The 2025 Cadillac CT5 introduces a mid-cycle refresh for the four-door luxury sedan, debuting a number of important updates and changes. Among these is new exterior styling, with a reworked front fascia and new headlight design. Notably, the latest 2025-model-year refresh brings the Cadillac CT5 in line with the rest of its sedan contemporaries with regard to the lighting layout.
For those readers who may be unaware, the Cadillac CT5 (as well as its structural precursor, the third-generation Cadillac CTS) never quite “fit in” with its respective Cadillac sedan contemporaries when it came to the lighting treatment. Both the CT5 and the third-generation Cadillac CTS incorporated a “break” in the vertical daytime running light (DRL) lighting signature in the front fascia. This characteristic Cadillac design cue runs in a single, uninterrupted line vertically down the sides of the fascia in other Cadillac sedans, but in the CT5, this line was “interrupted” with a body-colored break that separated the DRL into multiple sections. No other Cadillac sedans produced during the same time period as the pre-refresh CT5 or third-gen CTS had this interrupted-style for the DRLs.
Now, however, with the introduction of the refreshed 2025 CT5, this is no longer the case. The refreshed CT5 fascia now includes uninterrupted DRL lines on either side of the front end, bringing some continuity between the refreshed 2025 CT5 and the rest of the Cadillac sedan design motif.
To note, the Cadillac ATS family, first-generation Cadillac CT6, Cadillac CT4, and second-generation Cadillac CT6 all incorporated uninterrupted vertical DLR lighting elements. Uninterrupted vertical DLR lighting elements are a design trait that’s exclusive to Cadillac’s sedan models, as the brands’ crossovers and SUVs have interrupted DRLs.
As a reminder, the 2025 CT5 offers two engine options, including the turbocharged 2.0L I4 LSY gasoline engine and twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 LGY gasoline engine. The GM Alpha 2 platform provides the underpinnings. Vehicle production takes place at the GM Lansing Grand River plant.
Subscribe to GM Authority for more Cadillac CT5 news, Cadillac news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
It’s crossed the line into “Looks like Hyundai” territory….
You may be correct, but it’s a definite improvement. Reflect on that a moment….it looks like a Hyundai and that’s a good thing. GM please take note!
I’ve always been bothered by the barely connected jawbone look that is clearly evident in the picture of the red 2020. It simply looks like the painted central part of the fascia is about to drop off at any moment, dangling by the tiny hinge where the break in the drl occurs. Its visually jarring and unpleasant to behold. It’s not noticeable on a black one but you cannot unsee it on white.
I think the 25 refresh is shaping up to be a nice improvement. Now we will have to see if they screw it up by raising the price. I’ll be replacing my 22 550t this year and a 25 could be in the cards (or not).
The headlight “Nostrils” on GM’s Turbo-Titan concept Truck of the 1960’s are a popular styling theme seen on many GM’s vehicle today….it looks good. But, IMHO, Hyundai has gone full “cartoon space ship” on their version of this treatment. Thus my earlier comment on how it seems less unique and basically ubiquitous…
Yeah, wouldn’t want to “interrupt” the really cheezy Mack Truck DRLs . Does it tell you anything that only KMart Hyundai copied them ?
I have an interest in buying a new CT5-V Series but would like it to look a little more exclusive than the regular model due to its higher price.
I’m curious as to why 3 folks would click ‘thumbs down’ on thinking the CT5-V shouldn’t look more exclusive than the regular models.
One possibility is because the v-series isn’t exclusive at all. The blackwing is, and it gets some unique fenders etc. But, the standard v series is simply the “sport” trim (i.e. black instead of chrome) plus the v6.
The simple version of their convoluted naming strategy is this:
LUXURY = base car,no luxury frills
SPORT= base car with black trim, no performance in sight, 4cyl only.
PREMIUM=sleeper, base appearance but v6 available and luxury features can be had for extra $
Vseries= sport plus v6. Could also call it premium lux minus chrome. Still comes with pleather seats, not even real leather.
The prestige/ exclusivity/performance previously associated with V has been watered down to the point of being meaningless. Blackwing is the new V.
Your points are well taken but I think it’s high price makes it exclusive.
Except that a Prem lux 550t with some options costs about 10k more than a basic V.
They must work for the company.
Remember when from childhood onward, we where thrilled by what Cadillac came up with ?
Style, class , swag , leadership…..
Most beautiful cars on the road !
Now they are INFURIATING.
Are they kidding ?
Seriously?
The car is a disgrace to the name CADILLAC.
Sorry…..
But , but China gets the CT -6 !
GM who runs CADILLAC ?
Wars , Depressing, social upheaval, and Cadillac flourished.
They can’t keep going like this !
I bet the top executives, ot board don’t even want one .
Bring back the CT6 and give it a real Cadillac interior!
“No other Cadillac sedans produced during the same time period as the pre-refresh CT5 or third-gen CTS had this interrupted-style for the DRLs.” Once again the XTS is the redheaded step child.
Seems to have forgotten about ATS, too.
That aside, I always thought that the larger CT5 should’ve had the uninterrupted DRL that the CT4 had from the beginning, and the CT4 would’ve looked better with an interruption. Maybe it’s just me, but the CT4’s light signature always looked a bit awkward, maybe out of proportion. I’m sure it would grow on me if I owned one…lol.
The car looks great. Sell them RHD in Australia via GMSV!!!!!!!
So many obsessed over Cadillac these days. I bought a Lincoln Navigator with no regrets. The Cadillac logo means nothing to me, I wanted class and luxury.
I never understand why the personality of most Lincoln owners , needs to denigrate Cadillac , and others, to justify a Lincoln purchase .
Escalade is still the benchmark SUV .
I rode in some Navigatiors , and couldn’t wait to RETURN to the Chevrolet Diamond Addition, Suburban I was in .
Enjoy; the ” Class, and Luxury “.
I also owned a 2018 Suburban, before moving over to the ’23 Navigator. Did you ride in a ’18+ variant of the Lincoln? You mention Diamond Edition, which is a 2010 package. Not a bad deal for $20’s on the used market.
Cadillac makes an excellent SUV. There is no denigration, I have owned many Cadillac cars from the ATS to the CT6. Had I been able to find a V-series in stock, not marked up, I would have bought it.
I say class because there is a level of elegance to the interior that is hard to describe. The Escalade is very, very busy with its interior. If you like that many screens, then it’s unbeatable.
Nobody wants a Lincoln buddy Cadillac are better
Mike Joy: And they’re coming off Turn 4 here at the 2025 Daytona 500 and William Byron is going to lead a Hendrick Motorsports sweep, Byron…….Elliott and Bowman! Larson edged out for 4th by Stenhouse! What a showing for the first year Cadillac CT5’s!
Bowyer: That’s some Art And Science comin’ atcha at 200 mph!
Harvick: Those Hendrick Caddy’s are going to be a championship contender, no doubt!
Mike Joy: Indeed, Kevin. While Chevy is working the bugs out of their Trax 1.2 Turbo RS body shell, it looks like these Cadillacs are stealing the spotlight from the budget Nascar-to-be Trax!