The 2020 Cadillac CT5-V is a higher performance version of the 2020 CT5, the midsize sedan that replaced the old CTS in 2019. Nameplate-wise, the 2020 CT5-V is a replacement for the CTS-V, but the redesign is rather lackluster in the performance department. While the CTS-V had in excess of 600 horsepower and delivered more oomph than the competition, the CT5-V's V-6 engine slips below the 400-horsepower rating. So while it can compete with cars like the 2019 BMW 5 Series and 2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class in terms of styling, features, and technology, the CT5-V doesn't replace the CTS-V as a competitor for the beefed-up 2019 BMW M5 and 2019 Mercedes-AMG E63. Check out our review to find out why.

Exterior

Much like the CTS-V before it, the CT5-V is a standard CT5 with a few extra features that make the exterior look sportier. The beefed-up Caddy has the same wide grille, but rectangular inserts were replaced with a fine, honeycomb-style mesh. The grille and the frame are also black for an extra touch of aggressiveness.

The bumper is sportier too. it retains the three-piece layout of the standard CT5, but the center vent is now completely separated from the vertical outlets from the sides. The horizontal slats were replaced by the same fine mesh in the grille, also in a darker finish. The lower bumper also incorporates a small splitter now. Not sure if it enhances the car's aerodynamics dramatically, but it sure makes the sedan look a bit more aggressive.

The CT5-V’s profile is clean and simple, like most Caddys out there. Things change dramatically toward the back thanks to the elongated coupe-style roof that marks a departure from Cadillac’s traditional, boxy sedan designs. The "V" badge doesn't add too many features. Aside from the 19-inch wheels wrapped in performance tires and the standard black trim around the windows, the CT5-V is basically identical to the standard model.

The CT5-V design doesn't change much in the back either, with only a few hints that suggest this is a performance model. The first new feature isn't very noticeable either, as it's just a blacked-out trim element at the top of the license plate recess. The only way to tell that this is a V model is to look at the bumper, which features a quad exhaust layout instead of the CT5's more mundane dual setup. Cadillac also added a diffuser-like element in the center. Although not very aggressive, this body-colored element provides a cool contrast with the black lower bumper.

Granted, the CT5-V isn't notably more aggressive than the standard CT5, but it's sporty enough to take on competitors from BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

2020 Cadillac CT5-V exterior dimensions

Interior

Although it fully unveiled the CT5-V, Cadillac didn't have much to say about interior upgrades. But it's safe to assume that the CT5-V is a regular CT5 with a few extra features.

The first thing you need to know is that the CT5 is a big improvement over the CTS design-wise, but it also retains some of the old cues. The A/C vent and the wood trim on the passenger-side dashboard are very similar to the old CTS, for instance. The center stack, on the other hand, is entirely different, and this feature prevents the CT5 from looking dated. The center stack is wider at the bottom now, an area that also contains new A/C vents. The infotainment display sits higher on the dash, while the screen is bigger, now with a 10-inch diagonal.

The gear selector is now placed on the left side of the center console, so it’s closer to the driver, just like in an authentic sports car. The CT5 has wood trim in that area, but the CT5-V might come with aluminum as standard and an option for carbon-fiber trim. Both the steering wheel and instrument cluster are new, the latter with a larger digital display. Expect this screen to feature a custom start-up layout and a few extra menus for performance-related data. The leather and aluminum trim should carry over from the standard model, but expect more metal and carbon-fiber instead of wood veneer.

2020 Cadillac CT5-V exterior dimensions

As far as convenience goes, the CT5 comes with heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, phone pairing via Near Field Communication (NFC) and standard Adaptive Remote Start.

So what other extra features should you expect from the "V" badge? The front seats were replaced with sportier units that have bigger side bolstering for enhanced lateral support. The digital instrument cluster should get a few extras as well, like access to a new app that measures performance. Also looks for a few "CT5-V" badges, custom door sills, and a flat-bottom steering wheel.

Trunk space should remain identical to the CT5, so look for 11.9 cubic feet of luggage room. The bad news here is that this trunk is significantly smaller than the competition. While the BMW 5 Series offers 18.7 cubic feet, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class boasts 19 cubic feet.

Drivetrain

Just like it did with the CT4-V compared to the ATS-V, Cadillac made some drastic changes under the CT5-V's hood compared to the previous CTS-V. While the old midsize had a massive, supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine, the CT5-V features a much smaller 3.0-liter V-6. The CTS-V's V-8, borrowed from the Chevrolet Corvette Z06, churns out an impressive 640 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. The CT5-V's twin-turbo V-6 comes with 355 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque on tap.

That's a 285-horsepower and 230-pound-foot deficit. What the hell happened here? Well, Cadillac gave no official explanation for this massive power decrease, but the American company is in big trouble if a more powerful version isn't in the making. That's because, unlike its predecessor, the CT5-V doesn't have what it takes to go against the high-performance German sedans.

Specifically, the BMW M5 features a twin-turbo, 4.4-liter V-8 that generates a whopping 591 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. That's 236 horses and 153 pound-feet more than the CT5-V. The Mercedes-AMG E63 is also significantly more powerful thanks to a twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V-8 that cranks out 563 horses and 553 pound-feet. That's an extra 208 horsepower and an extra 153 pound-feet of twist. Things become even more embarrassing if we compare the CT5-V to the AMG E63 S, which comes with 604 horses and 627 pound-feet on tap, exactly 249 horsepower and 227 pound-feet more than the Caddy.

Based on these figures, you can expect the CT5-V to be notably slower than the competition. While the old CTS-V needed 3.6 seconds to hit 60 mph, the CT5-V will probably get there in around four clicks. That's more than a half-second slower than the BMW M5 and the Mercedes-AMG E63.

Making matters worse, the CT5-V is only 20 horses more powerful than the standard CT5 equipped with the 3.0-liter V-6.

2020 Cadillac CT5-V vs Cadillac CT5

Simply put, the CT5-V isn't suited to go against proper BMW M and Mercedes-AMG cars. This American sedan packs less oomph than the more mundane Mercedes-Benz E450, which features a 3.0-liter V-6 rated at 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Likewise, the CT5-V is better suited to go against non-M versions of the 5 Series, like the 540i, a sedan powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six with 335 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of twist.

Frustrating performance figures aside, the CT5-V comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission and an electronic limited-slip rear differential. There's no option for a manual transmission, but this isn't surprising given that the competition doesn't offer three-pedal versions either. The standard CT5-V is rear-wheel driven, but you can opt for an all-wheel-drive system. Tuned for increased performance, the chassis includes Cadillac's latest Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 system. The company claims it's the world's fastest reaction suspension and that improves both ride and performance, depending on the drive setup.

Other performance upgrades over the standard CT5 include a high-performance traction management system, a Brembo front braking system, and a customizable V-Mode that puts the entire drivetrain into a more aggressive setup.

2020 Cadillac CT5-V drivetrain specifications

Driving assistance systems

Just like the CT5, the CT5-V is equipped with a range of driver assistance technologies. We don't have access to a full list of features, but we do know that the base Luxury trim comes with standard features like Traction & Stability Control, HD Rear Vision Camera, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, Automatic Emergency Braking, Safety Alert Seat, and Reflective LED windshield collision alert. The Premium Luxury and Sport trims add Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Park Assist, and auto-dimming mirrors. The CT5-V should come with all of the above as standard.

The options list includes more features, like Adaptive Cruise Control, Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking, Automatic Parking Assist with Braking, and Following Distance Indicator. You can also add Front Park Assist, HD Surround Vision, Surround Vision Recorder, Head-up Display, and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning. Rear Camera Mirror, Rear Pedestrian Alert, and Reverse Automatic Braking features complete the list.

The CT5-V is also equipped with Cadillac's new Super Cruise feature. Described as the world’s first true hands-free driver assistance system, it enables you to drive hands-free "on more than 130,000 miles of limited-access freeways in the United States and Canada." Like any autonomous system, it uses LiDAR map data, a high-precision GPS, and a network of camera and radar sensors to drives the car without driver input.

2020 Cadillac CT5-V chassis and suspensions

Pricing

Pricing for the CT5 is not yet available, so it will take a while until we find out more about the CT5-V's sticker. With the CTS priced from $46,995, it's safe to say that the CT5-V will have a similar price. However, the CT5-V won't be as expensive as the CTS-V, which came in at a whopping $86,995. Since the detuned V-6 places the CT5-V in a lower league, the Caddy shouldn't cost more than cars like the Mercedes-Benz E450 and BMW 540i, both priced from almost $60,000. If the CT5-V fetches more than that, Cadillac will have a very hard time selling it.

Competition

As much as I'd like to compare this Caddy with M- and AMG-badged Bimmers and Mercs, I can't do it. There's not enough power under the CT5-V's hood. It's not even enough for the lower level BMW M550i and Mercedes-AMG E53.

BMW 5 Series

The 5 Series was redesigned from the ground up for the 2017 model year. It doesn't look radically different than its predecessor, but it definitely has a fresh exterior design. Inside the cabin, you'll find BMW's latest tech and even a semi-autonomous driving function, just like in the CT5-V. As far as power goes, the 540i trim is well suited to go against the CT5-V. Powered by a turbocharged, 3.0-liter inline-six engine, it comes with 335 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque on tap. Granted, it's less oomph than what you get with the Caddy, but the M550i is way too powerful. But the 540i isn't slow either, as it needs 4.8 seconds to hit 60 mph from a standing start. Pricing for this trim starts from $58,950 with RWD and from $61,250 with BMW's xDrive AWD system.

Read our full review of the BMW 5 Series.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Also launched for the 2017 model year, the E-Class is one of the most advanced midsize sedans on the market. Sportier than the S-Class but just as elegant, the E-Class comes with state-of-the-art tech, including a smart steering wheel that detects swipes just like a phone and a complex semi-autonomous system. The best alternative for the CT5-V is the E450, a trim that Mercedes-Benz actually launched for the 2019 model year as a replacement for the E400. Powered by a turbocharged, 3.0-liter V-6, the E450 generates a solid 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. That's a bit more horsepower than the CT5-V, but less torque. The sprint to 60 mph takes five seconds while its top speed is limited to 155 mph. Pricing for the E450, which comes standard with 4Matic all-wheel drive in the U.S., starts from $59,950.

Read our full story on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Final Thoughts

As much as I'd like to praise the arrival of an American competitor for Germany's finest high-performance sedan, I have to admit that the CT5-V is disappointing, to say the least. Sure, it has the look, it has all the cool technology, and it should be more comfortable than the old sedan, but it's a massive disappointment when it comes to output. The new CT5-V has almost half the output of the old CTS-V, and that's definitely not how you should enter a car segment against automakers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. With just 20 extra horsepower compared to the CT5, the CT5-V is merely a slightly improved standard sedan. The "V" badge should be more than that. The "V" badge should add at least 250 horsepower to give the CT5 a fighting chance against the BMW M5 and Mercedes-AMG E63. The sad part is that the previous CTS-V had a massive output compared to its rivals. All Cadillac had to was update the exterior and add new tech. While it did the latter two, it removed the performance engine from a supposedly high-performance trim. You had one job Cadillac, ONE JOB!

Further Reading

Read our full review on the 2020 Cadillac CT5.

Read our full review on the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V Sedan.

Read our full review on the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V.