Now that pricing has been announced for the 2020 Cadillac CT5-V, we can start comparing the performance-oriented sedan against direct rivals in terms of power output and other key metrics, such as overall dimensions and price.
Those that missed the memo should take note: the new Cadillac CT5-V is no longer the monster of a hammer that the ATS-V or CTS-V were. Instead, it represents the entry-level tier of Cadillac’s newly-minted two-tier performance vehicle strategy, wherein the first tier carries the V moniker (like CT5-V), while the second tier will carry the V Blackwing name (such as CT5-V Blackwing). With that in mind, let’s see how the new CT5-V stacks up against the competition.
Starting at $48,690, the CT5-V competes against other mid-range performers such as the Audi S4, BMW M340i, Mercedes-AMG C43, and Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400.
All five contenders in the performance D-segment rely on six-cylinder engines with either one or two turbochargers. The CT5-V is equipped with the 3.0-liter V6 engine (production code LGY) mated to the new 10-speed automatic transmission, while its adversaries’ gearboxes get anywhere from seven to nine gears. All-wheel drive is available across the board, though it’s standard in the Audi and Mercedes.
| Model | Engine | Power (hp @ rpm) | Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi S4 | turbo 3.0L V6 | 349 @ 5400 | 369 @ 1370-4500 | 8-Speed Auto |
| BMW M340i | turbo 3.0L L6 | 382 @ 5800-6500 | 369 @ 1800-5000 | 8-Speed Auto |
| Cadillac CT5-V | twin-turbo 3.0L V6 | 360 @ 5400 | 405 @ 2350-4000 | 10-Speed Auto |
| Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 | twin-turbo 3.0L V6 | 400 @ 6400 | 350 @ 1600-5200 | 7-Speed Auto |
| Mercedes-AMG C43 | twin-turbo 3.0L V6 | 385 @ 6100 | 384 @ 2500-5000 | 9-Speed Auto |
One of the more interesting points about the 2020 Cadillac CT5-V is that it’s as a bigger car than its competitors, but at a lower price point. Here’s how the exterior dimensions and curb weight line up.
| Model | Wheelbase (in.) | Length (in.) | Width (in.) | Height (in.) | Track F/R (in.) | Curb Weight RWD/AWD (lbs.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi S4 | 111.2 | 186.8 | 55.3 | 72.5 | 61.6/60.9 | 3858 |
| BMW M340i | 112.2 | 185.7 | 71.9 | 56.4 | 62.3/61.8 | 3849/3968 |
| Cadillac CT5-V | 116.0 | 193.8 | 74.1 | 57.2 | 62.8/63.9 | 3975/N/A |
| Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 | 112.2 | 189.6 | 71.8 | 56.8 | 60.4/61.4 | 3588/3998 |
| Mercedes-AMG C43 | 111.8 | 185.0 | 71.3 | 56.3 | 63.1/61.3 | 3825 |
Since the CT5-V is bigger on the outside, it normally should offer a more spacious cockpit than its smaller rivals. Here are the interior dimensions of all five cars.
| Model | Front Headroom (in) | Rear Headroom (in) | Front Legroom (in) | Rear Legroom (in) | Front Shoulder Room (in) | Rear Shoulder Room (in) | Front Hip Room (in) | Rear Hip Room (in) | Trunk (cu. ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi S4 | 38.9 | 37.4 | 41.3 | 35.7 | 55.9 | 54.5 | N/A | N/A | 13.0 |
| BMW M340i | 38.7 | 37.6 | 42.0 | 35.2 | 56.0 | 54.6 | N/A | N/A | 17.0 |
| Cadillac CT5-V | 39.0 | 36.6 | 42.4 | 37.9 | 56.7 | 55.7 | 53.7 | 53.7 | 11.9 |
| Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 | 39.5 | 36.8 | 44.5 | 35.1 | 56.7 | 56.1 | 53.2 | 52.5 | 13.5 |
| Mercedes-AMG C43 | 37.1 | 37.1 | 41.7 | 35.2 | 55.3 | 55.0 | N/A | N/A | 12.6 |
Now, let’s see how the Cadillac stacks up to its competitors in regards to pricing. All figures listed include destination freight charges.
| Model | RWD MSRP | AWD MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| Audi S4 | N/A | $51195 |
| BMW M340i | $54995 | $56995 |
| Cadillac CT5-V | $48690 | $51290 |
| Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 | $54250 | $56250 |
| Mercedes-AMG C43 | N/A | $55950 |
In conclusion, the CT5-V ranks fourth for horsepower, but first for peak torque. Meanwhile, it is in fact the biggest car of the bunch form the outside, but apart from slightly more rear-seat legroom, the Cadillac’s cabin isn’t more spacious, and trunk space is the smallest in the segment. On the other hand, it’s the most affordable of the group, by a long shot.
Launch should take place in the first quarter of 2019.
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Greg
1 correction:
Launch should take place first quarter 2020.
Felix
Why is it that Cadillac cant match interior space compared to exterior size when compared to the competition? Whatever the percentage the exterior exceed the competition the interior space should exceed the competition by that amount.
Greg
Did you red the chart?
Greg
Sorry: read
Felix
Yes I did. The CT5 has a longer wheelbase than the other vehicles. It is wider ,taller and longer than the other vehicles. Yet the interior dimensions are about the same and in most cases less.
Felix
I mean some not most cases less. It also has the smallest trunk and weight the most. IMO if you are going against competition with well established reputations and you have a somewhat soiled reputation you have to come with your A game.
I n other words you have to be as good or better in all areas despite the price difference. When you have a not so stellar reputation as Cadillac has right now in order to win customers you need a better product as well as a better price.
Geoff
The CT5-V should be very competitive in its segment. I was pleasantly surprised to see it has the most torque. For the modern interior and excellent driving dynamics it offers, it should fair well. Cadillac just needs to put forth some good “V” specific marketing.
Marshall Sumner
What are the 0-60 times for all these vehicles? Getting on the freeway can be exciting.
Xjug
The only affordable bargain noted here would be on the RWD model vs the AWD. Pricing on AWD is about the same. If it were your money and the difference was even $5k at this level how many pick something new from GM or the history and lineage of an AMG, M of S? This car will not conquest buyers of those marques. Another “base hit” vs “home run” from GM….
Chad
Is the”new 10 speed” anything like the “new 8 speed” that people got stuck with?
Frank Calegory
Good job Cadillac. It’s time to start dominating every segment of the group. You have come a long way and made Americans proud again of you.
Gary
Not really a Luxury ‘Standard of the World’ approach for all intents and purposes.
No matter how it’s presented, there’s a few glaring considerations:
-It may be bigger, but is it really ‘more'(features…) car for the money?
-Will the buying public cross-shop this against the smaller vehicles that are supposedly its competition? I don’t care how GM tries to spin it, but save for price, this car is within 1″ or 2″ inches of a BMW 5 series in all dimensions.
-If I’m looking at a C-Class or 3 Series, will this vehicle be compelling enough for me to consider purchasing?
I dunno but it’s not looking viable. May the marketplace prove me wrong.
Donald Duncan
I am wondering why the new Cadillac CT5 launched in China appears to have larger more robust side mirrors than the models that are due to be released in the U.S. Aside from the aesthetic value ( i think the larger mirrors ) are far more attractive. It would seem to me the larger side mirrors would be safer than the smaller slim type currently fitted on similar cadillac models.