The 2025 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing comes with substantial upgrades that elevate the car's luxury and performance capabilities over a regular CT4. It's a fun sport sedan to drive, but a cramped back seat and subpar fuel economy hurt its overall score.Read full review
The 2025 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing is the most potent version of the carmaker's smallest luxury sedan, which already has a reputation for its potent engine choices. The CT4-V Blackwing (Cadillac also calls it the CT4 V-Series Blackwing) comes with a turbocharged V6 engine that cranks out an impressive 472 horsepower. But the improvements don't stop there. The Blackwing reaps benefits in regard to comfort and refinement, which are some areas where the lower-level CT4 models could use some work.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Average
5.8
out of 10
We drove the 2025 Cadillac CT4 on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Driving experience
6.9/10
How does the Cadillac CT4 drive? It's a joy to drive the CT4-V Blackwing. The car is quick, aggressive and engaging, and it's a whole lot of fun on the road. Our manual-equipped test car hit 60 mph in an 4.6 seconds. That's unremarkable, and the automatic would undoubtedly make it quicker, but you get the manual for engagement, not 0-60 times. The surge of power with each gear change never gets old.
It feels buttoned-up in other aspects too. The strong brakes provide a smooth and stable feeling that didn't fade over several laps around our test track. The steering is quick and responsive, with easy operation when you're cruising around town. Best of all is the handling capability. The Blackwing posted an impressive 1.09 g on our skidpad and handled our test track and back roads with a natural balance, tons of grip and drama-free stability control. The magnetically controlled dampers also provide very good ride quality for a performance vehicle.
Visibility is just OK, though, as is the performance of the various driver assistance technologies. Note that Super Cruise is not available on the Blackwing (unlike other CT4s), and adaptive cruise control is not available with the manual transmission.
Comfort
5.8/10
How comfortable is the Cadillac CT4? Compared to a base CT4, the Blackwing has additional soft surfaces, excellent seats and dual-pane windows to keep outside noise outside. Like the standard CT4 models, however, the back seat is cramped, even for the compact class. The low roof, high step-over sills, and narrow door openings make entry and exit difficult. Passengers over 6 feet won't be comfortable for long and may need to contort themselves to get out. Child seat attachment points are accessible, but the tight second row struggles to accommodate bulky child seats.
There are also puzzling design choices. Buttons and controls seem scattered without much thought to usability. Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard, but the temperature adjustment is unintuitive. Rear passengers get vents but no controls, adding to the discomfort in an already cramped space.
In-cabin tech
5.6/10
How’s the tech? Cadillac includes wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto smartphone connectivity as standard. They're presented well on the 8-inch center touchscreen — the interface is clear and doesn't overwhelm the screen with excessive info. The native navigation system, also standard, is similarly straightforward and enhanced by an optional head-up display with integrated turn-by-turn guidance. However, the voice control system often confuses simple addresses or requests, and that gets frustrating fast.
Device integration is merely average. There's a wireless charging pad but only two USB ports. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included.
Storage & cargo
5/10
How’s storage and cargo? When it comes to utility, the CT4-V Blackwing is mostly usable for everyday tasks. But there are caveats. The trunk is wide and deep but amounts to just 10.7 cubic feet of total capacity — small for the class. It also lacks handles in the trunk to quickly fold down the second row of seats. Many rivals have this simple, convenient feature.
Inside the cabin, small-item storage seems fine at first glance. There's a decent-size center console, and our test car came with a smartphone charging station. But that same console is only acceptable compared to what other small luxury sedans have, and the cupholders and door pockets are small.
Value
7.7/10
Is the Cadillac CT4 a good value? For the class, the CT4-V Blackwing packs a lot of value. It has an attractive starting price, and loaded versions check in around the starting price of a base BMW M3. That's a big advantage for the Cadillac, especially with the CT4-V Blackwing's impressive refinement and polish, both in its cabin materials and ride quality.
Warranty coverage isn't as impressive, but it's still good. Cadillac provides a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and six-year/70,000-mile powertrain coverage. That's slightly better than average for the class. Rust protection of four years/50,000 miles is shockingly low for a luxury brand.
MPG
3/10
How’s the fuel economy? With the manual, the CT4-V Blackwing achieves an EPA-estimated 18 mpg combined. It goes up to 19 mpg combined with the automatic.
On our 115-mile standardized test route of mixed city and highway driving, a manual CT4-V Blackwing returned 20.4 mpg. Not bad at all for a high-performance luxury sedan. Over 300 or so more miles, though, the average was closer to 17 or 18 mpg, so be aware that your driving style and highway-versus-city miles make a big difference. But considering the power on tap compared to what you can expect from rivals, these are completely acceptable numbers.
X factor
9/10
This is no false performance badge — the CT4-V Blackwing sets itself distinctively apart from more pedestrian CT4 models, as well as from other compact sport sedans. It nails the basics with competent horsepower and an engaging manual transmission, but it also adds desirable features including automatic rev matching, which makes nearly every turn behind the wheel a fun experience. There are also subtle but impactful V-Series badges, unique digital animations, and even an optional performance data recorder that separate the Blackwing from anything else out there.
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2025 Cadillac CT4 V Blackwing pricing in Ashburn, VA
The 2025 CT4-V Blackwing is the top performance version of Cadillac's CT4 small luxury sedan. There's only one trim level but it's well stocked with features. Power comes from a turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 with 472 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque. The only major option is your choice between the six-speed manual and the 10-speed automatic transmission. It should be noted that some features are only available with the automatic transmission. Highlighted features include: Compare the 2025 Cadillac CT4 trim levels in-depth.
Which CT4 trim does Edmunds recommend?
The CT4-V Blackwing is only offered in a single trim level, leaving you to decide on the color, transmission and options. Most drivers will likely want to go with the automatic transmission, but if you're seeking the ultimate in driver engagement, go with the manual, even if it is a little slower in a straight line. The other main drawback to the stick shift is its incompatibility with the optional Driver Assist package and adaptive cruise control.
Competitors to consider
With no American luxury sedans to compete against, the 2025 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing has to contend with some impressive European high-performance rivals. These include the BMW M3, Audi RS 5 and the new AMG versions of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. All of these have the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing beat in a number of areas except for one: price. You can save tens of thousands of dollars compared to those Euro sport sedans.
Edmunds spotlight: More than just performance
The CT4-V Blackwing is the best CT4 you can get, and not just because of all that extra power. Thanks to the adaptive suspension, the CT4-V Blackwing is actually more comfortable day to day than the regular CT4, while still providing excellent handling when in its firmer modes. The interior benefits from improved materials and added sound insulation that are more in line with other luxury vehicles. For more in-depth information, check out our Expert Rating.
2025 Cadillac CT4 V Blackwing 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
I own this car and I absolutely love it. The twin-turbo V6 is an animal, the 10-speed snaps off shifts like a dual-clutch on steroids. Turn-in is razor-sharp, the eLSD lets me rotate corners like I’m in something half the size, and the exhaust note under full boost is pure sex.
CT4V Blackwing
5 out of 5 stars
Dick LaFashia , 09/03/2025
2025 Cadillac CT4 V Blackwing 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
Everything to like; nothing to dislike.
Nothing has changed. Fun car to drive. Outstanding performance, handling, looks!
The Edmunds experts tested the 2025 CT4 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 5.8 out of 10. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the CT4 has 10.7 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Cadillac CT4. Learn more
Is the Cadillac CT4 reliable?
To determine whether the Cadillac CT4 is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the CT4. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the CT4's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2025 Cadillac CT4 a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2025 Cadillac CT4 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2025 CT4 and gave it a 5.8 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2025 CT4 is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2025 Cadillac CT4?
The least-expensive 2025 Cadillac CT4 is the 2025 Cadillac CT4 V Blackwing 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl Turbo 6M). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $62,195.
Other versions include:
V Blackwing 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl Turbo 6M) which starts at $62,195
If you're interested in the Cadillac CT4, the next question is, which CT4 model is right for you? CT4 variants include V Blackwing 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl Turbo 6M). For a full list of CT4 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more