I drove a $65,000 Cadillac CT5 to see how it stacks up against rivals from BMW and Mercedes
The Michigan-made CT5-V starts at $56,995
The base four-cylinder CT5 starts at $47,595 while the fire-breathing, supercharged V8 CT5-V Blackwing ups the asking price to $95,595.
My mid-tier CT5-V starts at $56,995, about $3,000 less than the comparable BMW M340i and $5,000 less than the Mercedes-AMG C43.
With fees, the addition of all-wheel drive, and a host of premium upgrades, the as-tested price rose to $65,160.
The CT5-V's refreshed styling is headlined by a new front end
The new front fascia, which includes a redesigned mesh grille and new stacked LED headlights framed by vertical waterfall running lights, gives the CT5-V a lower, wider, and more athletic front profile.
At 195 inches long, the Caddy is about six inches longer than the Mercedes C-Class and nearly a foot longer than the BMW 3-Series
At just under 4,000 lbs, the base CT5-V is about 100 lbs heavier than the comparable M340i and 100 lbs lighter than AMG's C63 which comes standard with AWD.
Under the hood lurks a powerful twin-turbo V6
The CT5-V is powered by a 3.0, twin-turbocharged, all-aluminum V6 producing 360 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. It's paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels. However, my test car came with all-wheel drive, a $2000 option.
The turbo six fits between the 237 horsepower turbo-four-cylinder and 335 horsepower V6 that power the regular CT5, and the 668 supercharged V8 that lives under the Blackwing's hood.
The CT5-V boasts EPA fuel economy ratings of 17 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined, two and nine mpg below the more powerful offerings from Mercedes and BMW, respectively.
The Caddy handles beautifully
Cadillac spent a lot of time and money on the CT5-V's suspension, and it shows. Through the corners, the Caddy feels remarkably surefooted, even for a sports sedan.
The car feels balanced and neutral with only minor hints of oversteer, helped greatly by its standard limited-slip differential that moderates power delivery to the rear wheels to optimize traction, and its magnetic dampers that make constant adjustments based on road conditions.
Stomp on the gas and the CT5-V launches without hesitation. The twin-turbo V6 delivers plenty of oomph while the 10-speed automatic shifts quickly and crisply. The engine and quad-exhaust also team up to produce a very pleasant rumble.
According to Cadillac, the rear-wheel-drive CT5-V can do 0-60 mph in a solid 4.6 seconds, on par with the comparable BMW and AMG's respective 4.4-second and 4.3-second manufacturer-claimed times.
My only real complaint is that the CT5-V could use some more power to fully take advantage of its excellence handling, without upgrading to the Blackwing and its six-figure price tag.
For a sports sedan, that's a good problem to have.
My test car came with GM's Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance system
The CT5-V functioned perfectly on the highway as a quiet and relaxed luxury cruiser. That experience was certainly helped by its hands-free driving capabilities.
Super Cruise proved incredibly easy and intuitive to use while cruising and in stop-and-go traffic.
It operated like a normal adaptive cruise control system until it detected a stretch of highway suitable for hands-free driving. At that point, it gave me the green light to take my hands off the steering wheel.
The CT5-V's cabin boasts classy design and easy-to-navigate controls.
The cabin's black soft-touch surfaces and gray carbon fiber accents give off a very business-like feel. There aren't many design flourishes; the only pops of color come from the massive 33-inch digital screen on the front dash.
However, as monotone as the interior may be, it's very well designed with a good mix of logically placed digital controls and easy-to-use physical controls. Build and material quality are both solid.
The centerpiece of Caddy's tech suite is a massive 33-inch screen mounted atop its front dash.
The screen is home to Cadillac's Google-based infotainment system, which allows for integration of helpful features like Google Maps on the instrument display in front of the driver.
The system, found on many recently updated GM products, is very sorted. It's highly responsive, easy to navigate, and packed with features.
The massaging black leather front seats were comfortable with aggressive side bolstering to hold you firmly in place while cornering.
My test car's heated and ventilated seats looked elegant but a bit plain. Fortunately, Cadillac does offer different colors and designs, including a lovely quilted leather option.
The CT5-V's rear seats are pretty standard issue for a sports sedan of its stature, with contoured leather seats and dedicated charging sockets.
Behind the driver is a moderately sized 11.9 cubic foot trunk that's on par with the Mercedes C-Class, but trails the BMW's 16.9 cubic foot compartment.
My verdict: The Cadillac CT5-V is a fun, high-tech, American alternative to the German status quo.
The Cadillac CT5-V is a true sleeper. It doesn't get nearly the attention of its Teutonic rivals nor does it garner the praise of its pricier, fire-breathing Blackwing sibling.
But make no mistake, the CT5-V is a fine sports sedan that handles like it's riding on rails and is packed with industry-leading tech.
All that for thousands less than the Mercedes. Count me in.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Motor Trend
30 minutes ago
- Motor Trend
2026 BMW XM Label First Look: Not to Label Things, But It's Now the Only XM
When BMW revealed the 2024 XM Label Red, it kicked off what was supposed to be a regular, annual release of 'Labels' as special editions of the XM plug-in hybrid sport SUV. Then, just before it was set to launch, the 'Red' part of its name was dropped, but BMW maintained that Labels would continue appearing each year alongside regular XMs. Now at the midpoint of 2025, the XM Label returns, but as a special edition no longer—per BMW, it's now the lone trim level available on the 2026 XM. The 2026 BMW XM Label, now the sole XM model, features a 738-hp hybrid powertrain, improved 11 kW charging, and updated suspension. It offers new color options and interior themes. Pricing is pending, with production starting in August 2025 at BMW's Spartanburg plant. This summary was generated by AI using content from this MotorTrend article Read Next With 738 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque between its 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine and electric motor, the 2026 XM Label remains BMW M's most powerful production vehicle on sale. When we tested the 2024 version (with the same power), it rocketed to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, two tenths of a second quicker than BMW's claim. For 2026, BMW isn't changing the XM's performance claims, so you can expect the same blistering performance from the 2026 XM Label. To recap, the high-performance PHEV is normally limited to 155 mph, but an optional M Driver's Package ups that limit to 175 mph. BMW has updated the throttle map, hopefully a move that addresses our complaints that the original XM's throttle pedal response felt jumpy and made modulating acceleration challenging. Another sore spot is being addressed this year, too: Charging speeds. With the ability to plug in and charge, the 2024 XM Label really could have done with some faster charging to match the incredible road speed it's capable of. The 2026 XM Label ditches last year's 7.4-kW AC charge rate for a more competitive 11 kW. The battery's net capacity remains 19.2 kWh, so plugging into a Level 2 charger should result in faster refills. It's a little disappointing BMW doesn't offer DC fast charging, which would be even quicker, as the battery pack is rated at 317 volts and DC charging could offer some additional charging options away from home (or, you know, at a racetrack to maintain peak performance). Regardless, with the 2026 XM's pack voltage and capacity unchanged from the 2024 version, we expect around the same 31 miles of all-electric driving at speeds up to 87 mph. It will also come with impressive stopping power with a set of six-piston fixed front calipers clamping down on M Compound brake pads and rotors while the rears will use single-piston floating calipers on M Compound equipment. The body rides on a set of BMW Adaptive M dampers and coil springs with a double-wishbone front and five-link rear systems. The suspension will also do its best to control a set of 23-inch 1096 M alloy wheels measuring 23x10 front and 23x11 rear with high-performance 275/35R23 and 315/30R23 tires, respectively. The new rollers will also sport a new Jet Black finish option, if the owner chooses. This new Jet Black wheel finish joins new exterior colors for the body in Frozen Tanzanite Blue metallic while a new 'welcome light' animation will help make the standout XM Label continue to do so in the dark. Inside, there will be three new colored themes through the BMW Individual program with Night Blue leather and Vintage Coffee accents, Black leather and Vintage Coffee accents, and Silverstone leather and Black accents. The comfort cushions for the rear seats will also match the selected leather surfaces, including the BMW Individual leather options we just mentioned. Otherwise, interior amenities remain the same as on the 2024 XM Label. Pricing won't be announced until closer to its production start, which is slated for August at BMWs Spartanburg plant in South Carolina. If you happen to be at the 24 Hours of Le Mans this weekend, you can see the 2026 BMW XM Label be unveiled live while the BMW M Hybrid V-8 racecar roars around the legendary endurance race in France.


Car and Driver
44 minutes ago
- Car and Driver
2026 BMW XM Review, Pricing, and Specs
Overview Some letters carry a lot of weight in BMW nomenclature, with "X" and "M" being two of the most significant badges in all of Bimmerdom. Xs are reserved for SUVs, while Ms mark the touch of the fabled BMW Motorsport division; put them side by side and you end up with the BMW XM super-SUV. With all-wheel drive and ample space for five passengers in a seriously lavish cabin, the X holds up its end of the bargain. The M is where things get tricky; its 738-hp plug-in-hybrid powertrain makes the XM Label a certified rocket, but it lacks the overall finesse expected of Bavaria's motorsport maestros. The sole trim on offer is a pricey proposition, especially considering the BMW X7 is more practical and nearly as capable for far less money. What's New for 2026? BMW has whittled down the XM lineup for 2026, ditching the entry-level XM and leaving the XM Label as the sole trim. The XM Label gets a few fresh exterior options, including a new BMW Individual Frozen Tanzanite Blue paint color, a revised welcome light animation, and a Jet Black finish for the 23-inch wheels. There are also new interior themes to choose from, combining three new hues of Merino leather with either brown or black accents. AC charging speed has also been increased, up to 11 kW from 7.4 kW previously. BMW says that production for the 2026 XM Label will begin in August. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2026 BMW XM is expected to start around $187,000. XM Label $187,000 (est) 0 $50k $100k $150k $200k $250k $300k The removal of the base XM trim from the lineup takes the guesswork out of selecting a trim. The 738-hp XM Label is the only option, and with a starting price of over $186,000, it's a pricey one. However, it does come loaded with luxury features, including leather upholstery, huge 23-inch wheels, a cool curved infotainment display, and a host of driver-assistance features. This content is imported from Third party. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Engine, Transmission, and Performance A twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 isn't new to the BMW powertrain portfolio, but in the XM Label, it's partnered with an electric motor and a battery pack to create 738 horsepower. The XM uses a coil-spring suspension system that's augmented by adaptive dampers and active anti-roll bars. The resulting ride isn't as compliant and composed as we'd like, but in comfort driving mode it is acceptably absorbent. When set to sport, the XM's handling is responsive, but the ride gets stiff-legged. 0–60-MPH Times We haven't had a chance to sample the XM Label's acceleration yet, but when we tested a standard XM with 94 fewer horsepower, it delivered a 3.4-second sprint to 60 mph. BMW claims that the XM Label is capable of 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds, but with even the standard model besting that claim, we wouldn't be surprised if the Label's sprint time was closer to 3.2 seconds. We'll update this section when we have a chance to test it for ourselves. View Photos BMW Range, Charging, and Battery Life The XM's 25.7-kWh battery pack is said to be good for about 31 miles of electric-only range per charge, according to the EPA. BMW says the XM's onboard charger is now capable of juicing the battery at up to 11 kW on an AC charger, up from just 7.4 kW previously. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG The EPA hasn't released any fuel economy information for the 2026 XM yet, but last year's Label model received unspectacular ratings of 12 mpg city and 17 mpg highway despite its plug-in hybrid system. On our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, a standard XM bested its EPA estimate by returning 20 mpg when driving solely on the gasoline engine; when factoring in the 29 miles we drove on electric power, its result is an even more palatable 49 MPGe. We'll update this section when the EPA releases information on the 2026 model. For more information about the XM's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo Everything about the XM's cabin is high-end, including its optional vintage-look leather upholstery, which was first shown on a concept version of the SUV. The XM's cabin is strictly a two-row affair, and in place of a large panoramic sunroof, the XM can be had with a geometric-patterned faux-suede headliner that features dramatic fiber-optic lighting. An optional audio upgrade adds a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System with tweeters that illuminate. View Photos BMW Infotainment and Connectivity A large, curved display stretches across two-thirds of the dashboard. The display serves as both a digital gauge cluster as well as an on-board infotainment center, and it runs BMW's latest iDrive 8.5 software interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and additional features such as SiriusXM satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a premium stereo system are included as well. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features Basic features such as automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist are standard on all XM models, but more advanced tech, including an adaptive cruise control system with a lane-centering feature, is available too. For more information about the XM's crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include: Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Standard lane departure warning with lane keeping assist. Available adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature. Warranty and Maintenance Coverage BMW offers a competitive limited and powertrain warranty that is bolstered by above-average complimentary scheduled maintenance.


Car and Driver
an hour ago
- Car and Driver
2026 BMW XM Comes Exclusively in 738-HP Guise and Charges Faster
BMW has dropped the base model from the XM's lineup for 2026, leaving only the 738-hp Label variant. The XM will charge more quickly than before, with BMW upping the maximum charging rate from 7.4 to 11 kilowatt. BMW will also offer a new Frozen Tanzanite Blue exterior color; production of the 2026 XM starts this August. The BMW XM and its aggressive snout debuted for the 2023 model year with a 644-hp plug-in hybrid powertrain, before adding the even brawnier Label variant for the 2024 model year. For 2026, the XM lineup reverts back to just one trim, ditching the base model and retaining only the 738-hp Label model. The 2026 BMW XM also receives a series of new optional colors inside and out, along with a faster charging rate for the battery. Just One Type of XM Since the entry-level XM is no longer, the combination of a twin-turbocharged V-8 and an electric motor will generate 738 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque in all XMs for 2026. The 4.4-liter engine is good for 577 hp on its own, while the transmission-mounted electric motor makes 194 hp. An eight-speed automatic transmission routes those motivating forces to all four wheels, allowing this behemoth to blast from zero to 60 mph in a claimed 3.6 seconds. However, in Car and Driver's instrumented testing, the 644-hp version leapt to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds; the Label is likely even quicker than BMW says. Top speed is limited to 155 mph, but opting for the M Driver's package unlocks a 175-mph maximum. This content is imported from Third party. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. View Photos BMW Along with simplifying the lineup, BMW has added a new optional BMW Individual color called Frozen Tanzanite Blue metallic. The 23-inch alloy wheels can also now be had in Jet Black, and BMW also implemented a new "Welcome Light Animation" that displays as the owner approaches and unlocks the car. There are three new BMW Individual interior color combinations for 2026. Two of these—Night Blue with Vintage Coffee accents and black with Vintage Coffee accents—are "full" Merino leather packages, meaning virtually every surface of the cabin is covered in the rich material. The last, Silverstone with black accents, is an "extended" Merino leather package, meaning some areas, such as the lower dash, do not receive leather upholstery. View Photos BMW Lastly, but arguably most importantly, BMW has increased the onboard AC charger from 7.4 kilowatts to 11 kilowatts, which will allow the XM to replenish its 26-kWh battery more quickly. BMW says production for the 2026 model year will kick off at its Spartanburg, South Carolina, plant in August, with pricing to be revealed later. The 2025 XM Label starts at $186,175, and we expect the price to rise only slightly for the 2026 model year. Caleb Miller Associate News Editor Caleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan. This content is imported from Third party. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.