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.
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.
The 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing's single trim is very well equipped, with plenty of cabin comforts and technology baked in. Under the hood is a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that makes 668 horsepower and 659 lb-ft of torque.
The all-wheel-drive RS 7 is a wonderful performer in its own right, with an impeccable interior and a significant advantage in cargo room thanks to its fastback profile. But it packs less power, 77 fewer hp, than the Blackwing and has a starting price that's nearly $35,000 more when new. That's a big price to pay for more refinement.
The BMW M5 has long set the standard for high-performance midsize sedans, but the Blackwing provides a worthy challenge with more power for less money. Yes, the BMW's interior and technology features give it an advantage, but if you want to shift your own gears you can only do that with the Cadillac.
Mercedes dropped the V8-powered AMG E 63 for this year, so the AMG E 53 will have to step up in its place. It's down two cylinders and significant power to the Blackwing, but for those who want a potent mix of luxury and performance it remains a compelling option. In addition to the sedan, the AMG E 53 is also available as a coupe or convertible.
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:
