I Can’t Hate the 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, Even If I Want To
I absolutely despise what Cadillac has transformed into over the past couple of decades. In my opinion, their decision to compete with European brands by adopting a edgier and sportier image was one of the biggest mistakes in the industry. However, the current Escalade is an exception to this trend. Furthermore, Cadillac’s peculiar choice to invest a significant amount of money into developing a twin-turbo V8 engine called the Blackwing, only to discontinue it after using it in one model for two years, and then reintroducing the name for V8 performance models without that engine, leaves me perplexed. GM’s strange flex.
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Given these sentiments, one would assume that I would dislike my several weeks spent with the 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, with its impressive 668-horsepower supercharged LT4 V8. But no, I couldn’t be more wrong. This car is absolutely amazing, and it pains me to return it. But why?
While Cadillac’s regular lineup has lost its sense of direction over the years, the V brand has always remained focused on what it should be. It has capitalized on GM’s core competencies, with the Cadillac branding serving as a cherry on top, elevating the overall experience of their vehicles. The CT5-V Blackwing exemplifies this perfectly.
The base CT5 is an uninspiring and unremarkable car, offering average powertrains, a dated interior, and decent yet unexceptional exterior styling. It’s not overly expensive, but it’s also not cheap, with a starting price of around $40,000. Spending an additional $10,000 will get you the twin-turbo V6-powered CT5-V (which I can’t really recommend). However, the magic truly happens when you open your wallet wide enough to spend at least $93,000 on the V8-powered Blackwing version.
GM’s 6.2-liter supercharged LT4 V8 was first introduced in the C7-generation Corvette Z06, delivering 650 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. In the Blackwing, which is the second-most powerful iteration of this engine after the one found in the Escalade V, it produces an astounding 668 hp and 658 lb-ft of torque. This engine is undoubtedly one of the greatest achievements in automotive engineering, offering unrivaled power, torque, drivability, and efficiency that leaves other performance engines envious. In this car, it is pure bliss.
The Blackwing can be paired with either a six-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission, exclusive to rear-wheel drive. While many enthusiasts would argue in favor of the manual transmission, stating that it’s always superior, they are mistaken. Opting for the automatic transmission not only allows you to enjoy a plethora of advanced safety and convenience features, but it also better complements the character of the car. Whether you feel like driving like a maniac or simply cruising comfortably in the CT5, the automatic transmission is the right choice. (Note: Kyle has not driven a manual CT5-V Blackwing and his opinion on this matter is questionable.)
While the powertrain has always been the star of the V models, the engineering team at Cadillac has prioritized the chassis as well. It’s like The Miracles to the LT4’s Smokey Robinson. This generation of V benefits from GM’s highly refined MagneRide suspension, which perfectly complements the dual nature of this car. Even in the softest suspension setting, the car’s body maintains control, despite its over 4,000-pound weight. The steering is direct and precise, although it may not offer the best feedback. Ultimately, this is a luxury car at its core.
Braking is handled by large steel brakes (Brembo 15.67-inch rotors up front, 14.7 inches in the rear), or, for those with deep pockets and an ego to protect, a $9,000 option for carbon ceramic brakes. In my test vehicle, I had the latter, and they performed exceptionally well without the overly aggressive bite associated with carbon brakes. However, I suspect the car would still be great without this upgrade, but why not go all out?
The interior is arguably the weakest aspect of the CT5-V. While it offers modern amenities such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a decent touchscreen, it falls short of Cadillac’s best interiors found in models like the Escalade. The materials feel average, and the fit and finish are satisfactory, but not remarkable. The high-performance bucket seats are comfortable and come with heating and cooling capabilities. Compared to the uncomfortable BMW M Carbon Buckets, the Caddy’s seats are more affordable and livable. The safety tech is decent, on par with other cars in its class, although as mentioned earlier, much of it is only available on automatic-equipped models.
The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing starts at $93,390, including a $1,395 destination charge. My test vehicle had a price tag of $110,280, featuring carbon ceramic brakes, high-performance bucket seats, premium paint and wheels, and a performance data recorder. The 10-speed automatic transmission is a $2,275 option, and the driver assist package costs $900.
One great advantage of the CT5-V Blackwing is that there is nothing else in its price range that offers the same level of power, advanced chassis technology, and carbon brakes. If you’re looking for something similar from BMW, the M8 Competition Gran Coupe falls short in terms of power and torque, while also having all-wheel drive and a better interior, with a price hike of nearly $40,000. Audi’s RS 7 Performance offers less power but more torque, coming in at just under $130,000 with no additional options. As for Mercedes-AMG, good luck finding an E63 now.
While the CT5-V Blackwing goes against what I believe Cadillac should be doing, it’s an incredibly difficult car to hate. It boasts one of the world’s greatest engines, producing an immensely satisfying sound, a well-engineered chassis, and an enticing price for what it offers. Is it perfect? No. But do I desperately want to own one? Absolutely.
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