First Drive: 2020 Cadillac CT5 Blends Comfort and Sport
The luxury brand's newest sedan has numerous strengths, but it’s unclear what it competes against
Cadillac is reinvigorating its sedan lineup, starting with the CT5. This model essentially replaces the midsized CTS. It will soon be joined by a smaller Cadillac CT4.
Right out of the gate, the CT5 presents a compelling combination of comfort and performance. It is slightly larger than the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and depending on the configuration, it can even be more expensive. Yet it doesn't quite align with the next larger class. Confusing the issue even more, the CT5 is a hint shorter than the now-defunct CTS, but it’s about two inches wider and has a roomier rear seat.
Update: Since this first drive was originally published in February, 2020, we finished testing the Cadillac CT5.
See the complete Cadillac CT5 road test.
The CT5 comes in three trims—Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport—with the choice of rear- or all-wheel drive.
The standard powertrain is a 237-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine matched with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Premium Luxury and Sport versions can be had with a 335-hp, 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6.
What we bought: 2020 Cadillac CT5 Premium Luxury
Powertrain: 237-hp, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine; 10-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel drive
MSRP: $40,695
Options: $11,830. Parking package (rear camera mirror, heated exterior mirrors, automatic parking assist with braking and pedestrian alert); all-wheel drive; Driver Assist and Advanced Security package (adaptive cruise control, high-speed AEB); sunroof; Navigation and Bose Premium Audio package; Driver Awareness Plus package (head-up display, auto high beams, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning); Climate package (heated and vented front seats, heated steering wheel); Lighting package (illuminating sill plates, front cornering lamps)
Destination fee: $995
Total cost: $53,520
