[Phantom14]

I was really hoping to be excited for the next generation Cadillacs replacements for the ATS/CTS, but so far it has been lackluster at best. I see no unique character to the exterior, the interior includes too much plastic not enough leather or wood, and the engine offerings are like going backwards compared to the 3.6L...

...ditto from me. Yes, the entry-level prices have dropped, but when you look at what you get (and don't get) at that price point, suddenly there are more desirable (and not German) alternatives. Some 'come hither' styling would go a long way toward compensating for the lackluster mainline powertrain. Conversely, stouter powertrain options would overcome reservations about the styling.

Even at the previous price point, the ATS - as a platform - was received as a shot across the Germans' bow in 2013. At the reduced price/power/content point, I'm not sure who's supposed to feel threatened...GM is conveniently taking out the Buick sedans, so at least a base CT5 won't have to be up against a well-equipped Regal in the same showroom at about the same price point.

 

[CadillacGM]

Car Confections Review

-More Room than Competition in the Interior, Less room in Trunk
-2.0L engine feels underpowered compared to rivals
-Transmission is super smooth
-Lots of Packages to go along with the different trim levels to fill out the spec sheet
-Interior quality as good as flagship CT6
-Fuel Economy is average

-Car Confection

 

[CadillacGM]

Raiti's Rides

Sticks to Cadillac's design language
Lots of fake venting
Attactive exterior
Six Piston Front calipers on sport trim
"Replaces to the ATS and CTS"
350T moniker confusing
51k as optioned
Overall Good Interior Quality
Praises transmission, quick shifting and Smooth
Car Could be quicker, more engaging with more powerful engine.

-Raiti's Rides

 

[AudiA4]

Let's be honest: these two reviews were milquetoast. No depth whatsoever; in fact, it seemed like they were trying to find nice things to say...and there was very little discussion about the driving dynamics. Motor Trend and Car & Driver immediately crapped all over the chassis...let's hope this is simply a new differentiator between the base models and the Sport/V/Blackwing models, but I don't recall anyone ever criticizing the base model ATS or CTS model's handling.

 

[Phantom14]

Let's be honest: these two reviews were milquetoast. No depth whatsoever; in fact, it seemed like they were trying to find nice things to say...and there was very little discussion about the driving dynamics.

FWIW, both of those struck me as salesperson product demonstrations, with their lips loaded by GM product experts. There was some mild criticism of the powertrain, but a lot more 'features and benefits' than evaluation within the context of what the competition offers.

Needless to say, I'm surprised that the bigger outlets haven't done the usual 'first drive' reviews...weird reaction from the press for a 'new' product release.

 

[CadillacGM]

I think you guys should take it easy on them, most of their reviews follow the same kind of routine. Meaning, that they leave it up to the viewers to make the decision on whether or not the car is worth the purchase. The important things to take away are; exactly what they described in their first hand experiences.

The 2.0L engine is less than ideal, even if your looking for a mild powertrain. The CT5's styling is now modernized and trendy. Well as for competitiveness in their market segment, it is clearly no longer a market leader.

I'd like to see more reviews, but I don't really see Cadillac advertise for this vehicle at all. Maybe something will show up during the Superbowl, but with the horrible delay of the CT6-V and the poor press release for the CT5-V models, I don't really think GM is giving this brand too much attention.

 

[artscadillac]

Some CT5's are starting to arrive at dealers, but most are in transit. Maybe they don't want to flood
the dealers with lookers and there aren't any CT5 promotions.

 

[Cutlass]

I’ve seen one in person and it looks good. Better then online pictures. I like the C-pillar and rearend of the car. I’m one of those guys who don’t like the new cookie cutter headlight design...at least I was until I saw the CT5. I don’t mind it on the CT5. Not sure if I like it on the XT6 or the 2021 Escalade but I’m sure I’ll get used to it.

 

[TwiceHorn]

Yeah, I saw one live and in-person last week while buying my ATS. It's a nice looking car. Got that kind of "sportback" gran coupe thing, most of which are kind of ugly, but it's well-done.

The interior seems quite nice, also.

The power numbers on the engine are a bit disappointing, but the Huns get by pretty well with lower-output engines than the LTG and V6. Cadillic's higher-po but also fairly high price points haven't done the trick, maybe this will.

 

[NicholasJohnson]

I just hope that Cadillac comes through and starts taking the hint that the Blackwing will make these models and others in the future.

 

[TulsaVic]

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.

I think GM missed the boat by not making this a hatchback (or sportback or whatever they're called these days) like the A7. Would have made more sense of the design.

 

[artscadillac]

The local dealers each have several CT5's now and more in transit. All are the new lower powered 2.0.

I am used to my ATS with a 2.0T 272HP, 295TQ. The CT5 clearly feels slower, with less power and a
couple hundred more pounds. Sure it's not broken in and probably has regular gas in it, but those used
to the higher powered 2.0 or 3.6 will probably be disappointed, if they want more perf.

 

[AudiA4]

My local Cadillac dealer just got one in and I saw it in person for the first time yesterday. I'll have to say, it is an attractive car...for everything that I loved about the CTS from a chassis/dynamic standpoint, I never thought it was a standout aesthetically, especially the rear; but the CT5 to me is clearly a MUCH better looking car. I haven't driven it yet, but I'm scared to death that the early reviews are correct: that they've incredulously abandoned the ONE thing they got spot on with the prior Alpha Chassis...excellent handling. I hope this is just the purview of the base model, and that the CT5-V is "dialed in" so to speak. We'll see.

 

[CadillacGM]

I think GM missed the boat by not making this a hatchback (or sportback or whatever they're called these days) like the A7. Would have made more sense of the design.

Strongly agree, considering thats exactly what the Escala was.

 

[CadillacGM]

My local Cadillac dealer just got one in and I saw it in person for the first time yesterday. I'll have to say, it is an attractive car...for everything that I loved about the CTS from a chassis/dynamic standpoint, I never thought it was a standout aesthetically, especially the rear; but the CT5 to me is clearly a MUCH better looking car. I haven't driven it yet, but I'm scared to death that the early reviews are correct: that they've incredulously abandoned the ONE thing they got spot on with the prior Alpha Chassis...excellent handling. I hope this is just the purview of the base model, and that the CT5-V is "dialed in" so to speak. We'll see.

That's the sentiment I keep on hearing, how much better it looks in person. I'm going to wait till the autoshow and get a better look at it. To me it still think it doesn't really stick out much from the bunch nowadays, its a good looking but generic profile car. However, maybe when I see it in person, I'll change my mind.

 

[artscadillac]

For performance + handling, the CT5 V has FE3 Perf suspension, per the order guide.
The other 3 trims have FE2 ride and handling.

There is nothing in the order guide that says the Sport handles any different, but it comes with 19" tires.

You can get the CT5 V for about what a CTS Luxury cost and less than a CTS V-Sport.

 

[Phantom14]

That's the sentiment I keep on hearing, how much better it looks in person. I'm going to wait till the autoshow and get a better look at it. To me it still think it doesn't really stick out much from the bunch nowadays, its a good looking but generic profile car. However, maybe when I see it in person, I'll change my mind.

I find myself in the same boat. I see that the local dealer has a Sport trim inbound, but I might not get a closer look until the Auto Show in March. In pictures, there are some angles that look pretty good, but others where everything falls apart, especially on the lower trims.

I dunno...I believe the Achilles heel is the mediocre powertrain that apparently groans its way through some merely-but-perfectly-adequate acceleration (also how I describe my wife's CVT-equipped Forester...lol), and can still have a price tag (Sport/Premium Luxury) north of $60K CAD. Wasn't that the knock on the similarly-priced entry-level CT6 with the 2.0T...that the (Cadillac) car didn't deserve the engine? ...and that RWD CT6 combination still clocked a 6.4 sec. 0-60 time in a car that weighed 3900 lbs.!

When I think about why the CTS failed to take off, price was certainly part of it. The CT5 is cheaper, but the volume powertrain is soooo lame, which begs the question, "If the CTS base price had been $35,000 and it came with the 202-hp 2.5L, and the 323-hp V6 was available starting at over $50,000, would they have sold any more retail sales than they did with the over-priced structure they had before?" To me, it's all about how compelling the overall package is...no matter the price, but especially with a luxury brand. Time will tell...

 

[rockit]

Maybe, it's me, but the front end sure looks a lot like a scaled down version of the XT6 and I'm not sure that's good. The tiny trunk and bigger rear leg room lead me to believe this is more of a replacement for the ATS long wheelbase that was sold in China. I may end up with one,eventually.

 

[AudiA4]

So I drove one today...white sport with the tan/black interior. The exterior is really nice...I was never a HUGE fan of the CTS styling, particularly the rear, but this is an improvement all the way around aesthetically to me, even the interior.

Now, to the drive...I’m out of town on business and drove into the dealer in a rental Kia Optima with a decidedly “rental” power train. Guess what...the CT5 powertrain didn’t feel like it was in a different class than the Kia. I know that won’t be the case with the V6, but still...plus, while it was a very tame drive, I didn’t feel any of that “chassis magic” of the original Alpha platform (ATS/CTS). There was no immediate turn-in, no instant, “Wow...this is a driver’s car!” feeling.

I’m afraid the early reviews are right...they may have solved the design/interior/packaging issues of the original, while completely screwing up the dynamics. If so, how equally tragic and inexcusable to abandon peerless engineering! I hope I’m wrong, but...man...I wasn’t overly impressed. Here’s hoping that the V models (and V “Blackwing” or whatever) have that special sauce, because my first impression left no impression.

 

[Cutlass]

Dang, I’m going to have to drive one. This 2.0 feels very peppy in the XT4, but sounds like it’s just adequate in the CT5?
For how good the exterior and interior are, I’d hate to have the 2.0 be the point of criticism.
But looks will sell even if the journalists and enthusiasts like us don’t like the other downgrades because powertrains aren’t high on a lot of drivers minds.