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The Cadillac CT5 went on sale in Fall 2019 as a 2020 model. It was unveiled at the 2019 New York Auto Show. Unlike its predecessor, the CTS and the flagship CT6, the fastback body style of the CT5 is inspired by Cadillac fastback models of the late 1940s. While the 2020 Cadillac CT4 and CT5 debuts ushered in a new generation of Cadillac sedans, the 2021 models enhance these vehicles.
The 2021 Cadillac CT5 is a key sports sedan and plays a leading role at the Detroit luxury automaker. For 2021, the CT5 receives a new Diamond Sky Metallic Edition package, offering unique exterior and interior design elements including distinct wheels, all part of the generation introduced for the 2020 model.
The 2021 Cadillac CT5 comes in four trim levels: Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport and V-series, which adds more power. The 2021 CT5 Premium Luxrury comes with 3.0L Twin Turbo V6 Engine and 10-speed auto transmission. This trim's fuel economy is 21 miles per gallon, with 18/26 city/highway. The starting MSRP of the 2021 Cadillac CT5 Premium Luxury trim is $40,795, which it can reach to $52,510 with all the options included.
Once in the driver's seat, customers will immediately notice a new available HD 12-inch diagonal instrument cluster2 that can be reconfigured with different themes.
Additionally, the highly anticipated Enhanced Super Cruise with Lane Change on Demand feature are available on CT4 and CT5 Premium Luxury and V-Series models in early 2021.
Super Cruise is considered the industry's first true hands-free driver assistance system for compatible roads in the US and Canada. But keep in mind, it only works on highways.
The vehicles' easy-to-use infotainment system will add Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless capabilities, as well as SiriusXM with 360L5, offering travelers more than 200 live SiriusXM channels, plus on-demand programming options.
There isn't a big difference between the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims of the 2021 Cadillac CT5 models, as the latter mainly adds a couple of extra driver aids and wireless device charging. It is your choice which trim you will want and whether the couple of extra driver aids are worthy of the extra dollars.
The Premium Luxury opens access to a variety of options that are not available for the Luxury model. These include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, a head-up display, and a premium audio system.
The Sport is equipped similarly to the Premium Luxury. Notable exceptions include high-performance Brembo brakes, a spoiler, magnesium shift paddles, and the optional Platinum package, which adds nearly every option available to the CT5.
A new 12.0-inch digital gauge display is recently available, and Cadillac will offer its semi-autonomous Super Cruise driving mode as an option on the 2021 CT5s.
The exclusive Diamond Sky Metallic package comes on Luxury and Premium Luxury with exclusive accents and glossy edges, 20-inch alloy wheels, with a polished and dark finish, and all-season run-flat tires.
Now in its fourth generation, Cadillac continues to bolster its V-Series sub-brand. 2021 CT4-V and CT5-V material enhancements include enhanced Modena leather on the high-performance steering wheel, along with a standard lined horn pad. in leather.
Additionally, the front brake calipers are now branded V Performance with the V Series logo.
On the CT4-V, the center console trim has been upgraded from aluminum to carbon fiber.
Select V Series content is now also available in the Sport version of each vehicle. The CT5 Sport now offers an available V Performance Package, which includes an improved performance suspension, Magnetic Ride Control, and mechanical limited-slip differential.
Brembo V Performance front brakes are also available in the Sport version for the CT4 and CT5, with a choice of red or blue calipers.
The Interior
The interior of the 2021 Cadillac CTS Premium Luxury looks substantially better than the ATS and CTS cabs. The CT5 also comes with everything you'd expect from a midsize luxury sedan.
The design and quality of the materials seem to match what you will find in other Cadillacs, making it attractive, but it is not a leader in its class.
With a much more user-friendly design, it brings buttons instead of vague capacitive touch controls for climate control, as well as the radio and media interface.
Front passengers enjoy plenty of shoulder room, but rear passengers have slightly less.
The heated, ventilated and massaged front seats; a 10-inch infotainment screen, leather upgrades are details that bring it closer to its German competitors.
The rear seat is roomier than the CTS, but rivals like the Acura TLX and Volvo S60 feel roomier. Perhaps the design of the rear-wheel drive and what it gains in performance and driving dynamics, it sacrifices in utility.
In its trunk, behind the rear seats, it can fit several suitcases, but it does not have the space of the old Cadillacs.
More Technology
The 2021 CT5 features the latest version of the CUE infotainment system, displayed on a 10.0-inch touchscreen in the center of the dash. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and already come with wireless connectivity.
Near-field Bluetooth device pairing is a nice touch at this level too. Just place your phone in the immediate area of a sensor to pair it.
Riding and Handling
When it comes to ride and handling, the CT5 is smoother and less athletic than the CTS it replaces. Its 360 horsepower V6 has extraordinary strength. Although, it seems that the body control is a bit neglected compared to its German peers.
The 10-speed automatic transmission is fast and smooth, with clever tuning that seems to put you in the right gear at the right time.
On curvy roads it feels fast and agile, with responsive steering and a ride that balances comfort and sport. The brakes feel firm and powerful, further cementing the feel of the sports sedan.
There is very little noise from the outside making its way into the cabin. An exception is the soft noise of the engine at high revs.
Its closest rivals are the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti and Genesis G70.
Cadillac hasn't had much success against its German rivals, with the midsize ATS and CTS sedans. We'll see how it fares with the CT5.
The 2021 CT5 looks great and has an easier-to use infotainment. It comes stocked with Cadillac's latest tech and safety features and is very user-friendly. While it may not be as pampering as German rivals and the rear-seat head room is not ideal for taller people, this sedan has bold lines, healthy turbot power and Precise steering and smooth-shifting powertrain.
Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebok, Linkedin and Youtube.
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