The sedan body style is something of an endangered species when it comes to GM’s North American portfolio, with just three sedan nameplates left – the Chevy Malibu, the Cadillac CT4, and the Cadillac CT5. With two-thirds of GM’s North American sedan lineup wearing a Cadillac badge, it’s worth noting that the Cadillac sedan design seems to be morphing from a traditional three-box layout to a four-door coupe layout. Now, we have a telling side-by-side photo illustrating exactly that.
Spotted in a rainy parking lot at a Cadillac dealer, the photo shows a first-generation Cadillac CT6 parked tail-to-tail with a first-generation Cadillac CT5, providing an easy comparison of the profile for both Cadillac sedan models. Focusing on the rear-most pillar on both vehicles, we see a more-traditional three-box layout on the Cadillac CT6, with the rear glass slanted down into the trunk at a distinct angle, forming the final “box.” By contrast, the roofline on the Cadillac CT5 falls at a more gradual slope, creating more of a coupe-like profile.
First-gen Cadillac CT6
For reference, the Cadillac CT6 first launched for the 2016 model year and was discontinued in North America for the 2020 model year, while the Cadillac CT5 first launched for the 2020 model year and is still offered in North America, recently receiving a refresh for the 2025 model year.
Refreshed 2025 Cadillac CT5
As GM Authority covered previously, Cadillac seems to be adopting the four-door coupe profile and moving away from the three-box design with regard to the Cadillac sedan lineup. While the Cadillac ATS sedan, every generation of the Cadillac CTS, and first-generation Cadillac CT6 all present a three-box layout, the Cadillac CT5 and Chinese-exclusive second-generation Cadillac CT6 both have a sportier, coupe-like profile. It’s also worth mentioning the Cadillac CT4, which has a more traditional three-box layout, but, as GM Authority was the first to report, the CT4 was never even supposed to have happened.
The four-door coupe profile was initially pioneered by the German automakers, including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi, but now, it certainly appears as though the Cadillac sedan lineup is headed in a similar design direction.
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Comments
Altough I like both body styles, I prefer the three box layout anytime. What I definitely will not buy, not today, not tomorrow, not never is a SUV or a crossover.
I like both designs but I prefer the lines of the CT6. It’s a beautiful car. Regarding the CT5. I don’t know why Cadillac didn’t go ahead a make this a hatchback. Audi, and Tesla does this on some of their vehicles and it makes them far more practical. The CT5 kind of looks like it has a hatch. Anyway, I think GM designers (considering all the regulations) do a bang up job. Cheers!!!
Gnats and flies. The roofline on the 5 is a soft curve that extends closer to the rear drop. That’s it.
Meanwhile your Quality Control failures now include stalling pickups. Keep up the good work, Mary.
bring back the CT6
Definition of a “coupe.” two doors, shortened rear leg room, a “three-box” construction.
Makes me think of a “Mustang-E.”
Personally I think GM needs to redesign the Cadillac to a jaw dropping appearance. Right now they look too much like any other sedan. Bring the “AWE” back!
Don’t get me wrong. I love Cadillacs!
I have a CTS VSport and like the design well. When I 1st saw the CT5 I didn’t like it at all but it has grown on me. I also like the CT4 but it is, unlike the Ct5, possibly beginning to look dated. Cadillacs have always been attractive designs even going back to the ’90’s early STS that still look good.
What do you consider the three box design?
I much prefer the CT6 design! Please bring it back!
A coupe has two doors. Period.
The CT6 is a stunningly beautiful car. Bring it back!!
The CT6 looks like a real American car while the CT5 looks cheap and is too short.
Since I own 2-CT6’s and am looking to maybe replacing the 2017, I drove a CT5 and is a real POS. Too small, cramped, cannot seat 4 adults and very anemic power wise. In the last 10 years I have spent well over $200K on 3 new Cadillac sedans, but no more. I will never buy a CUV/SUV or a POS EV.
I guess I’ll be shopping Mercedes, BMW and Genesis for a 4-door sedan that can fit 4 adults comfortably. I have been a GM customer all my 57 years of driving and they have driven me away. Thank Mary, her marketing and design staff. If China can have a 2nd generation CT6, designed and tested in the US, why in the hell can’t we buy one here?
I personally would. not own a 4 door vehicle unless it is a truck of some kind or a limo type luxury beast. I prefer a real coupe with 2 doors. Much better looking than any 4 door and more sporty sleekness. I don’t have kids that need to get in and out anymore. I was very sad to see the CTS Coupe disappear and no replacement.
The CT5 would be much more desirable as a hatch, if the body integrity could be maintained. I value trunk space which is related to roof line and my XTS leaves both of the others in the dust. Especially the tiny trunk on the CT5.
There should be a special formal roof version of the CT5 to satisfy the CT6 crowd. Make the vehicle a little wider while you are at it. Call it C-Ville. Saw that name somewhere and it’s interesting. Also, do the same roof treatment for CT4