MSRP: From $95,595
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Overview
The 2025 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing stands as the most powerful sedan Cadillac has ever built and the only performance sedan in its class that still pairs a V8 engine with a manual transmission. A supercharged 6.2-liter V8 produces 668 hp and drives the rear wheels. This setup positions the car against the BMW M5, Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid, and Audi RS 7. Each of those rivals costs more and relies on all-wheel drive and electrification, while Cadillac keeps the formula traditional with rear-wheel drive and a pure internal combustion powertrain.
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What’s New for 2026
The 2025 CT5-V Blackwing receives a meaningful refresh for the new model year. The exterior adopts a redesigned front fascia with updated aero ground effects, a wider grille, and stacked vertical LED headlights. The paint palette expands to nine colors and introduces Drift Metallic, Deep Space Metallic, and Typhoon Metallic. Cadillac also adds the RPO V8V Precision Package, which upgrades suspension, steering, and braking for track use.Â
Inside, a 33-inch curved LED display replaces the previous dashboard layout and merges the digital instrument cluster with a Google-based infotainment system with a 5G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The safety suite now includes lane-keep assist, blind-zone steering assist, and automatic emergency braking.
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Exterior
The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing midsize performance sedan presents a fastback profile that looks purposeful without drawing unnecessary attention. The refreshed front fascia incorporates larger air intakes and aerodynamic ground effects, while the rear carries quad trapezoidal exhaust tips and a black-painted spoiler.Â
Nineteen-inch alloy wheels sit beneath widened fenders, giving the car a planted stance. Carbon-fiber packages add a front splitter and additional aerodynamic pieces. Ground clearance measures 4.9 inches, reinforcing the car’s low, wide posture without making the design overly dramatic.
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Interior
Inside the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, the new 33-inch curved LED display is now the visual centerpiece. It combines the digital instrument cluster with a Google-based infotainment system and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 16-speaker AKG surround sound system comes standard. The front seats offer 14-way power adjustment with heating, ventilation, and massage functions.Â
Cadillac includes a heated steering wheel, wireless charging, and dual-zone climate control. A performance steering wheel adds a V button and Traction Management switch for quick access to track-oriented settings. Optional Semi-Aniline leather with custom quilting and carbon fiber seatback panels further elevates the cabin environment.
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Price Range and Best Value Trim
Understanding the 2025 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing’s price structure is easy, as there are only two configurations that differ mainly by transmission choice:
| Model | MSRP |
| CT5-V Blackwing (6-speed manual) | $95,595 |
| CT5-V Blackwing (10-speed automatic) | $103,570 |
Available packages include Precision Package (+$18,000), Carbon Fiber Package ($5,600 to $6,730), and Carbon Ceramic Brakes ($9,000).
Best Value: The base CT5-V Blackwing with the 6-speed manual provides the most engaging driving experience and costs less than every direct rival.
2025 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Key Specs
Powertrain Options
| Specification | Detail |
| Engine | 6.2-liter Supercharged V8 (LT4) |
| Horsepower | 668 hp |
| Torque | 659 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual (std) / 10-speed automatic (opt) |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| 0-60 mph | 3.4 sec (manual) |
| Top Speed | 200+ mph |
The CT5-V Blackwing relies on Cadillac’s LT4 supercharged V8, a well-known performance engine that prioritizes power delivery and responsiveness. Buyers choose between a six-speed manual transmission or a ten-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive remains the only drivetrain configuration.
Fuel Economy (MPG)
| Configuration | City | Highway | Combined | Range |
| CT5-V Blackwing (Manual) | 13 | 20 | 15 | 255 mi |
| CT5-V Blackwing (Automatic) | 13 | 20 | 15 | 255 mi |
Fuel type: Premium gasoline required
Fuel tank: 17.0 gallons
Dimensions and Capacities
| Specification | Detail |
| Length | 194.9 in |
| Width (w/o mirrors) | 74.1 in |
| Width (w/ mirrors) | 80.3 in |
| Height | 56.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 116.0 in |
| Trunk Volume | 11.9 cu-ft |
| Curb Weight | 4,123 lbs |
| Seating | 5 |
Warranty
| Coverage | Duration |
| Basic | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 6 years / 70,000 miles |
| Complimentary Maintenance | First visit |
| Rust Protection | 6 years / unlimited miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 6 years / 70,000 miles |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Thunderous 668-hp supercharged V8 delivers world-class acceleration
- Standard 6-speed manual transmission remains unique in this segment
- Magnetic Ride Control suspension balances comfort and handling
- Costs significantly less than the BMW M5 and Mercedes-AMG E 53 rivals
Cons:
- Trunk space of 11.9 cu-ft feels tight for a sedan of this size
- Rear headroom measures 36.6 inches, limiting space for taller passengers
- Fuel economy of 15 MPG combined and a small 17-gallon tank restrict driving range
- Rear-wheel drive only, with no AWD option
Verdict
The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing captures a performance formula that modern luxury sedans increasingly abandon. The car combines a supercharged V8, rear-wheel drive, and a manual gearbox in a segment moving toward electrification. Acceleration to 60 mph is 3.4 seconds, lateral grip exceeds 1.0 g on the skidpad, and braking from 60 mph requires 104 feet. The 2025 update adds modern display technology while preserving the mechanical character that defines the car. For enthusiasts who value driver involvement, this sedan stands among the most compelling high-performance four-doors of its era.
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Competitors
- BMW M5
- Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid
- Audi RS 7
About the author
Cobus F. Potgieter
Reviews and Features Editor