2021 Cadillac CT5: Here’s What’s New And Different
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The 2021 Cadillac CT5 represents the second model year of the luxury sedan, for which it receives several new features and changes. Here’s exactly what was new for the 2021 CT5.
Model Line
The 2021 Cadillac CT5 model line remains the same as it was in 2020, consisting of Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport, and V-Series (per Cadillac’s Y trim level strategy). All models are available in either rear-wheel or all-wheel-drivetrain configurations.
Exterior
On the outside, the 2021 Cadillac CT5 sees the deletion of two existing colors and the addition of three new ones. The two deleted hues are Red Obsession Tintcoat and Royal Spice Metallic. Both colors were available at an extra charge for the 2020 model year, and Royal Spice Metallic was a promotional color available only on the CT5-V and the CT5 Sport.
2020 Cadillac CT5 Red Obsession Tintcoat
2020 Cadillac CT5 Royal Spice Metallic
The three new colors are Rift Metallic, Infrared Tintcoat, and Diamond Sky Metallic. Exclusive to the CT5-V (and CT4-V), Rift Metallic color is an alabaster white-based color with a fresh greige hue and tinges of ceramic finish (take a closer look at Rift Metallic on the 2021 CT5-V). Meanwhile, Infrared Tintcoat is new cherry red color that catches the eye.
It’s also worth noting that the Diamond Sky Metallic color option saw a later availability compared to other hues. It’s only available on models equipped with the Diamond Sky Edition Package, which is only offered on the Premium Luxury model.
2021 Cadillac CT5 Rift Metallic
2021 Cadillac CT5 Diamond Sky Metallic
2021 Cadillac CT5 Infrared Metallic
The 2021 CT5 also sees the addition of 20-inch alloy wheels with a Polished and Dark Android Gloss finish (Q7N), which are only available on Premium Luxury models equipped with the aforementioned Diamond Sky Special Edition Package.
Interior
On the inside, the 2021 Cadillac CT5 sees the addition of Super Cruise on Premium Luxury and V-Series models. The driving assistance system includes a leather-wrapped Super Cruise steering wheel along with the contents of the Driver Awareness Plus Package (details listed in Packages section below).
The CT5 range also sees the addition of a 12-inch diagonal, color, reconfigurable digital gauge cluster as an option on Premium Luxury, Sport and CT5-V models (but not on Luxury models). The 8-inch diagonal DIC (Driver Information Center), previously optional, has been deleted. Meanwhile, all models are equipped with a dual digital display with an analog speedometer and tachometer as standard, with the 12-inch digital cluster being an option.
Additionally, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Wireless Android Auto have been added as standard features. The same goes for the new Buckle to Drive feature, which encourages seat belt use by preventing the vehicle from being shifted out of Park until driver seat belt is fastened. The functionality times out after 20 seconds and can also be turned on and off in Settings or Teen Driver menu.
Meanwhile, the rotary infotainment controller now has a jog functionality (allowing it to be pushed in four directions, rather than only rotated), while SiriusXM gains SiriusXM 360L functionality.
For the 2021 model year, leather-appointed seating has been changed to Leather Seating Surfaces, meaning the entire seat is no longer wrapped in leather. Instead, some parts of the seat will be finished in cloth.
ON Luxury models, the interior decoration trim has changed from a metallic finish aluminum to a low gloss axiom aluminum. For V-Series models and models equipped with the Platinum Package, steering wheel materials have been upgraded with a Senza leather-wrapped horn pad.
Mechanical
The 2021 Cadillac CT5 continues to offer the same two engines as the 2020 model.
| Model Year | Vehicle | Engine | Fuel | Aspiration | Driven Wheels | Transmission | Power (hp / kW @ RPM) | Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ RPM) | Axle Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 – present | Cadillac CT5 350T | 2.0L LSY I4 | Gasoline | Turbocharged | RWD or AWD | 10-Speed Auto (MHS) | 237 / 177 @ 5200 | 258 / 350 @ 2000-4000 | 2.85 |
| 2020 – present | Cadillac CT5 550T | 3.0L LGY V6 | Gasoline | Turbo | RWD or AWD | 10-Speed Auto (MHS) | 335 / 250 @ 5400 | 405 / 550 @ 2350-4000 | 2.85 |
| 2020 – present | Cadillac CT5-V | 3.0L LGY V6 | Gasoline | Turbo | RWD or AWD | 10-Speed Auto (MHS) | 360 / 268 @ 5400 | 405 / 550 @ 2350-4000 | 2.85 |
Meanwhile, the Brembo V Performance front brakes (in Blue or Red calipers with a V-Series logo) are now optional on the CT5 Sport model as part of the new V Performance Package, which includes Magnetic Ride Control, Performance suspension, and Mechanical limited-slip differentia. For the 2020 model year, the Brembo V Performance brakes were standard on the CT5 Sport.
Packages
The 2021 Cadillac CT5 sees the addition of the aforementioned Diamond Sky Special Edition Package, which is exclusive to Premium Luxury models and includes the following content:
- Diamond Sky Metallic exterior color
- Sky Cool Gray with Jet Black accents interior color combination with unique Diamond Fall seat perforations and Galaxy wood trim
- 19-inch alloy wheels with Diamond Cut/Midnight Silver finish (Q84)
- Upgradeable to 20-inch alloy wheels with Polished/Dark Android gloss finish
- Body-color rocker moldings, extensions, and rear lower diffuser
- Neutral-density tail lamps with gray-tinted transparent outer lens
- Brembo V Performance front brakes
- Blue calipers
- Alloy pedals
The CT5 also sees the addition of the Technology Package, which includes the aforementioned 12-inch diagonal color reconfigurable gauge cluster and a Head-Up Display. Like the Diamond Package, the Technology package is not available on Luxury models.
Meanwhile, the Driver Awareness Plus Package (without Super Cruise) no longer contains the Head-Up Display, but still includes the following features along with the following requirements:
Features
- Following Distance Indicator
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- IntelliBeam headlights
Requirements
- Premium Luxury models requires Lighting Package
- Not available with Driver Awareness Plus Package (with Super Cruise).
- Sport models require Lighting Package
- Required when Platinum Package is ordered
Furthermore, the Navigation and Bose Premium Audio Package no longer includes the 8-inch diagonal color reconfigurable Driver Information Center display, but still includes the following features and requirements:
Features
- Cadillac user experience with embedded navigation
- Bose Performance Series 15-speaker premium audio system
- Wireless Phone Charging
Requirements
- For Luxury models, included and only available with Sun and Sound Package
- For Premium Luxury and Sport models, included with Platinum Package
- For V-Series models, included and only available with Premium Package
Additionally, a new V Performance Package becomes available on Sport models. The package, which remains standard on V-Series models, includes Magnetic Ride Control and Performance suspension, along with the following equipment and restrictions:
For Sport models
- Require Brembo V Performance front brakes
- Includes Mechanical limited-slip differential
- Not available with all-wheel drive
For V-Series models
- Includes Electronic limited-slip differential
2021 Cadillac CT5 Availability
The 2021 Cadillac CT5 went into production in late Q3 2020 at the GM Lansing Grand River plant in Michigan. As such, 2021 units are already on dealer lots. The plant has now stopped production of 2021 model year units as it undergoes a changeover to the 2022 model year in the midst of the ongoing microchip shortage.
Looking ahead, we expect the first-generation CT5 luxury sedan to live on thru at least the 2025 model year. A replacement will likely come in the form of an electric model.
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I do like the looks of this car very much. But I think the CTS was a better looking car from the front. The back was a little bit droopy. But this car has a nice stance. Good proportions. I can’t wait for the other models to come out, especially the black wing models and hear the reviews on those cars. As far as the C pillar, that little plastic thing that everybody complains about. That’s a minor flaw don’t worry about it.
Since the C-Pillar has and continues to be a source of distraction and ‘everybody complains about..’, it’s not a minor flaw. It hurts the overall exterior design. CTS was a much better executed design. And it doesn’t help that GM keeps cutting corners and cheapening the content of the vehicle (i.e., ‘𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟭 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿, 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿-𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀, 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿. 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗱, 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘁𝗵…’).
But I do agree with your suggestion to ‘…don’t worry it’. GM isn’t concerned about it; neither should anyone else.
I’m trying to like the blunt front end as compared to the rakish profile on my white diamond ’13 XTS. I guess we have to live with the huge fake air intakes at the corners. They all have them. The Blackwing nose is better, but I don’t need a Blackwing. However, the new rift color may sway me when I see one in person.
I just can’t get used to the looks of this car. It just doesn’t look like a Cadillac to me. I went from a CTS to a CT6 in 2020 because I didn’t like the CT5. When my current lease is up, in 2023, I will probably buy the CT6 and keep it forever.
I’m with you @FrankRicciardi.
I saw a CT5 in person in Dallas and it looks much better than the photos.
But it’s still way less attractive than the Gen 3 CTS.
If anyone from the Cadillac design team is reading this, I’m not trying to be criticize your work.
I am more of a fan of the CTS apparently.
can’t stop thinking that this cadillac from aliexpress. Cheap looking.
I passed on purchasing a CT5 due to the lack of HP in the base models. It would be nice if sport models either had around 285-290 HP and/or an option for the 3.0 L. Otherwise this is a beautiful car. I would have considered purchasing a CT5-V but availability here in Western Canada was slim to none over the last 12-18 months and Cadillac dealers here just didn’t have allocation for any of these cars. I ended up purchasing one of the last 2020 Regal G.S. and am quite happy with this car (so far). I like the features and development of the CT5 and may consider one in the future if they continue to add features and more HP to the base models.
What you want is the V. It is the Sport with more power and a more potent suspension.
I did a cursory inventory search and there are a bunch of them in Canada.
wow so good wow so beaute
Hmmmmm…….
A long and detailed article listing what’s new and different about a car…..
….that’s no longer being built.
The article should be titled “What WAS new and different.”
The CT5 is discontinued?, this is news to me…..
Guestt:
Of course not.
But as stated in the article, production of the 2021 model has ceased. This is what I meant by “…no longer being built.”
The 2021 CT5 is no longer being built but there are thousands of new 2021 CT5s still for sale. So it helps those who are shopping. Don’t worry your little head about it.
Shouldn’t this be a 2022?
STUNNING CAR. I say again, please send it to Australia in Right Hand Drive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
General Motors should team up with The Japanese Automotive Industry who are already investing into Hydrogen heavily and release a Hydrogen powered version of this car. As far as a Green Fuel replacement Hydrogen will be the most practical. USA and Australia are large countries to travel around in and the refill time for Hydrogen will be far quicker then waiting around for a 30 minute recharge !!??
Yea I agree. I don’t think BEV’s are the way to go. First of all batteries are not recyclable, and causes a lot of pollution. Hydrogen seems like a much more sustainable source of energy for cars.