The 2020 Cadillac CT5 is Caddy’s latest attempt at succeeding in the highly-competitive luxury D-segment, as the vehicle arrives to indirectly replace the Cadillac ATS and CTS and take on the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The new “compact plus-sized” sedan will offer three trim levels, starting with the base-model Luxury, and followed by the Premium Luxury and Sport, with the Premium Luxury and Sport taking up opposing sides of Cadillac’s recently-adopted Y trim level strategy.
Clearly, the Sport is the model to get for those buyers looking for performance styling, as it offers more aggressive visuals thanks to a distinctive fascia treatment, rear spoiler, standard 19-inch wheels, rocker extensions, and a variety of dark-themed trim bits. We grabbed a complete photo set of the 2020 Cadillac CT5 Sport at its debut at the 2019 New York International Auto Show in April, and are giving it a visual walkaround here in our Live Photo Gallery.
In addition to the thin, horizontally-positioned headlamps characteristic of Caddy’s latest styling language, the front end of the 2020 Cadillac CT5 Sport also offers a glossy black mesh grille insert, which is quite the change compared to the bright finish seen on the CT5 Luxury and Premium Luxury trim levels. Additional glossy black mesh inserts were added to the lower fascia, including at the corners lining the vertical lighting elements as well as at the outer edges of the lower center grille.
From the side, we see the gradually-sloping roofline inspired by the Cadillac Escala concept, punctuated by dark black window (DLO) trim. The black window moldings are unique to the Cadillac CT5 Sport, as compared to the Luxury and Premium Luxury, both of which come with shiny chrome moldings.
Also notice Cadillac’s new door handles. On the CT5 Sport, they are finished completely in body-color (Luxury models are body-color with a bright accent). On the model seen here, the handles are also equipped with the optional illuminating feature that is part of the Platinum or Lighting packages.
Body-color rocker moldings with black extensions bring the new Cadillac four-door sedan closer to the pavement from a visual standpoint, while the standard 19-inch premium painted alloy wheels with a Pearl Nickel finish fill the wheel arches with purpose. Up front, the rollers house performance Brembo brakes with black calipers, while regular non-Brembo brakes are found on the two Luxury trims.
Finally, the tail section is highlighted by unique tail lamps with a neutral-density (clear) gray-tinted outer lenses, plus red crystal inner elements. Meanwhile, the other two trims get red outer lenses. The final touches include a body-color rear spoiler mounted to the trunk and a glossy black lower fascia with a body-color insert between the tailpipes.
The 2020 Cadillac CT5 Sport is powered by the standard turbocharged 2.0L LSY four-cylinder, which produces as much as 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque and is denoted by the 350T badge on the trunk, as per Cadillac’s new torque-based convention. Even more giddy-up is provided by the optional twin-turbo 3.0L LGY V6, which produces 335 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque and gets the 550T badge on the decklid. Each engine connects to the GM 10-speed automatic transmission with Electronic Precision Shift technology. Rear-wheel-drive is standard, while all-wheel-drive is optional.
| Dimension | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase (in) | 116 |
| Overall Length (in) | 193.8 |
| Overall Width (in) | 74.1 |
| Overall Height (in) | 57.2 |
| Front Track (in) | 62.8 |
| Rear Track (in) | 63.9 |
For those who think the 2020 Cadillac CT5 Sport isn’t packing enough heat, there’s also the even-faster CT5-V and as-of-yet-unreleased CT5-V Blackwing. Both go-fast models are members of Caddy’s latest two-tier V-Series strategy.
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Comments
That “beautiful” C-pillar treatment… When I see Accords with real glass, for some reason I get SO disappointed in Cadillac. But I’m sure Alex has a great rationale for why they did this. Otherwise, it has been growing on me…
I have a reason.
Money, money, money, money, money, money, money !
I think this will be a great vehicle.
Premium luxury, AWD, with a 3.0TT for me.
Can’t wait to try one out.
I have thought the exact same thing. The new Accords are about the same size vehicle and the side glass styling is beautifully simple yet sophisticated, almost European. The Accord is not even in the luxury D segment. Then I see a photo of the Cadillac CT5 and it looks like a cheap imitation of a quality vehicle. If GM is that cheap to put black plastic in place of a window just think of the short cuts taken where you can’t see them. Both the ATS and the CTS sold poorly, but at least they were good looking designs. Maybe in the Sport trim, the black window trim doesn’t highlight the plastic window plug as much as the chrome.
I don’t like the CT5 styling either and I believe the current CTS is visually superior. The CT5’s rear area is too stubby, however, I do like its front fascia.
Also, if the CT5 is supposed to compete with the BMW 3 Series, that means that Cadillac is no longer challenging the BMW 5 Series?
Good point…yet the length of this, somewhat bland new Cadillac ‘4 door Sport Coupe’
are in the same parameter as a Mercedes-Benz E Class, which competes with the BMW
5 Series Hmmm
By the way, I refer to this as a ‘4 door Sport Coupe’ because Sedans don’t sell well anymore…or do they only sell well to the wealthy??
Anyway, this refreshed new look, doesn’t grab me…I wish them well though, and totally
Agree, that the Cadillac division, like much of GM needs Stability In it’s Management,
Car people In their Management, Experience, Passion, and Longevity in Their Leadership…Soon!!
+10.
I question the approach of more for less from what is supposed to be a luxury marque. How will that be perceived in the market? While it may compete on price with D Segment vehicles, the CT5 for all intents and purposes is an E segment vehicle based upon size and dimensions. The CTS and ATS were solid efforts but their indirect replacements look cheapened or dorky in exterior design and overall execution.
Is an A3 or CLA prospective buyer really going to consider a CT4 as a move up or equivalent because it’s such a compelling vehicle? IMO I see a restyled ATS that GM wasn’t willing to upsize to keep pace with the segment so they offer it cheaper to compete downmarket in a smaller vehicle class.
And surely word has or eventually will get back to Andrew Smith (executive director of global Cadillac design) that his C Pillar design effort is a flop.
Cadillac has pretty much figured out how to design great World Class Leading exteriors (with the exception of the CT4 in my opinion) but man do they need work on their interiors. This interior would be great on the ATS that came out what six years ago?
GM just needs to allow Cadillac the freedom it deserves to make Proper Luxurious Interiors.
And I noticed no picture of that cavernous Trunk HAHAHAHA
I see a car that has much more right than wrong. It will also present much better in person.
The question will it be able to earn its place in a stagnant segment before Cadillac has gained back any kind of image.
While many focus on the C pillar Cadillac got much more right than wrong. The C pillar is like focusing on the small bug on the windshield on the far right side and not seeing the road.
Is it perfect? No. But they at at least moved the sticks in the right direction.
The question is where will they go from here and who will be in charge next year with what ideas? They have had too much change in management and just too much board interference.
Like you said, scott3,
“The question will it be able to earn its place in a stagnant segment before Cadillac has gained back any kind of image.”
The looks are , good enough.
Do I wish it had a window in the C pillar area, sure.
Will it keep me from buying this car, nope.
But the 2.0T will keep me from buying it !
I have made this point so, so many times,
Cadillac is looked upon as an overpriced, unreliable Chevy,
Cadillac has no image left, GM spent it on the last version of the ATS and CTS.
GM needed to offer more, for less, and then stand behind it.
And I do not mean, offer more than the last Cadillacs, I mean offer more than the competition.
This vehicle might move Cadillac into the same segment as GM thinks it is in, but it is not better.
So if you are an average buyer, and research, and test drive, if the price was exactly the same.
Even if the vehicle was the same, in all ways, and it is not. in my opinion.
GM still has to deal with the legacy of a poor quality Cadillac, with horrible customer support.
And GM can spend all the money they want on a tv ad, with JD Power ( buy any result you want) survey.
It will not catch up with the real people, on line, with stories of horrible quality, and horrible GM customer support.
PS. Scott3, are you helping the people still posting with their 8 speed troubles ?
It’s like you’ve been peeking at my @GM & @Cadillac Twitter feeds… This is the SAME (yours with more dwtail) argument that I gave Alex a day or so ago. As long as people give “American luxury” a pass, nothing will get better. With the advent of social media, said research is becoming disastrous for Cadillac. These mediums are supposed to be a place of promotion, bragging, and celebration. However, mostly what Cadillac is doing is apologizing and asking for “DMs” to privately handle what social media is making a public matter. Regardless of what is said, dealing with Customer Complaints on a public platform ISN’T GOOD!
Profit over product seems to be the mantra. But another commenter on this site asked, “If the C-pillar is the OBVIOUS compromise we can see, what are they willing to compromise on the areas we don’t?” And perhaps this car (and future ones) are great! Perhaps we are just jaded and tired of writing and reading the same type of comments year after year.
Will,
I am not on twitter, so no I have not read anything from there.
This car is going to look GREAT as a coupe!!!
….oh, wait. That’s right, Cadillac isn’t producing a coupe version because they don’t care about enthusiast anymore. They’d rather us go to BMW/Audi/Merc for our coupes so that GM can invest in selling rental cars.
The only thing GM seems to be concentrating on is triple zero and gleaning as much profits off trucks and SUV’s that they can possibly muster to fund the above fantasy. They don’t seem to care about enthusiasts, sedans or coupes, performance variants and stick shift transmissions. I give this car one model cycle and then if Barra is still miraculously the CEO it will be cancelled because of poor sales, the excuse they keep using over and over.
No need to look great as a coupe, it already looks great as the SEDAN that it is. Instead of finding something you lack to complain about, you get to be happy about how great of a vehicle something that’s available is. How cool is that? I know this may be outside of your normal daily activities but try it. It could reduce stress levels and you may even begin to look younger. SMH.
Black plastic trim instead of plastic chrome….hmmm… And the interior is…….soooo nondescript, again…..
Personally, I spend more time INSIDE my vehicles than looking at the EXTERIOR…..so I think it would be nice if GM spent some $s on their interiors! I find the interior on this vehicle (from the pictures I saw) very common & boring. My girl friends Altima has a nicer interior. Just sayin`.
All of these Cadillac trolls…there isn’t a old or new Altima that looks anywhere near as good as this and that goes for both the exterior and interior. You people do the absolute most and are super dramatic. This Cadillac CT5 is absolutely gorgeous.
I will never understand why you idiots try your best ripping this brand apart for things as minuscule as a c-pillar or the interior not being “flashy” enough. Then have the audacity to praise the Germans like Audi for offering a coupe…the same company that decided it was acceptable to fill their 6 figure $$$ flagship A8 with shiny black plastic and adorn it with cheap plastic dual exhaust.
Cadillac CT5’s interior has aluminum speaker covers, real open poor woods, authentic carbon fibers, high quality semi-aniline perforated stitched leather seats and hand wrapped leather consoles, etc. but it’s still only good enough for it’s predecessor ATS?
GM, please ignore these miserable, bit*hing, moaning, and complaining cry babies. You will NEVER please everyone and the harsh reality is some people NEVER planned on giving you the satisfaction because that’s what trolls are. This CT5 is absolutely gorgeous and definitely a step in the right direction! Thank you for not going the German route and giving the CT5 plastic faux air vents (2020 MB GLS) or lazy cheap faux dual exhaust (2019 Audi A8). I’ll take the c-pillar, we can deal with that! Keep up the good work! Can’t wait to test drive this beauty.
This is what happens when one inhales too much exhaust gases.
I would like to see more on the 2020 XT 5
http://gmauthority.com/blog/gm/gm-engines/lf4/
Use this engine and just tweak it a bit more to 500 HP
I will pass final judgment once I have seen it in person and actually sat in one and driven one.
New cars do not photograph well and often look much better in person. I hated the CT6 till I saw it in person. Still not a car I would buy but better than photo impressions.
This cars looks like a step in the right direction but still not where it needs to be yet.
This needs to be a car from Cadillac not the board of directors.
If you are going to skip things you do it on a Spark not this car.
Not a fan of the roof line but at least they are trying something a bit different.
Agreed,
I like the CT6, I would buy it, but my wife drives the sedan, and I drive my Canyon and she likes the size of her 2004 CTS so this CT5 should be just right.
But one more time, not the 2.0T.
We will wait to see one in person.
And I also think the exterior looks better in most cases.
However we gave theXT4 the same thought, we will wait to pass judgement.
We waited and it looks cheap on the interior, cheaper than her ATS, the door panels, lower shinny black plastic.
And just as I thought, the 2.0T is and was a 2.0T, and not impressed.
Is it OK, yes, yes it is ok, again, just ok, not where I think a Cadillac should be, but OK.
In my opinion.
You’re looking at this stuff in a vacuum, which limits your perspective.
The CT6 has been positioned as a E-Segment car. E-Segment = BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6. There are your segment leaders. Guess what each and every one of those vehicles offers as a base engine? A 2.0L Turbo engine… and no one is complaining.
Yes, other and more powerful engines are available… and those who want more power can easily upgrade… just like they previously could on the CT6.
So what’s the problem here?
I don’t have a problem.
And am not a CT6 buyer, I would, but too big for my wife, she says.
As long as the CT5 has an engine upgrade option, or there are a few on the lot to test drive, Im good.
And I have said before this would even be ok by Cadillac if the last 2.0T junk was on the same level as the competition, or the new ” refined ” GM 2.0T.
Or if GM stood behind the junk we own.
But that is not where we are at with Cadillac, I thought Cadillac was trying to gain sales.
In my opinion, Cadillac has to prove the segment, it for sure is no longer a given.
If Cadillac was the exact vehicle as the competition they still would have to prove worthiness.
Who positioned it as a E segment vehicle? Not public perception or Cadillac itself. What are you talking about!!??
The CT6 is a within 2 inches in length and more or less equal in all other dimensions to an S Class.
Des 4 cylindres dans des XT5’s ? Pourquoi pas pour des économistes !
It’s “like” you were peeking… Point is, those who are keeping a close eye on GM and Cadillac, and really want them to do BETTER have the same arguments. I’ve been an advocate since the days of my father’s ’76 Monte Carlo in Hulk Green. Because PROFITS have become the primary goal, PRODUCT and PERCEPTION have fallen a great deal. “Luxury” isn’t just about checking the boxes. It’s about an authentic attempt to create the best (name your product) possible. It’s just as much EMOTIONAL as it is mechanical. And that has to communicated through FIRST, product, marketing, service, and emotional appeal. Perception, whether real or imagined, is Cadillac’s X-Factor that continues to get away. I’ve read multiple comments and even articles that have repeatedly said, “Cadillac is LOST.” Seville>STS>CTS>CT5… Not to mention how this car has moved confusingly up and down the segments. How do you build heritage, dare I say blue blood appeal, not to mention CONFIDENCE with so many “reincarnations?”
BMW: 3, 5, 7 Sure the engine numbers are getting jacked, but we know what size and HISTORY these cars hold…
Mercedes: C, E, S
CONFIDENCE is built through CONSISTENCY!
Jeeezus! That front end is an f-Ing MESS!
The CT5 Sport looks awesome.
I’m glad they didn’t photograph it in that orange color.
Like the front end. Now if it just had “hidden” door handles.
If the roof line is supposed to be reminiscent of the classic ’48 fast back, why not put a little hump in the tail light to add to the panache? It is growing on me and may order the V if it’s awd in ’21 when my BTB runs out on the XTS.
The car you shared is very beautiful and outstanding. I really like the paint color of the car.
The satin steel paint looks great in those photos, almost as light as the previous radiant silver, but it is under a lot of light.
It actually looks a lot darker than that in reality, especially on a cloudy day.
No I have not seen a CT5 in person, but I have seen that color on various other Cadillacs in person.