Now that pricing has been announced for the 2020 Cadillac CT5-V, we can start comparing the performance sedan against direct rivals in regards to output as well as other metrics like dimensions and price.
It’s worth nothing that the new Cadillac CT5-V isn’t a high-output monster like the ATS-V and CTS-V were. Instead, it represents the entry level of Cadillac’s two-tier performance vehicle strategy, as the first tier carries the V moniker, while the second tier will wear the V Blackwing name (such as CT5-V Blackwing). With that in mind, let’s see how the new CT5-V stacks up to the competition.
Starting at $48,690, the CT5-V competes against the Audi S4, the BMW M340i, the Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 and the Mercedes-AMG C43.
All five contenders in the performance luxury D-segment rely on six-cylinder engines with either one or two turbochargers. The CT5-V is equipped with the 3.0-liter LGY V6 as well as the GM 10-speed automatic transmission, while its adversaries’ gearboxes get anywhere from seven to nine gears, and all-wheel drive is available across the board, although it comes standard in the Audi and the Mercedes.
| Model | Engine | Power (hp@rpm) | Torque (lb-ft@rpm) | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi S4 | turbo 3.0L V6 | 349 @ 5400 | 369 @ 1370-4500 | 8-Speed Auto |
| BMW M340i | turbo 3.0L L6 | 382 @ 5800-6500 | 369 @ 1800-5000 | 8-Speed Auto |
| Cadillac CT5-V | twin-turbo 3.0L V6 | 360 @ 5400 | 405 @ 2350-4000 | 10-Speed Auto |
| Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 | twin-turbo 3.0L V6 | 400 @ 6400 | 350 @ 1600-5200 | 7-Speed Auto |
| Mercedes-AMG C43 | twin-turbo 3.0L V6 | 385 @ 6100 | 384 @ 2500-5000 | 9-Speed Auto |
General Motors touts the 2020 Cadillac CT5-V as a bigger car than its competitors, but at a lower price point. Let’s see how the exterior dimensions and curb weight line up.
| Model | Wheelbase (in.) | Length (in.) | Width (in.) | Height (in.) | Track F/R (in.) | Curb Weight RWD/AWD (lbs.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi S4 | 111.2 | 186.8 | 55.3 | 72.5 | 61.6/60.9 | 3858 |
| BMW M340i | 112.2 | 185.7 | 71.9 | 56.4 | 62.3/61.8 | 3849/3968 |
| Cadillac CT5-V | 116.0 | 193.8 | 74.1 | 57.2 | 62.8/63.9 | 3975/N/A |
| Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 | 112.2 | 189.6 | 71.8 | 56.8 | 60.4/61.4 | 3588/3998 |
| Mercedes-AMG C43 | 111.8 | 185.0 | 71.3 | 56.3 | 63.1/61.3 | 3825 |
Since the CT5-V is bigger on the outside, it normally should offer a more spacious cockpit than its smaller rivals. Here are the interior dimensions of all five cars.
| Model | Front Headroom (in.) | Rear Headroom (in.) | Front Legroom (in.) | Rear Legroom (in.) | Front Shoulder Room (in.) | Rear Shoulder Room (in.) | Front Hip Room (in.) | Rear Hip Room (in.) | Trunk (cu. ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi S4 | 38.9 | 37.4 | 41.3 | 35.7 | 55.9 | 54.5 | N/A | N/A | 13.0 |
| BMW M340i | 38.7 | 37.6 | 42.0 | 35.2 | 56.0 | 54.6 | N/A | N/A | 17.0 |
| Cadillac CT5-V | 39.0 | 36.6 | 42.4 | 37.9 | 56.7 | 55.7 | 53.7 | 53.7 | 11.9 |
| Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 | 39.5 | 36.8 | 44.5 | 35.1 | 56.7 | 56.1 | 53.2 | 52.5 | 13.5 |
| Mercedes-AMG C43 | 37.1 | 37.1 | 41.7 | 35.2 | 55.3 | 55.0 | N/A | N/A | 12.6 |
Now, let’s see how the Cadillac stacks up to its competitors in regards to pricing. All numbers here include destination freight charges.
| Model | RWD MSRP | AWD MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| Audi S4 | N/A | $51195 |
| BMW M340i | $54995 | $56995 |
| Cadillac CT5-V | $48690 | $51290 |
| Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 | $54250 | $56250 |
| Mercedes-AMG C43 | N/A | $55950 |
In conclusion, the CT5-V ranks fourth for horsepower, but first for peak torque. Meanwhile, it is in fact the biggest car of the bunch on the outside, but apart from slightly more rear-seat legroom, the Cadillac’s cabin isn’t more spacious, and trunk space is the smallest. On the other hand, it’s the most affordable of the group.
This report was written in collaboration with our sister publication, Cadillac Society.
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Breaking out the spec sheets for a comparison.
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I predict the CT4-V and CT5-V will come out, suddenly everyone will change their tune after seeing one in person, or driving one, and all of a sudden it will be a "great performance value" and people will really like them. Mark my words.
what a shame cadillac finally makes a decent car , the ct6 plugin so they discontinue making them. i wish g m would get their heads out of their butts and give the public what they want. another mistake ,they stopped making the chevy cruze, wake up
if the ct5 is a big seller g m will discontinue making them just like every decent car they manufacture, that seems to be g m s way of doing business, make a decent car for a year or two then discontinue it
Just got word today that the CT5-V I ordered in December will be built on Feb 24.
please email me and let me know how it is thanks
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