Review: 2021 Cadillac CT5 V Series

The Cadillac CT5 is a mid-size luxury car manufactured and marketed by General Motors under the Cadillac brand. It debuted at the 2019 New York Auto Show and went on sale fall of that same year. It draws its exterior inspiration from the Cadillac fastback models of the late 1940s. The base CT5 model is powered by a 2.0 L LSY turbocharged inline-4 engine that produces 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The LSY is able to achieve both power and torque quicker at lower RMPs. It also offers Active Fuel Management and a start-stop system for better fuel efficiency

V-Series

The V-Series is the high-performance trim level for all Cadillacs, which include the CT5. The V-Series line was designed as a rebranding in 2000 to compete directly with other luxury performance sedans. The first-ever V series model was released in 2004 and became a successful seller and drove Cadillac for the next decade.

Today

Cadillac recasts the concept of American luxury, power, and comfort with a distinctive design by reintroducing the successful 1940's fastback look, high-performance ideals with a 3.0 L LGY twin turbocharged V6, while supporting the brand's latest technology advances.

Exterior Fastback Design

The new fastback design sets the CT5 apart from the other sport sedans whether in the company parking lot or in line picking up your child from school. When you add the V-Series styling like darker accents and performance-inspired details that include unique fascias, grilles, rocker extensions, rear spoiler, and exclusive performance-design wheels, this new sports luxury car turns heads.

Powerplant

The CT5 builds on the strengths of the superb RWD architecture that has underpinned Cadillac's award-winning rear-wheel-drive sedans to provide a driving experience that is timeless. The V-Series takes that historical foundation and builds on it to provide an elevated, more engaging driving experience that's rooted in Cadillac's 17-year V-Series legacy.

V-Series Upgrades

• V-performance package including a performance suspension with magnetic ride control 4.0 and mechanical limited-slip rear differential
• 3.0L twin turbo V-6 engine that produces 360 horsepower and 405 lb.-ft. of torque (SAE certified) through low-inertia turbochargers to enhance power production across RPM band.
• All-new GM 10-speed automatic transmission
• Standard RWD and available AWD
• Driver mode selector including customizable My Mode and V-Mode
• Performance traction management
• Brembo front braking system

No Hands Super Cruise

What's next? Maybe finally flying Jetson cars? The future is now. This new driving technology release is being marketed by Cadillac as the world's first true hands-free driver assistance feature for more than 200,000 miles of compatible highways in the U.S. and Canada. Yes, you read that right; and of course I was determined to take the challenge. But when I received the car and the monroney with all the options, Super Cruise was not listed. It will be released later this year. I cannot confirm nor deny the validity of the bold marketing statement by Cadillac; but in a world run by corporate attorneys, I'm going to assume it is true. Now I need to find those 200,000 miles of road ...

CT5 Interior

When I climbed into the car, I immediately noticed how anything the driver needs from the instrument panel to the center display as well as any essential touch points was designed to emphasize a confident and easy driving experience. There are a lot of elegant lines with simple interfaces that focus on attention to detail, authenticity of materials, and professional craftsmanship. The best example I can provide is the 1080 dp high-definition full-color 10-inch-diagonal touchscreen that is cleanly integrated within the instrument panel and mounted for simple visibility. The V-Series model that I tested featured the new Sedona Sauvage with Jet Black accents and leather-trimmed armrests and center console. There was carbon fiber decorative trim, a thick-rim steering wheel featuring a leather-wrapped horn pad and authentic magnesium paddle shifters, alloy pedals. It was spectacular looking as well as nice to ride in. And with the 9 speaker Bose Premium Audio package, you could drive this in a Gumball Rally and thoroughly enjoy the ride.

Safety and Driver Awareness Features

Some features listed below are not available on all trims. Check with local dealer to determine which features are standard on the trim you choose.

• Airbags include dual-stage frontal and seat-mounted side-impact for driver and front passenger, knee for driver and front passenger, and head-curtain side-impact for outboard seating positions; includes Passenger Sensing System
• HD rear-vision camera
• HD Surround Vision
• Safety Alert Seat
• Forward Collision Alert
• Front Pedestrian Braking
• Automatic Emergency Braking

From every angle, the CT5 exudes athleticism, sophistication and confidence.

Andrew Smith, Cadillac Global Design Executive Director

If you are in the market for a Gumball Rally car that will give you a great adventure by apparently driving itself or just a fun and luxurious daily driver that looks great for your commute or grocery getter chores, this CT5 V-Series just may fit the bill. The 2021 CT5 has a starting MSRP of $37,9903 including destination. The CT5-V starts at $48,7903 including destination. The car pictured has a starting price of only $47,000 and with all V-Series upgrades it topped out at $63,445.

About Cadillac

The Cadillac Motor Car Division is a division of General Motors Company (GM) that designs and builds luxury vehicles. Cadillac's bold and innovative range of luxury vehicles appeal to those who dare to drive the world forward.