It appears as though General Motors recently conducted a clinic to compare the Cadillac CT5 luxury sedan against the all-electric Tesla Model 3.
As captured in a series of images by our eagle-eyed spy photographers, a Cadillac CT5 Premium Luxury 550T AWD was seen around the front parking lot of the GM Proving Ground in Milford, Michigan, where it was parked next to a Tesla Model 3. The two sedans were seen behind a series of orange cones, one of which had a large sign reading “Reserved For Research Participants.”
Judging by the evidence, it looks as though GM was conducting some research to see how the Cadillac CT5 compared to the Tesla Model 3. However, unlike benchmarking, which focuses on the quantitative aspects of a vehicle, such as data and specs, clinics focus more on qualitative feedback, such as the vehicle design, how spacious it feels in the cabin, how it feels to accelerate, how it feels to take a corner, and the like.
To note, the Cadillac CT5 Premium Luxury 550T AWD is equipped with the twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 LGY gasoline engine, which is rated at 335 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. Output is directed through the GM 10-speed automatic transmission.
So then, the question becomes this – what was GM doing comparing the ICE-powered Cadillac CT5 against the all-electric Model 3? Well, as GM Authority was the first to report, Cadillac will offer new sedan models in the EV space, with two all-electric Cadillac sedan models (not including the ultra-premium Cadillac Celestiq) set to arrive around 2026.
It’s also worth noting that GM has been quite busy benchmarking a variety of different EV sedan models as of late, with recent GM Authority coverage highlighting benchmark testing for the BMW i4 Gran Coupe, the Porsche Taycan, and the Tesla Model 3 Dual Motor as well.
We’ll keep an eye on this story to see how it develops, so stay tuned. In the meantime, make sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more GM competition news, Cadillac CT5 news, Cadillac news, GM electric vehicle news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
The good about this is that it gives me more hope that GM hasn’t turned it’s back 100% on the sedan market. Long live the car/sedan!
Having owned a 2020 CT4 and loved the car and having ridden in numerous Model 3’s (all as new or newer than the CT4), I can tell you that the Cadillac fit/finish/quality/feel/reliability is far better. Where I work, we just traded in a 2020 Model 3 with low miles and in very nice condition. I had the change to sit in and play with some of the switchgear and interior trim. The entire layout and feel was cheap as heck and trim was literally falling off the car. Tesla has a very long way to go in those departments. They may be number one when it comes to EV’s for now, but that’s it.
The Chinese market is the only reason we still have sedans to sell. The hope is that they get released in the US as well.
I guess that they are comparing both cars to gather the best of both and give that to us in their smaller electric Cadillac.
GM fan: Let’s hope so! A smaller Cadillac EV would absolutely get on my short list in the future. I just ordered a 2023 Bolt 1LT in the light blue in hopes it will be here sometime next year by March or April. I love my Malibu a lot, but truly wish to get back into an EV. So if I have the 2023 Bolt and go on a 2 year cycle for trading, then my hopes would be that GM/Cadillac have either a Buick, Cadillac or even Chevy sedan EV for me to trade up to.
The Cadillac hands down wins in the styling department and interior. Fit and finish are also far better. The wheels on the Tesla are terrible!
You do realize the wheel design is to improve aerodynamics and range right???