For the past two decades – starting with the first-gen CTS-V – Cadillac has been clawing its way up the ultra high-performance luxury D-segment. The luxury marque’s current entry in this space is the CT5-V Blackwing, and it has a new rival in the form of the 2024 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance.
Boasting technologies derived from Formula One racing, the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance pairs a powerful four-cylinder engine with an electric motor mounted on the rear axle, result in over 650 horsepower – making the new German ready to take on the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing in the ultra-high-performance luxury D-segment sedan market. While the 63 S E Performance goes neck-and-neck with the CT5-V Blackwing in terms of performance, the Mercedes does boast one clear-cut advantage: it’s almost $11,000 less expensive than the Caddy.
Pricing for the base 2024 Mercedes-AMG C 63 Performance trim starts at $85,050, while the Performance Pinnacle trim starts at $87,100. Both models feature a nine-speed automatic transmission. It’s worth noting that the latter trim could be considered a closer rival to the CT5-V Blackwing, as it features augmented video navigation along with a head-up display (HUD), similar to technology found in the CT5-V Blackwing. For comparison, the CT5-V Blackwing is priced at $98,065 when outfitted with the 10-speed automatic transmission, or $10,965 more than the C 63 S E Performance Pinnacle.
Check out the following table for a more detailed comparison between the two rivals.
| CT5-V Blackwing | CT5-V Blackwing | C 63 S E Performance | C 63 S E Performance Pinnacle | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | Supercharged 6.2L V8 LT4 | Supercharged 6.2L V8 LT4 | Turbo 2.0L I4 PHEV | Turbo 2.0L I4 PHEV |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 10-speed automatic | 9-speed dual-clutch automatic | 9-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | AWD | AWD |
| Output (hp) | 668 @ 6,500 | 668 @ 6,500 | 671 combined | 671 combined |
| Torque (lb-ft) | 659 @ 3,600 | 659 @ 3,600 | 752 combined | 752 combined |
| MSRP + DFC | $94,890 | $98,065 | $85,050 | $87,100 |
As for power, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance harnesses the turbocharged 2.0L I4 gasoline engine that meshes with a two-speed electric motor for all-wheel-drive, good for a total system output of 671 horsepower and 752 pound-feet of torque. AMG ride control and an adaptive damping system provide a smooth ride, while passengers inside the cabin can take advantage of the MBUX infotainment system, heated leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a panoramic sunroof. The infotainment setup consists of a 12.3-inch driver display is paired with an 11.9-inch central multimedia screen.
Meanwhile, the 2024 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is offered with a single powerhouse under the hood: the supercharged 6.2L V8 engine (production code LT4), which is capable of producing 668 horsepower and 659 pound-feet of torque. This model is offered exclusively in rear-wheel-drive, unlike the C 63 S E Performance.
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Mike
Never trust a car that is smug
Justin Curley
You can’t beat a Cadillac. Your better off using BMW to compare with the Cadillac.
Victor
The MB has the price advantage, the performance, and of course the badge. But as that old ad says: Wouldn’t you rather have a V8??
Steve
A Mercedes-Benz C63 S E Performance versus Cadillac CT-5 Blackwing, I’ll take the Mercedes everytime over the Cadillac. The C63 S E was designed, engineered, assembled and will last decades into the future than a hodged-podged built Cadillac which uses a parts bin of GM parts.
Berry R. Craft
Steve, I will buy American muscle everytime!
Alex Luft
On that topic: years ago, Mercedes had to buy back my SL AMG because they couldn’t figure out what was wrong with its adaptive suspension (ABC). Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) used in the Cadillacs (and other GM products) is much better and much less complex.
Austin
That’s perfectly fine. The Cadillac (and all modern GM performance cars) are meant for driving enthusiasts. Not German fanboy snobs. For years GM’s had world-beating engineers.. And cars like the BW’s have the absolute best track performance, handling, skidpad grip, suspension/chassis tuning, & driver engagement. Along with gorgeous interiors & build quality. And they’re the only one’s still making 3-pedal, rwd super-sedans w/ pure internal combustion.
Clem
That’s right, no manual in the Benz and how long will that electric motor put out full power? On a dragstrip OK, but on a longer road course at full bore, it may not keep up til the finish line!