2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Sedan

　　

2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Review

byBrian WongSenior Reviews Editor

　　Brian Wong has worked in the automotive industry since 2010, writing over 1,000 car-related articles and testing and reviewing hundreds of vehicles over the course of career. Brian is a senior reviews editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to Cars.com, Motor Authority and Green Car Reports. Brian has also been featured on MotorWeek as an expert for several car comparisons. He loves convertibles (the smaller the better) and hates paying for parking, so Los Angeles is both the right and wrong city for him.

　　As Cadillac turns much of its attention to its electrified future (the company has promised an all-electric lineup by 2030), it's logical to assume that its gas-powered offerings may fall by the wayside. But in the short term, Cadillac is going out with a bang by unleashing a new supercharged V8 variant of the CT5, the CT5-V Blackwing, which takes the sedan's performance to new heights. And if you want a slightly smaller version, there's also the CT4-V Blackwing that we cover separately.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing 4dr Sedan (6.2L 8cyl S/C 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$277/mo  for CT5-V Blackwing Base

　　CT5-V Blackwing Base

　　4dr Sedan (6.2L 8cyl S/C 6M) (Most Popular) - $83,995 MSRP

　　vs

　　$198/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　The 2022 CT5-V Blackwing's raw numbers are staggering: 6.2 liters of displacement, 668 horsepower and 659 lb-ft of torque all sent to the rear wheels via a standard six-speed manual transmission. (A 10-speed automatic is optional.) Output like this might evoke bulky body-builder comparisons, but the Blackwing also handles with more dexterity than its 4,123-pound curb weight and giant engine would suggest. The standard adaptive suspension keeps it neutral in corners, with well-weighted steering and traction control that allow the driver to have fun. If this is the end for Cadillac's gas-powered cars, the CT5-V Blackwing represents a fitting coda.

　　That makes it a worthy rival to the German high-performance luxury sedans like the BMW M5 and Audi RS 7 that have dominated this space unchallenged for years. And though the Cadillac's interior might be a step below those vehicles, it more than matches them on fun and still gives drivers the option to row their own gears — something the Germans have stopped. Check out our Expert Rating below to see how enamored our editors are with the CT5-V Blackwing's blend of performance, luxury and more.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.4

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

9.0/10

　　How does the CT5-V Blackwing drive? The CT5-V Blackwing might not be the fastest sedan in the class but it is the most fun to drive. Our test car was equipped with a six-speed manual transmission and we were able to rip to 60 mph in 4 seconds flat and fly through the quarter mile at nearly 124 mph. The optional 10-speed automatic promises to be even faster. As you'd expect from a large supercharged V8, power is everywhere and the Blackwing is fast no matter what gear you're in. Speaking of gears, the six-speed manual transmission is arguably one of the best manual transmissions on sale today, offering quick, positive shifts with automatic rev matching if you so desire.

　　Braking and handling are equally as impressive. Panic stops from 60 mph were done in a scant 104 feet and the Cadillac pulled a heroic 1.08 g on our skidpad — both of those numbers best the results of the potent Audi RS 7. But the steering feel and performance-oriented stability control systems are better still, allowing the CT5-V to be driven aggressively but with delicacy and precision. Drivers of all skill levels will be impressed and engaged.

　　

Comfort

8.5/10

　　How comfortable is the CT5-V Blackwing? One of the hallmarks of the CT5-V is its adaptive suspension, known as MagneRide. Ride quality and body control are deeply impressive, and for all the performance offered up by the Cadillac, the ride is never uncomfortable. Likewise, the front seats manage to balance support and comfort, and we had no issue putting in a full day's worth of driving without an ounce of discomfort. The heated and ventilated seats work quickly and effectively.

　　The same can be said for the climate control. There was no issue in warming or cooling the cabin quickly, but we think the control buttons are a bit small and close together, but that's splitting hairs. Adding to the comfort is a quiet and well-insulated cabin. You'll have to be at full throttle to really hear the Blackwing's massive V8 engine, but even then it's a refined and powerful sound befitting of a luxury performance sedan. There's a bit of road noise due to the performance tires but that's to be expected.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below