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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One of four new colors for the 2025 model year.
And it now represents the best value in its segment.
A curious sighting from a video of the Cadillac design studio.
