2020 Cadillac CT5 - Quirks and Features

Representing one of the newest additions to Cadillac's lineup, GM has introduced the 2020 CT5. The 2020 Cadillac CT5 presents an unusual frame considerably different compared to any previous generation of Cadillac cars. Using angular shapes formed to capture the spirit and function of the Cadillac brand and its move into modernity, the CT5 features a dominant front section, coupe-styled roof, and unique rear lights that follow the philosophy of individuality. That is something Cadillac is so keen to introduce and promote with its new breed of its vehicles. Although we are still far from the full unveiling that will happen at the 2019 New York Auto Show, I am giving you all the available critical facts about Cadillac's latest and greatest.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 Has a New Rear End For More Individual Character

In a push for more individuality within its lineup, Cadillac introduced a new rear-end on the CT5 that should feel different compared with what you can see on other new Caddy's. It doesn't.

Looking straight back, you can discern two taillight number one facing each other. It is the same story with the Cadillac CT6-V (awesome car, btw) and the new XT6 (a bit underwhelming). What Cadillac probably thought when it said it would offer a more individual character for the CT5 is the integration of the sloping roof. I don't mind that at all, especially when it is done right as on the Audi A7.

Here, however, I feel that the glasshouse should have been a bit narrower and that the shape of the rear doors should be different. The back end of the doors above the shoulder line has to be sloped forward for the maximum dramatic effect. It just has to. I know that a decision like this would reduce the door cutout, and it would be more challenging to get in, but it is a small price to pay for a fantastic style. But, that's just me talking. Or, is it?

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 Was Influenced by the Escala Concept

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It would seem that the primary design influence behind the Cadillac CT5 design was the Escala Concept. If the CT5 inherited all the design decisions behind the Escala Concept, I doubt anyone would compare it with the new Honda Accord. Now, everyone does. All because of that external C pillar design cue. It just looks like Caddy designers took it from the Accord and slapped it on the CT5. Some even go as far as to say that it works better on the Accord which, in fact, unlike the CT5, has that small window on the C pillar. That black surface on the C pillar of the Cadillac is just that - a black glossy surface. I hate when manufacturers of supposedly, high-end cars, do this kind of thing. I hated the way Beemer cheaply cut the front bumper and hood on the F80, all the exhaust fakery on the Mercs and Audis, and now I hate this. If it is supposed to be a window, then make it a freaking window. You know Caddy, as you did on the concept car!

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 Is Offered in Two Trim Levels - Luxury and Sport

As expected, the CT5 inherited the trim structure from the XT4 and the XT6. That means that you can have it in luxury guise with a trim called Luxury and in a sporty guise with the trim called Sport.

The easiest way to differentiate two cars is by the shape of the lower lip on the front bumper, the shape of the intakes (note honeycomb grille on the Sport) and rich chrome treatment on the Luxury. The Sport does have slightly more pronounced lid spoiler as well.

Here, the 2020 Cadillac CT5 Sport is in gray and the 2020 Cadillac CT5 Luxury in burgundy.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 Can Only Be Had With Turbocharged Engines

Forget about any naturally aspirated jazz here. Caddy is going all turbocharged with the new CT5.

With its Alpha platform architecture, Cadillac opted for the installation of the 10-speed automatic transmission. It will be available with a RWD setup as standard. An AWD system is available on all trim levels and for all available propulsion options.

While unconfirmed, the 2.0-liter is likely to be much the same as in the Camaro. That will equal to 275 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The high-end, 3.0-liter, turbocharged unit, though, comes with a healthy 404 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 is the First Caddy to Feature the New Badge in Newton-Meters

Launching the new torque-based naming scheme for its engines, Cadillac is definitely dwelling into unknown territories of the car naming culture. Not only will it include the torque number on the back of its cars, but instead of doing it in pound-feet of torque, Cadillac will "torque-badge" its cars in Newton-meters. That's right, Cadillac is forcing the United States to comprehend the metric system.

I believe it is because of the more natural process of rounding up the numbers with greater precision and because of the invasion of electric cars. As you may know, electric motors usually have incredible torque, so it is only logical to put that number on display. True, Caddy doesn't have any electric cars, but that is bound to change.

Because, you know, 295 pound-feet is 399.9 Nm, so that's that. Naming gurus within Cadillac will round the three-digit torque number to the nearest 50. It would not work to have a Cadillac CT5 399T, would it?

"We're not talking about displacements any more," Steve Carlisle, Cadillac president said. "Its purpose is to communicate power and performance, not just for ICE engines, but also for other propulsion." On that note, Cadillac plans to launch its first all-electric model in 2022. Probably a crossover! Of course, late to the party.

2020 Cadillac CT5 Pricing

Considering the Cadillac CT5 replaces the ATS and the CTS, it would be safe to assume that its price will fall somewhere in between these two cars. Safely, I can imagine that it will be considerably cheaper than the Cadillac CT6 that starts at $50,495. If it replaces the ATS and the CTS, I can also assume that it will be a bit cheaper than the CTS. That one, when it was available, started at $46,995.

So, are we looking here at a $45,000 Caddy here?