The 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing is here, slotting as the new range-topping ultra-high-performance model in the CT4 lineup. With big power, sharp styling, and a long list of go-faster upgrades, the CT4-V Blackwing is impressive – but how impressive is it when lined up against the competition? To find out, we’re placing the latest Caddy Blackwing up against its main rivals in the following GM Authority Comparison.
For this comparison, we’re pulling the specs for the performance variants of the Audi A3, BMW 2 Series, and Mercedes-Benz CLA. As such, we’re comparing the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing against the 2020 Audi RS 3, 2021 BMW M2 Competition, and 2021 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45. While the Mercedes-AMG A 45 is arguably a more suitable rival from the Merc camp, it isn’t sold in the U.S., and thus we’re going with the CLA 45 four-door coupe. It’s also worth noting that the next-generation Audi A3 is still on its way, and is expected for the 2022 model year.
With that, let’s see how the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing lines up against the competition.
Right off the bat, we find the new Caddy to be on the upper end of the segment in terms of pricing, with a base MSRP above all three rivals listed (albeit just $100 more than the M2 Competition). As GM Authority covered previously, a fully loaded CT4-V Blackwing costs $84,875.
However, the CT4-V Blackwing also features the largest engine in this comparison, packing the twin-turbocharged 3.6L V6 LF4. The M2 Competition is close in displacement with its twin-turbo 3.0L I6, while the RS 3 and CLA 45 feature a turbo 2.5L I5 and a turbo 2.0L I4, respectively.
Critically, the CT4-V Blackwing outmuscles all three rivals by a considerable margin, boasting the most power and torque at 472 horsepower and 445 pound-feet, respectively. The nearest competitor with respect to output is once again the M2, which still falls short of the Caddy by 67 ponies and 39 pound-feet with its 405 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque.
On the transmission front, the Caddy and Bimmer are the only models in this comparison to offer a manual transmission. The Cadillac also offers a 10-speed automatic, while the rest of the competition features either a seven-speed or eight-speed dual-clutch unit.
In terms of raw acceleration, the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing is the quickest to 60 mph at 3.8 seconds. It’s also the fastest, with a top speed of 189 mph, well above the nearest rivals’ top speed of 174 mph (Audi RS 3, BMW M2 Competition).
Check out the complete list of specs in the table below:
| 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing | 2020 Audi RS 3 | 2021 BMW M2 Competition | 2021 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $59,990 | $57,195 | $59,895 | $56,345 |
| Engine | Twin-Turbo 3.6L V6 (LF4) | Turbo 2.5L I5 | Twin-Turbo 3.0L I6 | Turbo 2.0L I4 |
| Power @ rpm | 472 @ 5,750 | 394 @ 5,850 to 7,000 | 405 @ 5,230 to 7,000 | 382 @ 6,500 |
| Torque @ rpm | 445 @ 3,500 | 354 @ 1,950 to 5,850 | 406 @ 2,350 to 5,230 | 354 @ 4,750 to 5,000 |
| Manual transmission | 6-speed | - | 6-speed | - |
| Automatic transmission | 10-speed* | 7-speed DCT | 7-speed DCT* | 8-speed DCT |
| Drivetrain | RWD | AWD | RWD | AWD |
| 0-60 mph, sec. (manufacturer) | 3.8 | 3.9 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Top speed, mph (manufacturer) | 189 | 155 / 174* | 155 / 174* | 155 |
| Front brake disc, in. | 15.0 | 14.6 | 15.7 | 13.8 / 14.2* |
| Rear brake disc, in. | 13.4 | 12.2 | 15.0 | 13.0 / 13.0* |
| Tire size, front | 255/35ZR18 | 235/35ZR19 | 245/35ZR19 | 255/35ZR19 |
| Tire size, rear | 275/35ZR18 | 235/35ZR19 | 265/35ZR19 | 255/35ZR19 |
- * Optional
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Comments
How many times do I have to tell you it’s not GM’s fault that germans ripping people off. These vehicles are considerably smaller and less powerful than CT4. You can’t demote CT4 for Just because others price their lower-class vehicles on par with CT4. These weak four cylinder tiny vehicles are not in the same league with CT4 which is even bigger than 3 series. Get this into your head CT4 competitors; M3 CS, AMG C63 and the competition for CT5; M5 CS, AMG E63. Period.
Get it trough your empty head u 1diot. CT4 is a C+ segment car. It is smaller than the current 3/c. It competes against the cla, rs3 etc.
Cadillac Ct4 is 2 weak for the D segment. Its ok for the C,bUT not for the d.
Who are u to decide where it belongs? ? Cadillac says C segment. It means It’s a C segment.
Calm down with the childish name-calling. Grow up you’re a man now.
I have to agree with Slider above. Why are you comparing to smaller cars? The CT4 clearly is in the class of BMW 3, Audi A4, MB C-class, etc.
Also, you list just the base MSRP’s above. The CT4 will have a lot more content at that price. Add just a few options to those other smaller cars, and you end up with the CT4 being the better price.
It’s got everything but a name, drop the CT4,5,6 call it Cadillac Blackwing and sale some sedans
I disagree. It reminds me of the Acura Legend. When people asked owners what car they drove, people responded, Legend. The Caddy will be a Blackwing in everybody’s eyes, not a Cadillac. All of the other upper end manufacturers use ABC123 names because people don’t want to bother and just call the car by the manufacturer names. Cadillac, BMW, Acura, Lexus …
Ugliest car in the history of GM. Dealbreaker for anyone like me that wants a car that doesn’t look like a Ford.
A lot of money for entry level sports sedan. $84,000? That seems A bit out of control.
Yeah… it needs to be in a different class. I remember when they compared the ATS-V with the Quadrifoglio 505 hp and consistently lost in comparison and competition.
You would think Cadillac would have taken their losses from the ATS-V and improved hp with the Blackwing… Same engine just a few more ponies with a couple more psi of boost.
Instead, lower the class so it looks good in the hp bracket. What a mistake not to rank it in a class with its other performance rivals which this article does not include any Asian rivals that clearly have performance models that very capable of competing with the Blackwing.
GM, step up…
Hopefully GM has fixed all the problems that they had with the turbos in the CTS V-Sports that used the forerunner to this engine, and the rear ends that we’re eating themselves. That’s what kept me from getting the V-Sport and holding out for a CTS V.
Not an Audi fan but now looking at the numbers it would be a cool car to drive all year long in Chicago with AWD
Who buys “cars” anymore?
Hi Jonathan, could you please add the following 2 BMW’s to the CT4-V Blackwing Competition:
2021 BMW M3 2021 BMW M3 Competition
I liked my Caddy limousine with all the armor. However, it was a pig in the 0-60 mph tests. BUT Melania loved the size of the inside mirrors. See ya soon!!!!
Maybe Mary Barra will give me one for a going away present. Mary! Mary! Hey Mary…….
German car’s pricing is the biggest con in the industry.
Yep, German car’s prices has to be the biggest con in the industry.