I think alot of these people are all talk.
I can definitely see potential in the CT5. This is a car I would love to customize. I really hope Cadillac goes all out for the CT5V. Wide body, V8 motor, and concave offset wheels
Why such a drop in HP rating for the 3.0? It don’t even make as much HP per mother as the 2.0. The 2.0 makes 118.5 per mother and 3.0 makes 111.66.
Happy with looks overall. Finally they added the power-folding mirrors and auto brake hold function. I know the press release noted keyless open for truck but does anyone know if it will power close too?
While I am always skeptical about any GM product I have to admit this car looks nice. There are things but all in all.. it could be a winner? I like the 116″ wheelbase which is 5″ longer than the XTS meaning its going to be very roomy. The power is strong with the new 2.0 and the 3.0TT (detuned to 336bhp from the XTS’s 400+, I wish it was closer to 375bhp). The interior looks actually very nice, whereas I am constantly criticizing GM for its crappy interiors. With the Y option/pricing strategy that means one should be able to get a vehicle you’d want for the next step up from the base model.
I’ve read a number of areas that its truly gorgeous so I should reserve opinion till I see it. I’ve also read it won’t have heated rear seats which is a niche option, but its available on a Hyundai Elantra. Finally the weight is about 3600 which is nearly identical to the CT6. Seems they should be using the CT6 platform for alot more vehicles as its the tech marvel whereas the alpha platform, remarkable as it is, is slightly heavy.
Horsepower per lither not mother. It was late and stupid spell check changed words.
A German take on the new CT5:
The car looks BADASS. Especially in the sportier trim. Since this isn’t a cheap caf the only detail I would change is the material on the rear blanking plate. PLEASE USE REAL GLASS. If it were Buick or Chevy I’d be OK with plastic but for a Cadillac my expectations are much higher. To compete with BMW those small details matter. The design is very cool and I hope the fit and finish will have the German competitors going back to the drawing boards.