The Cadillac CT5 debuted in March of 2019, dropping in as an indirect replacement for the Cadillac ATS and Cadillac CTS. Slotting into the luxury D-segment, the CT5 is primed to take on rivals like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3 Series. What’s more, the CT5’s styling takes cues from the Escala concept, showcasing a new styling direction for the brand. Within the CT5 lineup, there are specific features that help to differentiate between the various trim levels, all of which we’re picking apart in the following GM Authority visual comparison.
The Cadillac CT5’s four trim levels start with the base-level Luxury. From there, the trim cadence splits into the Premium Luxury and Sport, per Cadillac’s Y trim level strategy. Finally, the Cadillac CT5-V is offered as the sportiest trim of the bunch.
We’ve provided side-by-side images of each trim level in Summit White for easy comparison. For the sake of simplicity, we’ve combined the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims for each side-by-side image line, given the similarities between the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims. A more refined styling feature comparison between the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims can be found in the text, as well as in the table included at the bottom of this post.
Front
Luxury / Premium Luxury
Sport
CT5-V
In front, the four trim levels are divided up via the grille treatment and the lower fascia design.
A bright grille is used for the Luxury and Premium Luxury, while the Sport and V-Series use a darker grille treatment. Meanwhile, the lower fascia on the Luxury and Premium Luxury uses a single, continuous styling line, whereas the Sport and CT5-V use a divided lower fascia aesthetic.
Side
Luxury / Premium Luxury
Sport
CT5-V
Luxury / Premium Luxury
Sport
CT5-V
Moving into the profile view, we find differentiation with regard to the door handles, rocker extensions, Daylight Opening (also known as DLO) trim treatment, and wheels. The door handles come in body color for the Luxury, Sport, and V-Series, while the Premium Luxury gets bright accents. What’s more, an illuminating door handle feature is standard on the Premium Luxury, and optional on the Sport (via the Lighting Package) and V-Series (via the Premium Package).
There are also black rocker extensions on the Sport and V-Series, while the DLO Treatment is bright on the Luxury and Premium Luxury, and dark on the Sport and V-Series. Standard wheel sizing is set at 18 inches in diameter for the Luxury and Premium Luxury, and 19 inches for the Sport and V-Series.
Rear
Luxury / Premium Luxury
Sport
CT5-V
Around back, we find five styling differentiators for the Cadillac CT5 trim levels. A rear spoiler is standard on the Sport and V-Series, but optional on the Luxury and Premium Luxury, while the lower rear fascia is black on the Luxury and Premium Luxury, two-tone on the Sport, and includes a faux diffuser element on the V-Series.
The exhaust treatment is also different, with dual tips on all trims except the V-Series, which gets a quad exhaust treatment. The tail lamps come with red lenses for the Premium and Premium Luxury, and gray-tinted lenses for the Sport and V-Series. Finally, there’s a bright rear decklid accent for all trims except the V-Series, which gets a dark accent.
| Feature | Luxury | Premium Luxury | Sport | V-Series |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grille Treatment | Bright | Bright | Dark | Dark |
| Lower Fascia | Single | Single | Divided | Divided |
| Door Handles | Body color | Bright1 | Body color2 | Body color2 |
| Black Rocker Extensions | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| DLO Treatment | Bright | Bright | Dark | Dark |
| Wheels | 18-inch | 18-inch | 19-inch | 19-inch |
| Rear Spoiler | Optional | Optional | Yes | Yes |
| Lower Rear Fascia | Black | Black | Two-tone | Faux diffuser |
| Exhaust Tips | Dual | Dual | Dual | Quad |
| Tail Lamps | Red | Red | Gray-tinted | Gray-tinted |
| Decklid Accent | Bright | Bright | Bright | Dark |
- 1 Illuminating feature is standard
- 2 Illuminating feature is optional
Subscribe to GM Authority for more Cadillac CT5 news, Cadillac news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
Interior shots would be nice too if possible.
I was at the Boston auto show last week where Cadillac had a CT5 and CT5-V on display. The CT5-V was white and initially caught my eye from the front with it’s sporty look — until I noticed the profile was really disappointing compared to prior gen CTS’s. It’s not just that awkward plastic pillar behind the rear door that everyone is complaining about. Instead, it’s the tall expansive window-line that overwhelms the profile and I hate to say it…screams econocar! The CTS always had a sleek window-line. When I sat inside the CT5 luxury (V was locked), the new controls and lack of CUE seemed like an upgrade, but unfortunately, the materials were a downgrade from the prior CTS. Fair enough, I guess that’s how you make the car more affordable. Sigh.
Then I stepped into what appeared to be CT5 Sport sitting next to it. Interior was about the same. I got out and suddenly realized I was in a CT4, which has retained a sleeker window-line and profile. Hmm, that interior was actually an upgrade from the old ATS and had quite a bit more room in back. Not bad…
So overall, I like where the CT4 is going. Looking forward to the real CT4-V Plus or whatever it will be called.
I am a bit disappointed with the CT5. Don’t get me wrong — I want to like it and the V Plus may have gobs of power. But why GM saddled it with a profile that looks more like Honda Accord/Nissan Altima than luxury sedan is beyond me. Just for the record, all the 3/4 profile shots above mask the profile — as do darker colors. I recommend folks check the car out in person and share their thoughts.
As a CTS-V owner, I have to call them as I see them. Thanks for listening.
N400, I completely agree with everything you said regarding the exterior looks of the CT5. The rear area is too short and makes the car’s proportions look odd. I also think the CT4 is better looking than the CT5. The CT4 is a smaller vehicle so the shortened rear end looks better on it.
For all intents and purposes, the interior dimensions of the CT4 have changed minimally from the ATS so much so that they don’t amount to even honorable mentions.
Perhaps perception overrode reality.
A CT5 Platinum with the 3.0 V6 would be very nice.
Why did they spend money on different grilles, exhaust tips, door handles, and rocker panel moldings when they should’ve spent the cash on a different C-pillar treatment? I just can’t see this car staying in the market very long or selling well at all. The way to get people back into cars is to create an emotional attachment through stunning design. On that front, CT5 is a definite step-down from CTS when they needed a big step up. Combine the visually challenged exterior with more parts-bin engines and an interior that still doesn’t match competitors and I just can’t see much of a future for the CT5. That’s not what I want but it is what I think the future holds.
I still think that C-pillar exists to house some future component. Maybe charging ports for a future PHEV version, or extra sensors/cameras for a next-gen supercruise.
The black plastic makes me think of the B-Pillar camera location on Model 3s.
According to what I’ve read, it houses seat belt anchors for the rear seat passengers.
Saw this car in Palm Beach last week end.. Very disappointed .. rear quarter looks like a Kia ..Glad I purchased my xts before it was discontinued..Mary Barra.. what are you doing?? and now looks like the only “real” Cadillac is the ct6 is on the chopping block. Looks as if when i’m due for a replacement..Mercedes is looking good.
That quad exhaust looks slick.
This is a nice car and all, but it just doesnt look like a Cadillac to me. Maybe its the more rounded design now. I think the vehicle it replaces had a more classy Cadillac type look to it, especially the side profile. The CT4 looks like a Cadillac.
Completely agree. The side view looks like Altima/Accord.
Can someone call back Ed Welburn and Bob Lutz? Please??
So from what I see there isn’t much to warrant the extra coin for the “v”, or did I miss something? Hopefully the interior has more noticeable changes.
They should offer a manual in the regular v and not just the top v.
Just learned thatvthe CT5 V I ordered back in December will be built on Feb 24.