2024 Cadillac CT5 V Blackwing

　　

2024 Cadillac CT5 V Blackwing Review

byJosh JacquotCorrespondent

　　Josh Jacquot is an automotive journalist at zzdcar., rating written byJosh JacquotSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　As the torchbearer not just of GM sedans but also of American luxury cars, the CT5-V Blackwing needs to be special. It needs to be alluring in its driver engagement. It needs to be rapid. And it needs to be priced right. Fortunately, it is all those things and more. Cadillac's flagship sedan has something no other car in this class offers: three pedals. And between those pedals, the gear lever, monster grip and a world-class chassis, this supersedan isn't just the only one offering a manual transmission. It may also be the best one.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 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

　　$285/mo  for CT5 V Blackwing

　　CT5 V Blackwing

　　V Blackwing 4dr Sedan (6.2L 8cyl S/C 6M) (Most Popular) - $93,495 MSRP

　　vs

　　$198/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　

zzdcar spotlight: It's not only about the numbers

With the proliferation of speed through mega-power gas engines and ultra-quick EVs, something essential has gone missing: fulfillment. Driving a car hard should be rewarding. And it should be fun. When it becomes only a numbers contest or relies on the party trick of a brain-crushing launch to do its bidding, we know we'll be left wanting. In those moments we lean on cars like the CT5-V Blackwing to remind us how much more there is to driving than just putting your foot down and shuffling the wheel.

　　

Competitors to consider

Like the Blackwing, the BMW M5, Mercedes-Benz E 63 S and Audi RS 7 Performance all have power numbers starting with a six. They all deliver torque to all four wheels. And they all get to 60 mph quicker than the Blackwing. They all cost more, too. And none offers the Cadillac's sheer appeal to a dedicated driver.

　　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 a luxury performance sedan. There's a bit of road noise due to the performance tires but that's to be expected.

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