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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