Cadillac has finally shared details on its all-new CT5, the model with which it will replace both the ATS and CTS and also take the fight to the German premium automakers like never before. The CT5 is aimed at the likes of BMW’s 3-Series or Audi’s A4 sedans, even though it looks more like a big hatchback and is actually larger than all its direct rivals.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 Could Hurt the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4

Now that we’ve finally been given access to the car’s full suite of specs, we can compare it to other similar cars. In fact, it actually has a longer wheelbase than that of either the Audi A6 or the Lexus GS, both cars from the class above.

2020 Cadillac CT5 - exterior dimensions

Wheelbase (in. / mm):

116 / 2947

Overall Length (in. / mm):

193.8 / 4924

Overall Width (in. / mm): (w/mirrors)

74.1/ 1883

Overall Height (in. / mm):

57.2 / 1452

Track (in. mm):

62.8 / 1594 (front) 63.9 / 1624 (rear)


With that being said, Cadillac still bills this as a compact sedan, a model that will be priced to compete against the Mercedes C-Class and Lexus IS. No pricing information yet, though, but we do know its base engine will be a 2.0-liter with a twin-scroll turbo with an estimated 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

The next engine up in the range is the 3.0-liter, turbocharged V-6 with 335 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. Both units will come paired with the same ten-speed automatic transmission, with the exact same gearing and final drive - that means the 2.0-liter’s torque is enough that Cadillac didn’t have to compensate by gearing it down.

2020 Cadillac CT5 - drivetrain specifications

Engine

2.0L Twin-Scroll Turbocharged I-4 DOHC with Active Fuel Management, direct injection and auto. Stop/start

3.0L Turbocharged V-6 DOHC with Active Fuel Management, direct injection and auto. Stop/start

Bore & Stroke (in. / mm):

3.26 x 3.63 / 83 x 92.3

3.39 x 3.38 / 86 x 85.8

Block Material:

Cast aluminum

Cast aluminum

Cylinder Head Material:

Cast aluminum

Cast aluminum

Valvetrain:

Dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder with tripower system

Dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder

Fuel Delivery:

Direct injection with electronic throttle control

Direct injection with electronic throttle control

Compression Ratio:

10:1

9.8:1

Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm):

237 / 177 @ 5000

335 / 250 @ 5600 (GM est.)

Torque (lb.-ft. / Nm):

258 / 350 @ 1500-4000 (GM est.)

400 / 542 @ 2400-4400 (GM est.)


The first ever Cadillac CT5 is set to go on sale this autumn with pricing yet to be announced and, if it the automaker really stays true to its promise of selling this vehicle that is larger than all its declared rivals at a competitive price, then it does stand a chance of succeeding in the segment.

It has the looks, it has the tech, and who could say no to a big interior that is roomier than that of all competing models, rivaling vehicles from a class above. Cadillac might be on to something here, especially if the CT5 drives as well as we’ve come to expect from the new breed of sporty and fun-to-drive modern Cadillacs.

Further Reading

Read our full review on the 2020 Cadillac CT5.

Read our full review on the 2016 Cadillac Escala.

Read our full review on the 2015 - 2016 Cadillac CTS Sedan.