These updated CT5-V models get a new face and Cadillac’s massive LED display.
Two concepts dominate the 2025 Cadillac CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing models: performance…and screens. That’s the modern world for you, although V8 enthusiasts will be delighted to know the Blackwing lives on after it did not make an initial appearance with the “normal” CT5 at last year’s Detroit Auto Show. Now, Cadillac has restored the balance by sharing details about its upper-echelon performance models.
In essence, the 2025 Cadillac CT5-V models get the same range of changes that the standard car did. That includes a revised front fascia with a more flowing headlight design, as well as a reshaped lower bumper to make both cars look more aggressive. Cadillac tweaked the grille, the moldings, the rocker extensions and the spoiler to give the car a meaner look, so people definitely won’t mistake your car for the standard 2.0-liter turbo, like some commoner.
Both the 2025 CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing get approach lighting features — or “walk up and walk away lighting choreography”, as Cadillac calls it — as well as three new colors: Drift Metallic, Deep Space Metallic and Typhoon Metallic. Both V-Series cars get quad trapezoid exhaust pipes, though the CT5-V Blackwing steps it up with carbon fiber packages.
What about the performance?
Of course, styling changes are great, but the power is what really matters for these cars. On that front, the 6.2-liter supercharged CT5-V Blackwing carries over. But, hey, at least the V8 option is still an option. You still get a whopping 668 horsepower and 659 lb-ft of torque, all of which makes its way to the rear wheels through a 10-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission. Amazingly, the automaker says half of all Blackwing sales are manuals. You can’t see it, but I did throw my hands up in the air and did the obligatory happy dance when I heard that.
As for the standard CT5-V, you still get a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine with 360 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. That only mates up to the 10-speed automatic, though you can get it with either rear- or all-wheel drive. On paper, it obviously doesn’t sound as impressive as the Blackwing (nor does it actually sound better in real life), but that beefy amount of torque is nothing to snicker at.
The interiors also see a moderate revamp.
Front and center for the 2025 Cadillac CT5 lineup, including the V-Series, is the massive 33-inch diagonal touchscreen display. Much like the brand’s other new models, there’s now a single unit for both the digital gauge cluster and the infotainment screen. The revamped CT5s are also rocking a Google Built-in system, integrating core apps like Google Maps the Play Store into the top-level user experience. While the company’s EVs are phasing out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, the 2025 CT5 will still support these features, and will also have an available 5G Wi-Fi hotspot.
Within the updated native infotainment system, Cadillac also built in its Performance Data Recorder, as you’ve been able to get before on GM’s high-performance models. This time around, though, you also get a Lap Analyzer as well as a Speed Tips tool and an automatic summary of the car’s configuration, tire pressures and track data before you head out onto a track outing. CT5-V owners get access to the “AliveDrive” mobile app to further analyze their performance, even outside the car.
Finally, the 2025 Cadillac CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing get a host of driver assistance tech, including the Super Cruise hands-off, eyes-on semi-autonomous driving system. That comes standard on automatic models (you don’t get it with the manual Blackwing), though it’s only free for the first three years after you buy the car. After that, you’ll have to pay a subscription fee to continue having Super Cruise functionality.
The 2025 Cadillac CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing models will make their first appearance at this year’s Rolex 24 at Daytona, which kicks off this weekend. Beyond that, you’ll be able to actually buy the updated cars this summer. Pricing is not available yet, but I don’t expect either V-Series model to move much from their current MSRPs ($52,890 for the CT5-V and $94,890 for the CT5-V Blackwing).
