The 2020 Cadillac CT5-V and CT4-V Show The Next Chapter Of The Brand’s Performance Sedans

The first-ever 2020 Cadillac CT4-V and Cadillac CT5-V. [Photo: Cadillac]

The Cadillac CT4-V and Cadillac CT5-V represent proof that General Motors is not abandoning luxury sport sedans. In fact, with these two models expanding on Cadillac’s V-Series performance sub-brand, there have never been so many hyper-Caddies.

Along with the new Cadillac CT6-V, the Cadillac CT4-V and Cadillac CT5-V are built to compete against BMW’s M vehicles, Mercedes-Benz AMGs and Lexus’ F vehicles. They are all similar given their front-engine, rear-drive-biased architecture. Unlike the rest of the competitors, only BMW offers a manual option in some of its M vehicles. Cadillac no longer offers a manual in its V-Series vehicles.

2020 Cadillac CT5-V. [Photo: Cadillac]

“The new V-Series sedan lineup defines modern sophistication by combining luxury appointments with thoughtful technology and athletic refinement for the discerning enthusiast,” said Brandon Vivian, Cadillac’s executive chief engineer. “We are inviting even more customers into the V-Series family by adding a new level of elevated performance between our Sport models and the ultimate, high-performance track capability that the V-Series has grown to represent.”

Unlike its competitors, Cadillac is not focusing solely on building crossovers and SUVs. Instead, the company announced last week that it’s doubling down on a new line of performance sedans. For driving enthusiasts, that’s a good thing.

2020 Cadillac CT5-V. [Photo: Cadillac]

CT5-V Details

The Cadillac CT5-V is aiming directly at the BMW M5 as the most direct competitor. While power numbers are not on par (the M5 makes 600 horsepower), the rest of the performance profile of the Cadillac looks promising.

(The power and torque numbers are an estimate until SAE certified)

  • A 355 horsepower (@ 5600 rpm) 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 that makes 400 lbs-feet of torque (@ 2400-4400 rpm).
  • 10-speed automatic transmission.
  • Electronic limited-slip rear differential.
  • Standard rear-wheel drive (RWD) with available all-wheel drive (AWD).
  • V-Series performance chassis with Magnetic Ride Control 4.0.
  • Performance Traction Management.
  • Vehicle Control Mode with customizable V-Mode.
  • Brembo front braking system.
  • 19-inch wheels and summer-only performance tires (all-season tires available with AWD).
  • Dark exterior accents and V-Series mesh grilles; unique rear diffuser and quad exhaust tips.
  • Super Cruise is available.
2020 Cadillac CT4-V
2020 Cadillac CT4-V. [Photo: Cadillac]

CT4-V Details

Like its big brother the Cadillac CT5-V, the CT4-V is aimed at BMW. Once again, Cadillac is going in light on power. The BMW M3 makes 425 horsepower.

(The power and torque numbers are an estimate until SAE certified)  

  • Powered by a high-output 320 hp (@ 5600  rpm) turbocharged 2.7-liter, four-cylinder engine, it makes 369 lb-ft of torque (@ 1,800 rpm).
  • 10-speed automatic.
  • Limited-slip rear differential.
  • V-Series performance chassis with Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 (on RWD) or ZF MVS passive dampers (on AWD).
  • Vehicle Control Mode with customizable V-Mode.
2020 Cadillac CT4-V
2020 Cadillac CT4-V. [Photo: Cadillac]
  • Brembo front braking system.
  • 18-inch wheels and summer-only performance tires (all-season tires available with AWD).
  • Dark exterior accents and V-Series mesh grilles; quad exhaust tips, unique rear spoiler design that helps reduce rear lift while increasing grip for the rear tires.
  • Super Cruise is available.
  • Unique performance persona instrument cluster and V-Mode steering wheel control.

On sale in 2020

Both the Cadillac CT4-V and CT5-V will go on sale in early 2020. Cadillac will announce pricing of these two performance sedans closer to their official launch.

Speaking of the Cadillac’s performance sedans, check out the CT6-V (first called the CT6 V-Sport) below: