2020 Cadillac CT5 Review: Bridging Luxury and Performance

Introduction

In an era where most major carmakers are betting big (and sometimes only) on crossover SUVs, few dare to invest in a sedan. With the announcement of the all-new Cadillac CT5, it’s abundantly clear that there still are players in this field.

Over the years, Cadillac has had some robust and well-rounded sedans in their portfolio, including the ATS and the larger CTS luxury sedans, which will be replaced by the upcoming CT5.

Competition and Positioning

Since it’s going to replace two models in the American brand’s sedan lineup, the 2020 Cadillac CT5 will have its work cut out for it on release.

• The ATS is more compact, competing with the likes of the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
• The outgoing CTS rivals the larger BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

This basically means that the Cadillac CT5 will have to bridge the gap between two quite different cars and cater to their respective audiences. Of course, some of this is still unclear as Cadillac hasn’t yet released any detailed specs on their upcoming car. That will happen at the upcoming 2019 New York Auto Show in April.

Exterior Design

The exterior styling of the 2020 Cadillac CT5 is interesting, sophisticated, and modern, though I feel that Cadillac has played a tad safe.

• No radical angles, bulging curves, or overtly-aggressive lines.
• Looks crisp, elegant, and handsome with neat and dynamic proportions.
• Sleek-looking LED headlights with Cadillac's trademark drooping LED daytime-running lights.
• Low nose leading to a long, chiseled hood.
• Wide grille accompanied by multiple intake vents and a sporty bumper.
• Sporty demeanor accentuated by low stance and sloping roofline.
• Attractive alloy wheels and distinctive rear features.

Around the back, there’s a bootlip spoiler, distinctive LED taillights resembling a ‘7’, and low-mounted dual-tip exhausts.

Interior Features

By the looks of it, the 2020 Cadillac CT5 seems to be a touch larger than the ATS but certainly not as vast as the flagship CT6.

Cadillac has likely worked on the CT5’s interior packaging as well as its Alpha platform, thus possibly increasing its wheelbase, which would certainly improve the space inside the cabin—something that wasn’t the ATS’s forte.

The interior of the new CT5 is purported to be more driver-centric and feature a higher quality of materials. The build quality, fit & finish, comfort, and noise isolation are expected to be significantly improved.

Performance and Powertrain

Depending on the trim, power for the 2020 Cadillac CT5 will come from either a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder or a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with two turbos.

Though exact power figures for the CT5 haven’t been published yet, these mills are the same that are currently found on other Cadillac models.

• The four-cylinder engine in the ATS makes 272 hp and 400 Nm of torque.
• The 3.0-liter V6 in the CT6 develops 404 hp and 540 Nm of pulling force.

Irrespective of the motors, however, the new CT5 will be available in rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, employing a 10-speed automatic transmission as standard.

Conclusion

In a market where powerful brands such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Lexus offer battle-hardened fighters, the journey for the 2020 Cadillac CT5 won’t be an easy one.

However, the American carmaker isn’t new to the luxury sedan game, and following in the footsteps of its predecessors, the CT5 should be more than ready to take on its mighty contenders. Internationally, the 2020 Cadillac CT5 is expected to hit showroom floors in the final quarter of 2019.