When Cadillac announced a successor to the CTS-V in their latest CT5 sedan, we were expecting more of the same. Maybe not a great big V8, but definitely some serious firepower to match the likes of the BMW M5, Mercedes-AMG E 63 S and so on. Instead, we were disappointed in what the 2020 Cadillac CT5-V actually was: a twin-turbo V6 model with all of 355 horsepower. While Cadillac reassured everyone a more powerful “Plus” version is indeed coming, at least the sting of the entry-level model’s lower performance is mitigated by a lower price tag.
The 2020 Cadillac CT5 configurator is live, with prices starting at $37,890 for the base version. Spring for the CT5-V, and prices start at $48,690 including the $995 destination charge. Yes, you still get a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with 355 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. That’s not the 640 horsepower and 630 lb-ft you got in the old CTS-V, but the CT5-V also doesn’t pack the same $86,995 price tag.
Unlike the old car, the 2020 Cadillac CT5-V is available with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, though the latter is a $2,600 option. Tick that box, and the starting price jumps up to $51,290. Other options include a wide range of extra-cost paint options, as well as a host of package options.
Options packages
The $6,290 Platinum Package is the most extravagant of the bunch, but does include some lower packages as well. You get the Parking Package (a $2,090 option on its own), which adds a rear camera mirror, heated power folding mirrors, a power tilt and telescoping steering column, a cabin air ionizer and Cadillac’s surround vision 360-degree camera system, for a start. Beyond that, the Platinum Package adds an “UltraView” dual-pane sunroof and semi-aniline leather seats.
The $4,190 Premium Package is next down the options list. It adds power driver and passenger lumbar massage, a head-up display, as well as two other packages. The included Climate Package adds heated front seats and a heated steering wheel (part of a standalone, $600 Cold Weather Package) and ventilated front seats. The Navigation and Bose Premium Audio Package adds an updated version of Cadillac’s CUE infotainment system with an 8.0-inch infotainment display. You also get a 15-speaker Bose stereo system and embedded navigation. Though if you opt not to use it, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is also available.
Finally, one of the more significant packages is the Driver Awareness Plus Package. This $1,300 option adds IntelliBeam headlights, a following distance indicator and an 8.0-inch driver information center in the gauge cluster. Lane keep assist is also available as part of this package.
Competition
Even though this is a less powerful car, the 2020 Cadillac CT5-V squares off against some of the mid-range sedan competition from the brand’s German rivals. That includes cars like the BMW 540i, Audi A6 55 TFSI, and the Mercedes-Benz E450. All three of the Germans do have faster versions that aren’t quite their full-on performance models. However, dollar-for-dollar, these are likely going to be the models people cross-shop the most.
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