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.
Subscribe to Cadillac Society for more Cadillac CT5 news and around-the-clock Cadillac news coverage.
We're not aware of any plans to bring the updated XT6 to North America.
Or, as we like to call it, the Precise Monster.
Slotting between the Lyriq and Escalade IQ.
A surprising about-face for the luxury marque and its parent, GM.
Someone has taken home a piece of automotive racing history.
Two features that set the V's steering wheel apart.
