In the conversation about gas-powered supersedans, Cadillac wants the last word. The 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is a high-performance luxury sedan that combines every go-fast trick and tool in the General Motors catalog. The result is a staggeringly powerful yet easy-to-drive machine that costs less than the competition and even offers a six-speed manual transmission.
It's a monster, but not for the reasons you may think. While 668 horsepower and rear-wheel drive might sound like a combination good for only burnouts and barely controllable straight-line acceleration, the Blackwing's mix of sophisticated electronic controls gives its driver the confidence to use that power everywhere.
The Blackwing largely masks its performance capability behind direct steering and a comfortable ride. Credit the adaptive dampers that, when dialed back to their street setting, ignore most bumps and relay a pleasing amount of road texture through the steering and cabin. Similarly, you can adjust steering effort, brake firmness and exhaust volume as desired for cruising.
The standard CT5's interior is thoughtfully laid out. You get upgraded materials in the Blackwing that look appropriate for the price, though they're not quite on par with pricier Audi, BMW and Mercedes options. Higher quality and two-tone leather are optional. Every Blackwing comes with heated, ventilated and massaging front seats, and interior upgrade packages add microfiber suede or carbon-fiber seat backing.
The Blackwing comes standard with a large, configurable and easy-to-read digital instrument cluster and head-up display that includes shift lights. When set to Track mode, the gauge cluster prioritizes the upper regions of the tachometer, making it easier to plan gear changes.
The CT5-V Blackwing's base price — $84,990 (including destination) — is similar to what you might pay for a BMW M3 or Mercedes-AMG C 63 S that has a few options added. You could also look at it as a less expensive alternative to similarly sized performance sedans like the BMW M5 and Mercedes-AMG E 63 S.
You can't expect good fuel economy from large sedans with near 700 horsepower, so it shouldn't be surprising to see the CT5-V Blackwing gets an EPA-estimated 15 mpg combined with the manual and 16 mpg with the automatic. These results fall just under the automatic-only RS 7, M5 and E 63 S, which are all less powerful but also feature all-wheel drive.
Edmunds saysThe 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is not just a successor to the CTS-V — it's also a superhero luxury sedan that's equal parts capable and thrilling on a racetrack. That it costs tens of thousands less than its rivals makes the package even sweeter.
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing:
The least-expensive 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is the 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing 4dr Sedan (6.2L 8cyl S/C 6M). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $83,995.
Other versions include:
