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CT5 reviews

86K views 354 replies 38 participants last post by  Phantom14  
#1 ·
#2 ·
Just because CT5 starts in the ATS price range, isn't a good reason to say CT5 replaces CTS + ATS.
At 193.8", it replaces the CTS. Despite whatever any reviews say, the CT4 clearly replaces the ATS.

Motortrend's review wants more sport, so they need to test the V version, which has FE3 suspension and
the 3.0 engine.

I have been using the online order guide and the older price list you posted, to compare a CT5 Prem Lux built
up to a CTS Luxury level. Yes the CT5 Prem Lux has less standard than a CTS Luxury.
The CT5 Prem Lux with added options to roughly equal a CTS Luxury, will MSRP around $7000 less.
Whichever Trim you want, CT5 should be a good value now.

While at my dealer, the CT5 trainer was there. He loves the CT5. He said you should not notice a lack
of performance with the new 2.0, compared to the current 2.0.
 
#3 · (Edited)
That's very interesting, and I'll be curious to see if other reviews make similar observations. Curious that they refer to it as the 'CT5 2.0T' rather than the 'CT5 350T'...lol...old habits are hard to break. Of course, the 350T tag is meaningless without the context or precedent of knowing how it relates to other trim or powertrain options; totally unintuitive.

Apparently the 'it needs to be less intimidating' mantra permeated more than just the V-series. By MT's feedback, the price, performance (though they don't mention any times), and chassis tuning were all dialed back...and this was a 'Sport' model. Yes, the V models will address the sporty shortcomings MT noted, but that means that only the most expensive models will have much appeal for the enthusiast. Does that make the CT5 more 'accessible' than the CTS?...yes (especially pricing), but I wonder if most of the folks that would be turned off by some of those harder edges are mostly CUV shoppers now, anyway. I guess it's no wonder then that the lists of pros & cons for the CTS and CT5 has basically been flipped.
CT5 Pros:
  • Improved Infotainment system -> CUE was widely considered a con with ATS/CTS
  • Generous rear seat -> the back seat was always a sore spot for ATS/CTS
CT5 Cons:
  • Overworked turbo-four engine -> pro for CTS: MT called the previous 2.0T output "stout" in the 2014 review
  • Uninspiring interior -> previous interior got mixed reviews, but never 'blah' or 'meh'
  • Lackluster driving dynamics -> pro for ATS/CTS - driving dynamics were praised across the board, on all trims
The V cars will get better press, but so far it's disappointing. 'Tis only the first review...
 
#7 ·
Apparently the 'it needs to be less intimidating' mantra permeated more than just the V-series. By MT's feedback, the price, performance (though they don't mention any times), and chassis tuning were all dialed back...and this was a 'Sport' model. Yes, the V models will address the sporty shortcomings MT noted, but that means that only the most expensive models will have much appeal for the enthusiast. Does that make the CT5 more 'accessible' than the CTS?...yes (especially pricing), but I wonder if most of the folks that would be turned off by some of those harder edges are mostly CUV shoppers now, anyway. I guess it's no wonder then that the lists of pros & cons for the CTS and CT5 has basically been flipped.
You have to click through the link in the list at the end of the review to see performance numbers. The sad results:

Accel, 0-60 mph 7.1 sec
Quarter Mile 15.3 sec @ 91.9 mph
Braking, 60-0 mph 114 ft
Lateral Acceleration 0.88 g (avg)
MT Figure Eight 26.2 sec @ 0.68 g (avg)


By comparison, C&D reported on a 2016 CTS 2.0 as doing 0-60 in 5.8 seconds and 14.5 seconds @ 94mph in the 1/4 mile. So this version is significantly slower while being smaller and not as good-looking. They reported lateral G of 0.84 so the new one is a bit better in that.

Will be interesting to see if other versions make it more appealing.
 
#6 ·
The review is off base because they’re comparing the CT5 to a BMW 3 series. Wrong class. Should be in the midsize 5 series class.
Blame GM for setting up the 3 series comparison - that's the marketing spin they've gone with, despite the size differential. They would also have you believe that the soon-to-be-departed CT6 would be the 5-series competitor, despite being around 10" longer. It makes about as much sense as Chevy bringing out a car that "replaces both the Cruze and Malibu", then telling everyone it's a 'compact segment' competitor because it's 1" shorter than the Malibu and the starting price is in line with a Toyota Corolla. :rolleyes:
 
#5 ·
So:

I expect most all auto media will log similar reviews.

So:

Diminished chassis dynamics, overworked engine with diminished power, odd design that only looks good in front view, parts bin interior that doesn't feel luxury, a "cannot recommend" rating from Motortrend's managing editor.

Bright spots:

Better 10 speed transmission, improved infotainment

So sad. My ATS base was the best handling car I ever owned next to my BMW 323i e46 (that car's handling was supernatural) I LOVED my ATS until the infamous torque converter shudder forced me to trade it.

In my opinion Cadillac of late has no clue as to who its customer is and is failing to really appeal to any:

Soccer Mom? Retiree? Upper Middle Class Boomer? Aspirational Young Urban Professional? Casual Performance Enthusiast? Serious Performance Enthusiast? Tech Savvy Millennial? Soccer Dad? One Percenter? Chinese Wealth Class? German Luxury Brand Cross-Shopper? Asian Luxury Brand Cross-Shopper?

Gee, we really dont know so we'll just water everything down and collect a small percentage of all these demographics without really satisfying any of them. After all "we're just a luxury brand that just happens to sell vehicles"
 
#11 ·
The 7.1 0-60 is poor. I thought maybe they found a way to have the new less powerful 2.0 with 10 speed,
perform about the same as the previous 2.0, with the 8-speed, being 5.6 in ATS + 5.8 in CTS.
I could understand 6.1 sec, but not 7.1. It looks like the 3.0 is the way to go, if we want some perf.
So what do we think for the 3.0TT for 0-60? Sub 5 seconds? Or is that wishful thinking? Order guide has it rated at 360hp and 405lb-ft of torque.
 
#14 ·
Kelly Blue Book Review

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 is an all-new luxury sedan that replaces the CTS in the American automaker’s lineup. Though slightly smaller than the model it replaces, the new CT5 is something of a ‘tweener: Dimensionally it is closer to a midsize sedan, but it has a starting price lower than compact-luxury sedans like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. In addition to a base price below $40,000, the CT5 has an alluring, angular design and offers Cadillac’s Super Cruise hands-free driving system.

Beyond those traits, however, the Cadillac CT5 has an uphill battle against better, more entrenched rivals. Its standard turbocharged 4-cylinder engine has less power than those of its competitors, the Cadillac’s driving manners are not as enjoyable, its cabin feels more cramped, and the vehicle’s overall interior and technology feel a step behind those of rivals ranging from the aforementioned Germans to the fresh Genesis G70 and Volvo S60.
- Kelly Blue Book
 
#16 ·
I've yet to see it in person but hopefully around the holidays I can take a stroll to a local dealer. I know its not ground breaking or super sophisticated looking, but based on whats trending right now, it sits comfortably in the "oh, that looks nice" area.

It takes cues from the Escala, and has the right body proportions to match its competitors. From a car enthusiast standpoint, I totally agree. However, I think the general consumer won't have much qualms with the styling.
 
#18 ·
The CT5 Sport is basically the same as the Base/Luxury with sportier seats, some sport trim and 19" tires,
with a little higher cost for those sporty updates. The Sport is not listing the 3.0 as an option in the order guide.
That should change later. I cant see a Sport without the 3.0.

It appears that those wanting more performance will want the 3.0 V. It is now listed in the order guide and
has FE3 + MRC with the 3.0. It looks to have summer or AS tires as an option. No price anywhere yet.

Whichever trim you want, it will cost less than the same CTS trim.
 
#19 ·
Winnipeg Free Press Review

Image


The 2020 CT5 is unmistakably a Cadillac, with a big, multi-coloured crest adorning the middle of the black front grille and the trunk lid in the rear. We’ll forgive you for saying it looks like one of Audi’s Sportback models when viewed from the sides. According to Cadillac, it’s more of an homage to large, coupe-like sedans designed by the excellent Bill Mitchell, such as the Sixty Special.
The biggest problem is the base engine. For some reason, Cadillac chose a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder that produces 237 horsepower at 5,000 r.p.m. — 41 horsepower less than the comparable engine in the old CTS, which didn’t rank among the most potent in its class to begin with.
The slow takeoffs and passing manoeuvres don’t do justice to the dynamic chassis and make us wonder why this car is called the CT5 Sport. The addition of a heavy AWD system no doubt makes it worse.
- Winnipeg Free Press
 
#21 ·
I don't see a major issue here in the engine department. Yes, that 2.0 is a definite disappointment, particularly in light of the old 2.0. But the 3.0 TT V6 will more than make up for it. Compared to the engine it more or less directly replaces (the old 3.6 High Feature V6), you have the same hp rating, but a more-than-healthy 116 lb. ft. more torque, if my numbers are correct. It's available on Premium Lux and Sport trims...you'll have no want for power in those babies. Price, I'd imagine, would be comparable (or even less than) the old CTS 3.6. Anyone with info on that could correct me.

I guess that'd make the equivalent version of the old 3.6 Turbo V6 from the CTS VSport the new 355 hp, 400 lb. ft. version of the 3.0 TT in the CT5-V. Now there is where you've got a legitimate gripe, for sure. But not with the Premium Lux and Sport with the lesser 3.0 TT, imho. Either way, I expect the CT5-v with the 3.0 to drive and handle extremely well - maybe purity with the lesser engine will be worthy of the "V" moniker.

All I know for sure is, the "hotter V" of whatever the hell they're gonna call the V8-powered CT5-V had better be a world-beater, because this lineup needs a real shot in the arm, stat. Does anyone have any news on this model? Rumors have been swirling about, initially, the Blackwing V8 and the 10-speed slushbox, but then that supposedly changed to a hotter version of the LT4 V8 (670 hp, I think the rumor alleged?) with the 10-speed and maybe, maybe even a manual. Spy videos of the exhaust (motor1 had them I believe) sounded much more like the pushrod LT4 than the DOHC Blackwing. Any notice on the engine/time of reveal? I've heard no news in months.
 
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#23 ·
I don't see a major issue here in the engine department. Yes, that 2.0 is a definite disappointment, particularly in light of the old 2.0. But the 3.0 TT V6 will more than make up for it. Compared to the engine it more or less directly replaces (the old 3.6 High Feature V6), you have the same hp rating, but a more-than-healthy 116 lb. ft. more torque, if my numbers are correct. It's available on Premium Lux and Sport trims...you'll have no want for power in those babies. Price, I'd imagine, would be comparable (or even less than) the old CTS 3.6. Anyone with info on that could correct me.
You're most likely right - a CT5 with the 3.0TT should be available for considerably less than a CTS with the 3.6 was, but rockit's right, the 3.0TT is not available on the Sport trim. Per the most recent Order Guide & pricing information:

Luxury: 2.0T (237-hp/258 ft-lb) w/10AT [standard]
RWD: $37,890 / AWD: $40,490

Premium Luxury: 2.0T w/10AT [standard]
RWD: $41,690 / AWD: $44,780
>> optional – 3.0TT (360-hp/405 lb-ft) w/10AT [previously 335-hp/400 lb-ft as non-V option]
Precedent suggests that a number of premium options will be required before you can add the premium engine.

Sport: 2.0T w/10AT [standard]
RWD: $42,690 / AWD: $45,290
>> no optional engine

CT5-V: 3.0TT (360-hp/405 lb-ft) w/10AT [standard]
guessing
...RWD: >$49,000 / AWD: >$51,000

You have to think of the CT5-V as the 'Premium Sport'. If the previous CTS Luxury 3.6L started around $54,000, then a CT5 with the 3.0TT is comparably a good performance deal (or the CTS was just badly overpriced :rolleyes: ). 0-60 should be at least 0.5 sec. quicker, and the ride should be much better sorted. CT5 prices actually seem to be more in line with where the ATS was, though I wish the CT4-V also got the 3.0TT instead of the 2.7T...but that might be too compelling (or intimidating) a choice for Cadillac to offer...lol. Unless they pull a rabbit out of their hat, there won't be a model between the 360-hp CT5-V and the estimated >650-hp V-xtreme.
 
#24 · (Edited)
Agree, I dont think the engine/trim level/pricing structure is off. These metrics are in line with the competition. The feeling a car gives the driver is so much more than stats. I think the two reviews posted in this thread that complain about the engine go beyond the stats, these reviewers feel the car is underpowered for reasons other than the actual output of the engine. .

Tuning, shift points, throttle response, sound, weight and a myriad of other factors make the car either feel eager or lacking. Early impressions indicate that GM has watered this model down and after setting performance expectations with previous models and I'm sure its jarring.

My 2013 ATS MSRP 33k was the base 202hp 2.5 ltr NA 4cyl with a 6 speed but it was eager, it felt quicker than it was. It was light and nimble. I liked the interior. Design was masculine and badass. It was fun.
0 - 60 7.4 seconds

My 2016 C300 MSRP 48k is a 241hp 2.0 ltr turbo 4cyl with a 7 speed and it feels slower. It feels heavier. Its luxurious, has a high quality interior and is very well appointed. Design is classy and stately. Fun? perhaps, but not for the same reasons.
0 -60 6.5 seconds

When the ATS and (current generation 2014 - 2019) CTS launched they were both Car of the Year. Universally praised by auto media with the exception of infotainment and back seat room. Will these new models have a shot at Car of the Year? Will they universally impress as the ATS and CTS did? Will they be fun? Perhaps these things do not matter to the public-at-large as much anymore.

GM is soon to find out.
 
#27 · (Edited)
Guide Auto Web -First Drive Review
Image

Where’s the Tiger?
The Cadillac CT5 Sport offers a pretty decent driving position with a thick steering wheel full of useful controls, aluminum pedals, a nice footrest and position memory. The seat is beautifully sculpted and quite comfortable, too. On the road, the car feels solid and stable while displaying commendable agility.

The biggest problem is the base engine. For some reason, Cadillac chose a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder that produces 237 horsepower at 5,000 rpm—41 horsepower less than the comparable engine in the old CTS, which didn’t rank among the most potent in its class to begin with.
- Guide Auto Web
 
#28 · (Edited by Moderator)
The biggest problem is the base engine. For some reason, Cadillac chose a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder that produces 237 horsepower at 5,000 rpm—41 horsepower less than the comparable engine in the old CTS, which didn’t rank among the most potent in its class to begin with.
GM developed this seemingly higher tech 2.0 with less power and a bit better gas mileage. Seems likes it's OK in a Cruze or XT4 Base. Seems like it would have been cheaper to just keep using the 2.0 from ATS/CTS.

Looks like we have to accept that CT5 with new 2.0 is the entry level. Without too many options, it's in the ATS price range, even the Prem Luxury, which is priced like a Luxury ATS. Prem Lux optioned up to the 2019 CTS Lux is about $7000 less. If the 3.0TT is ~ $2-3,000 option, it's still less than CTS Lux and faster.

The CT5 order guide is not saying that Prem Lux with 3.0 requires any additional options.
It does not currently say that the Sport can add the 3.0. You have to figure that will change sooner or later. The V adds things that the 2019 CTS V-Sport added.

The optional Nav/Bose Pkg has 15 speakers, so that might sound great.
 
#29 · (Edited)
I'm an ATS-V owner (upgraded from a 2L Turbo Premium)... and love the way my car handles/lays down the power. Still there are some things lacking with the model on the luxury aspect (least important to me) and a livable rear seat area (only a prob when I rarely have folks back there - or when I'm trying to haul bigger items, like 4 wheel/tires...barely fits. So I have been giving consideration about purchasing a larger car, while retaining the ATS-V in the inventory, due to its sheer dynamic excellence.

So I've been astutely following developments on the CT5 front, especially since the wheelbase is like ~1.5" longer than the CTS (itself derided for cramped rear leg room) but overall length shortened by a couple of inches. But then I started to do a wider search on midsize luxury sports sedans... and not being a great German car fanboy (I've had an older MB ('86 190E 2.3-16v) and an E36 Bimmer ( '94 325i) that were pretty good back in the day. The Japanese offerings seem too clinical/without character so they are out... I kinda have always been enamored with another luxury brand that checks off most of my boxes (compatible to my Alfa Romeo affliction). So I'm obviously not talking about the Alfa Giulia QV(too small - back seat & trunk issues), nor the vaunted Norwegian Volvo S70/S90(too purposeful/IKEA smart design, but a bit soulless), but rather the athletic Jaguar XF sport sedan. Actually, let me correct that... the Jaguar XF S AWD SPORTBRAKE... yeah, the STATIONWAGON version of the well regarded sedan. Stationwagons offer the same/greater space utility as SUVs, but with greater dynamic response/handling, only less ground clearance/lesser sight lines. The XF Sportbrake actually has more volume than the Jag SUV F-Pace when the seats are down. Dimension wise the Jag is pretty spot on with the CT5, though ~four inches wider. The Jag Wagon can only be had in the 3L V6 Supercharge AWD version in the USA.

Price wise the Jag new is too expensive ($80-85K highly optioned), but grabbing a slightly used one is about a $45-55K proposition (they depreciate as fast as Caddys and Alfas!) and the Jags carry a 5yr/60K mile warranty (CPO 7yr/100K miles!!! recently). The Super Charged 3L V6 is tried and true, as is their AWD system (Though it seems JLR is going to a straight 6 Turbo w/mild hybrid system for 2020+..?). Jags (under Tata ownership - as well as the Land Rover brand) have come along way in terms of reliability since their Ford and prior UK independent ownership days.

I don't buy new cars... too much $ lost after initial purchase, so in a couple of years when the ATS-V is paid off, and I start searching... the Jag Wag ( I see a future personalized license plate) is probably going to be at the top of my list... but I will give the CT5-V (the lesser V with the 3L TT and AWD) a good look as well. But truthfully, the utility aspect (so much more storage space, especially with rear seats folded down!) of the Jag Sportbrake, and its gorgeous design + cool (euro) exclusivity! will be hard to overcome. And yes, the Jag is very dynamic handling for its class (high % made of aluminum/lighter weight, adjustable suspension, and stiffer/more nimble suspension than its German counterparts). It will be interesting to see how it compares to the comparably equipped Caddy CT5-V from a performance aspect. I'll grant everyone that the Jag lags a little in tech/most up-to-date interiors, though they don't lack in material quality.

UPDATE: the 2020 Jag mid-cycle update version is suppose to address Infotainment processor & s/w upgrades, updated HVAC controls [as introduced in the I-Pace] new tranny selector shift stick [vs. the old odd pop-up rotary dial], better quality materials and wider selection of interior colors and inserts. Also slight front and rear exterior fascia revisions. Jag is making the car more competitive in the euro mid-size luxury sport segment against Audi, BMW, and MB. Cool to see JLR still fighting!! If only Caddy would apply the same effort!

0.26 drag coefficient I read somewhere. Very sleek! Anything under 0.30 is suppose to be excellent from a drag efficiency standpoint.

For those that lament the demise of the CTS Wagon, here's a nice substitute!

CT5 Dimensions:
193.8”L x 74.1”W x 57.2”H Wheelbase: 116.0”

Jaguar XF S Sportbrake:
195.0”L x 78.0”W x 57.5”H Wheelbase: 116.5”

Image
 
#30 ·
The 3.0 price on Prem Lux is $3500 and in: https://www.gmsupplierdiscount.com/build-and-price/

If you add 3500 to the Sport price of 43290 and add estimated 3000 for MRC, FE3, etc, the CT5-V is ~ $49,790
as a rough estimate. That is with leatherette seats and no cost paint. CT5-V prices are not yet in that build.

No matter what trim, the price is below CTS with the same options.
 
#32 ·
On the supplier or employee build, for the first 3 trims, you can add Nav/Bose or Climate Pkg and just pay for them.
On the V, adding some common options most want, will add other required options, quickly raising the MSRP to
$52- 55,0000. Still less that the V-Sport was.

It is nice that at the new V can be optioned with AWD + All Season tires.
 
#33 · (Edited)
It is nice that at the new V can be optioned with AWD + All Season tires.
Big question is what suspension does the V+AWD give you though? FE3 MRC or some lesser setup?

EDIT: Perusing the guide makes it seem that (for the first time ever) GM is pairing FE3 MRC w/AWD. Huzzah!
 
#35 ·
That's what I found as well, so good there. MotorTrend kinda crapped on the handling of the FE2 CT5, so the V may be the only suspension worth its starch. But I can't imagine the FE3 MRC will ride that hard - I'd guess the ride is better than the ATS and CTS-V Gen2 MRC cars as they are going to Gen4 MRC (the jump to Gen3 adding a lot of versatility to the system).
 
#44 ·
Order guide has been updated to add a footnote to the Prem Lux, to say the Prem Lux gets 335 HP. V still 360 HP.
Sport still no 3.0.

Mechanical section-(LGY) Engine, 3.0L Twin Turbo V6, SIDI with Automatic Stop/Start, added footnote 1 to 1SD which reads "335 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque (Cadillac estimated)".
Good catch, and not surprising since that was the plan at the outset. With virtually identical torque specs, the difference in 0-60 should be negligible between the two. V owners will get bragging rights, but the average butt dyno may not be able to detect anything until you get into comparing mid-range pull, where hp means more.

As usual, it will be very interesting to see how that engine (& the car around it) is reviewed, now that the 2.0T has been deemed 'unsatisfactory'. After MT posted their review, and it's apparent that some other minor outlets got CT5 access, I was expecting that other reviews (C&D, R&T, etc.) would follow in short order, but surprisingly no. Obviously there's no embargo, but maybe it's just as well, since a flood of (negative) 2.0T reviews could taint perceptions even worse than the C-pillar styling has.
 
#49 ·
The media has killed Cadillac over the years. Ever notice in Mercedes / Audi / BMW reviews they always talk about competitors being one of the 3, they never mention a Cadillac as an option, never. Difficult to find a Caddy vs "X" comparison on YouTube, unless it's a V model, then there are a couple. But I can't get into this new design. I'm gonna be hanging onto my 18 CTS a long time it would seem. To me they've lost it with this design. Just for fun, I overlaid the CT5 profile over an Impala profile, and it's almost cookie cutter, but the Cadillac's stupid C pillar design is worse. Try the overlay, you'll be amazed, aside from the front is slightly different, from the A pillar back it the same although the creases in the Caddy are sharper. Sad.

I bet this whole series out right now XT and CT will be completely wiped clean when they migrate to all electric as they've stated. Doubt this current line up will resonate with many out there.
 
#50 ·
Regrettably, Car and Driver - similar to Motor Trend - has given a quick sneak peek into their assessment of the CT5 in their January, 2020 "Ten Best" issue. They only refer to it in three sentences, but it's a bombshell, and not a good one: "They've taken out all that was good about the ATS and CTS and added nothing to the mix. This costs over $50,000? How does the same company that makes a $59,995 mid-engined sports car build this thing?"

Ouch. Let's hope the V and higher V (Blackwing?) have the chassis dynamics that were so widely lauded in the ATS and CTS.