In a surprise announcement mid-March, Cadillac revealed the all-new, 2020 CT5 sedan that will relaunch the brand into the popular and lucrative D-segment to battle the likes of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3 Series. At the time, Caddy provided studio shots of the new CT5, making it somewhat difficult to understand the new vehicle’s design. Luckily, we just got exclusive new photos of the new Cadillac CT5 on the open road, and the pictures give us a new sense of the exterior styling and intricacies in the surface development.
So then, the Cadillac CT5 shown here seems to be wearing the optional Crystal White Tricoat paint. The model appears to be the Luxury model. Though Cadillac originally announced that the CT5 will be available in “Luxury and Sport models”, we believe that the Luxury trim will be broken out into the base Luxury model, with the Premium Luxury trim slotting above it and alongside the CT5 Sport.
If our assumption is correct, then the Cadillac CT5 Luxury will feature black front grilles, while the Premium Luxury model will feature a shiny upper grille.
Seeing the CT5 in the wild gives us a better idea of the horizontal headlight treatment, the vertical daytime running lamps, and the entire front end as a whole. Also check out that multi-contoured hood.
From the side, the new Cadillac CT5 Luxury features a chrome window trim wrapping the day-light opening (DLO). We also get a better look at that much-debated C-pillar treatment, complete with a glossy black blanking plate. A set of twin-five-spoke wheels (with a total of 10 spokes) appear to be 18-inches in diameter.
Out back, the Cadillac logo is missing, but the set of horizontal and vertical tail lights inspired by the Escala Concept is present and accounted for. There’s also a rather tasteful dual exhaust treatment.
Other notable items include the camera for the Rear Camera Mirror placed at the back of the roof-mounted comms fin, a Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL) located inside the top-most portion of the rear glass, and a clear reverse lamp located centrally between the two tail pipes, much like on the outgoing ATS and CTS.
The new Cadillac CT5 rides on an evolved version of the award-winning Alpha RWD/AWD architecture. Cadillac did not say it outright in its announcement, but the CT5 is the indirect replacement to the ATS and CTS. It will compete in the D-segment against the likes of the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Cadillac previously told us that the “CT5 showcases Cadillac’s unique expertise in crafting American performance sedans, with details designed to elevate every drive.” Note that for what it’s worth.
Inside, the new Cadillac CT5 features a “driver-centric cockpit” that “blends high tech and high touch for an exceptional blend of control tactility.”
The new Cadillac CT5 will make its public debut in April at the New York International Auto Show. It will be built at the Lansing Grand River plant. The facility received a $211 million investment to build the next-generation Cadillac sedan. The Cadillac Jinqiao plant in Shanghai, China will to produce the CT5 model for the Chinese market.
Stay tuned to Cadillac Society for more for more CT5 news and Cadillac news coverage.
But still less than the industry average.
No, the V badge doesn't add horsepower... but nice try.
Due to an issue with oversized lifter bores.
Applicable only to models that are NOT eligible for the tax credit.
Dressed in black with bright silver accents.
Caddy swept both first and second.
