but I know the XTS base model lacks some wood trim

I was under the impression all trim levels of the XTS had the same amount of wood trim.

The HID xenons in my XTS are not good at night (especially low beams in curves... horrible), and I never tried the 2018+ LEDs.

HID should throw a lot of light...maybe yours need to be replaced. The LED headlights in my `19 XTS throw a lot of light, so I imagine the LED in the CT5 should as well.

I sat in a CT5 and CT4 and the seats felt comfortable. At 6`1`` I had lots of head room and shoulder room, they did not make me feel cramped compared to the XTS. The XTS imo has a much more luxurious interior. The main thing I do not care for in the CT5, CT4 is the way the CUE screen is mounted...I like the CUE integrated into the dash of the XTS...and contrary to some others, I like the piano black plastic with the touch sensitive buttons and the hidden compartment where I store my sunglasses. I also like that the XTS has more wood trim than the CT5 and CT4.
I have not had an opportunity to drive a CT5 or CT4 and so cannot comment on the ride quality.
I do not find the XTS to have gruffness on acceleration...just a nice engine growl...who wants to drive a toaster. From videos I`ve seen of the CT5, the 3.0 has a nice sound (the 2.0 not imo), except I would not use the engine popping sounds option...I don`t care for the sounds of backfiring.

 

Engine popping sounds option... had to google that. I agree I would not routinely want that on, but it is kind of cool. Thanks for the info, Excalibur. 3.0 might be smoother, from your description. Base model XTS lacks wood trim on the door sills and I believe on the dash as well. Retains it on steering wheel and around the shifter. My headlights are not out of adjustment most likely... Been in other XTSs with same issue (high beams are OK), but never an 18/19 with the LEDs.

 

Hi all, (Big maybe) I've been looking at maybe trading my 2019 XTS Prem-Lux for a 2023 CT5 Prem-Lux. 550TT. Argent Silver with the Maple sugar/jet black interior with the natural wood trim. It has most all packages, sun,sound,safety etc. $54k
My question to any Premium Luxury owner is, is there ambient lighting in the cabin? I couldn't see any on the dash or on the door to speak of. My XTS and XT5 has very nice lighting, the XTS is really nice.
The sales person said he didn't think there was.
Thanks! Oh and any 2 cents you'd like to add is welcome

 

I have 550T with premium luxury and mine includes ambient lighting but white tone. I don't have the option to change colors though.

 

From photos I've seen it's just on the doors and not the dash...is that correct?

 

Correct, really not paid that much attention to it but it looks beautiful at night. Here is an article that explains it with a better description.

2021 Cadillac CT5-V Interior At Night: Live Photo Gallery (gmauthority.com)

 

The floor where the feet are (floor mats) as well I believe

 

Wouldn't that be entry lighting (XTS - under door, door arm rest, roof console - reading lights and small light, footwells, rear roof, CUE), at least that's what I call it because once inside it goes out after a short period of time after the door is closed (except for door arm rest and small light on overhead console which stays on after car is started). In the XTS after staring the car there is the ambient light on the doors, across the dash and a small light that shines down from the overhead console.

 

Thanks STAR-TEK that really helps. It looks like it's very much like my XT5, doors, door handles, cubbies, footwells/under seats. I prefer like the white color. I haven't decided yet. I really love my XTS but I've had some on going issues with a "clunk sounds" and NAV not loading 50% of the time. I just want to make sure I have that same upscale feeling in the XT5 as the XTS. Thanks again!

 

Morganga, is there entry lighting under the seats in your XTS or just your XT5? I don't have that in my XTS, but I saw a video of an earlier model XTS that seems to show it. If you do have it, I wonder why it's not in mine?

Sorry to hear about the clunk sounds...where is it coming from and under what circumstances? Nav loads in mine most of the time and when not there is that work around I gave you.

Hey sorry if I'm hijacking this thread somewhat...hope you don't mind.

 

Morganga, I found a couple of night drive pov videos. Edited to add one more.

 

The ambient lighting does remain on when the lights at night come on. I'll try to take a picture soon

 

There is no ambient Lighting on the dash with the CT5.

 

That's true

 

From my perspective the ambient lighting in my 2022 CT5 PL is perfect. I also like the lighted exterior door handles and the door sill. I think any more lighting than what we have would be too much. Great car.

Nick

 

If it was too bright I agree any more would be too much, but it is very subtle, nice and not in one's face, so bring it on . That said, I hardly ever drive at night...doing good if once in a year, but when I do it is nice to have.

 

I don't Morganga, going from a XTS to a CT5 is a big move in general. Ilove my 2019 XTS I know what you mean about Nav not always loading. Wife complains about it.nothing against the CT5, Just two diferent eras of Cadillac Good luck, just my 2 cents.

 

Lol. Yikes. Well rumor is CT5 will get refresh for 2024 with curve display. So who knows what other perks they'll add with the refresh
Depends on if you want to wait or not until later this year

 

Make sure to take the CT5for a test drive. The XTS and the CT5 are two completely different vehicles. I love both my XTS and my CT5 for different reasons. The XTS is more of the old school Cadillac and the CT5more of the sporty type. The CT5 3.0tt is a little louder than the 3.6 in the XTS. The XTS is also roomier.
Good Luck.

 

I forgot, the 3.0tt is a lot quicker.

 

Yes I got the 550T (non V) and extremely happy. Agreed on the getting the twin turbo v6

 

For sure take a test drive, also check out the trunk, the CT5 is not a big car.

COG

 

Also remember, if it can't be cut into a Hearse it is not a true Cadillac LOL !

 

I do not find the XTS to have gruffness on acceleration...just a nice engine growl...who wants to drive a toaster. From videos I`ve seen of the CT5, the 3.0 has a nice sound (the 2.0 not imo), except I would not use the engine popping sounds option...I don`t care for the sounds of backfiring.
[/QUOTE]
It's not a true burble pop, like you're thinking. It's one pop - very subdued, not at all obnoxious - in track mode at WOT between gear shifts. If you are driving under those conditions, the pop is not even a thing to you or anybody....

Like most of the performance features, 'dulled by luxury', the pop (LSD, big bore exhaust, engine layout and non-traditional(for most street cars) engine monitoring options, among other things) speaks to 'car guys'.

Job well done by Cadillac engineers to include this stuff on a luxury car sold as 'performance'.

 

I had an XTS-vSport 2014 purchased new. Traded in on a '22 CT5-V (not Blackwing) this past summer. The CT5 has a bit stiffer ride, but is more fun to drive. I'm not a big guy and usually don't transport lots of passengers, so room is OK if tighter than the XTS. The CT5 interior is a bit more spartan but still nice. My XTS was a Platinum trim. The headliner was velvety-smooth compared to the CT5 though. Minor issue. Both had lots of power and pleasing sounds, but the CT5 beats the XTS on acceleration and drive options. Both had fine Bose stereo systems. I did not have a lot of trouble with the XTS. Even CUE lasted for about 77K miles at which time I moved on. Brakes lasted forever. I liked the XTS because it was more limo-like befitting my age, but still performed well. The CT5-V makes me feel a bit younger and gets attention, especially when it starts up cold. Vrooom!!!

 

Funny, I have not been on this forum in months, but looked today and was surprised to see my question near the top. Thanks for your reply. Makes sense. Still going with my XTS for now!

 

The CT5 with a 2.0T is a dog. get a CT5 Luxury Premium with the 3.0TT V6 its a much better ride

 

Got both, and like both. Have a 2014 XTS Luxury and 2021 CT5 Premium Luxury 550T. The XTS fail short of what I expected from Cadillac; the CT5 has not. I have taken the XTS to the dealership for numerous issues. I don't recall all. But, to give an idea: CUE, rear panel coming loose, leveling system, struts, headlight. The good part, all were covered under warranty. So far, I only have taken the CT5 in for service. Being the case, I looking to get a XT6. The Escalades are nice. Yet, I think that one would require a lot of upkeep. If something breaks, probably cost more than I am willing to spend.

As for ride, the XTS is smoother; yet, the CT5 has more get-up-and-go. I like the get-up-and-go so much, I started putting premium gas in my XTS. I noticed a difference in its acceleration. So, I use premium in all 4 of my vehicles now (SUV and a truck). I noticed a difference in the acceleration of the truck; the SUV, not as much. But, it does seem to accelerate smoothly, through the power range.

The XTS does have more room. But, it is a vehicle of the past. If one wants room, it seems like a SUV is the way to go. A full-size SUV may be just right. But, my wallet may only be able to handle a mid-size. Therefore, I have been eyeing XT6s. I seem to be stuck on Cadillac brand, for now.

 

I have a CT5-V (RWD) and a XT6 Sport (AWD) - perfect duo for what I'm looking for in my vehicles. Since the CT5-V has MRC, it has a better ride than the PL. The real world mpg in the CT5-V is about 10% better than the (larger and heavier) XT6 but the latter runs on 87 octane - so the fuel economy advantage of the CT5-V doesn't carry to the bottom line. You'll enjoy the XT6 - I love mine.

 

Did you ever trade in your Xts?

 

My mother has a 15 XTS AWD and I just picked up a 25 CT5 AWS PL with the 3.0 TT. I like my CT5 better. The suspension is more firm and I prefer that. The XTS has more room of course but the CT5 suits me well.