Back To Bigger | Cadillac's CT5 

I like this CT5 over the new TLX a lot.

What's so bad about real gauges? The full LCDs are bad quality screens with awful design like mirrored tachometers and speedometers that skip numbers. Today real gauges are snazzy.

I bought one, had the rear T badge deleted before I took delivery. Great car very smooth and quiet. They're not selling very well so it gets a lot of looks on the road, stands out even in black.

Cadillac has no clue what they’re doing. Throwing anything to the wall to see if it sticks. IMO, Journalist ruined Cadillac. They started chasing the germans, instead of building luxury cars with impeccable build quality. Cadillac has never caught on being a “German Rival”. Had the CT6 (great chassis) been offered with a V8 from conception, it would have been more successful. Cadillac is a one-car company with the Escalade doing the heavy lifting. They had built beautiful, compelling concepts in the pasts but failed to bring any to market. They’re totally lost as a brand.

I like what Cadillac is doing! A Black wing version coming too? Yes! Well done Alex.

I may be in the minority, but I like Cadillac's new torque-naming approach. As they add hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and pure BEV, consumers can easily see the power difference between the models. There was a time when a BMW 325 meant the car had a 2.5L engine. A BMW 328 had a 2.8L engine. Now, a BMW 330 comes with a 2.0L as standard. BMW and Mercedes model names mean nothing anymore. Cadillac is basically splitting the car name in half. They have the actual model name, and then show its power level with the torque badge. Works for me. Although most buyers may not know what the torque number means, at least it means something, unlike on the BMW.

A ct5 w super cruise and awd would be good enough for most people as a “luxury” daily or “luxury” long distance driver. Just need to have the reliability or warranty to match. Or of course a Genesis G70/80.

Sorry Alex, I'm very concerned that Cadillac is chasing "affordable luxury" and it shows by the CT5, following the loss of the CT6. Once Cadillac loses its luxury crown it will be a very rough road trying to get it back later. American luxury can be sooo much more than bus-sized SUVs!

I wish Cadillac would bring back the CT6 😢 Not that I can afford one, even used...

You do a great job on your videos, very thorough and feels unbiased, just subscribed.

Alex, I love your reviews, don't ever change your layout. The amount of time you invest in thoroughly testing vehicles, and your completeness is why when shopping for a car, I always come to your videos. A+ rating on your videos!!

Hmm. Feels like Caddy is targeting and pricing for millennials. Smart move. Harley Davidson should be taking notes.

Would suggest that any luxury auto-maker compromise the style to give proper head room! Also the side window strikes me as a bit odd. Most important, imitate Lexus in RELIABILITY! All new doesn't equate with solid reliability, a.k.a. longevity. Just my thoughts conveyed!

I'm kind of thinking this might be a good alternative to a 5 series.

Barring classic GM quality issues I think the CT5 is my top choice. Also, I'm wondering how well those snazzy big LCD instrument clusters will age compared to traditional analog gauges. It would really suck to have some dead pixels or some random flickering staring you in the face every day!

I think I'd have to get CT5 over the Volvo to buy american and the eminence of the Cadillac brand...

4 door large sedan without decent rear seat head room and small trunk.....no thanks........But it is good looking. Another car where function loses to out to form.

Thanks Alex for another fantastic review, my choice would be the Caddy hands down as far as value goes but I do agree that she needs the digital instrument panel definitely!...CHEERS!

Other than the fuel economy, I can't think of much to dislike about this car. If I were to go for one, I think I'd get it with the 3.0 liter engine.

Great review, actually the best I have seen so far.

Genesis G70 is a way better option imo

I think Cadillac did a really good job bringing these 2 sedans to market when others are leaving it. Love the style, too. Unique and classic.

About the rear 3/4 window & its arrow chrome trim : it looks like a mixture of ''Infinity''' and chevy Cruze . Not a very happy mix , almost Cimarron-esque in the sense that they want it to look premium .

As a European I like the Newtonmeter numerals.

Ct5 v rear wheel drive that's the one I want motor trend said was the best handling car in class

I think that when you get into the overall price difference between the more performance oriented versions of the CT5 and the 3 Series, when you whip out your pen and start checking off the boxes in the BMW showroom, that difference will be a lot closer to $15,000. With Mercedes I expect it will be even more.

So much more handsome than a Lexus or Avalon with their gaping maw.

Just bc GM marketing is on crack-cocaine as usual you don't need to repeat their bs. Fact is this car is comparable to E-class, 5 series, G80 etc. and the CT4 is comparable to C-class, 3-series, G70 etc. That it costs less is obviously a plus. It's absurd to compare this car to a different category. That's like comparing a 5-series to a 3-series and then complaining that the 5-series is too big, too heavy and less sporty. People who want this sporty type of car will just buy the CT4. The point of the CT5 is that it is bigger and more focused on comfort than the CT4 and other sport sedans, so it is absurd to compare it to that category.

isn't it that Cadillac's direction for their cars is to prioritize sportiness over practicality while their crossovers will prioritize practicality? Hence, the CT4 and CT5 will be more 4-series and 6-series GT competitors (i.e., the sports coupes with an extra set of doors)

Wow!!! This is my dream car for sure Alex.

Alex once you add safety features the price goes up$10k so but German or Asian same price basically

Seems like a solid (if boring) car, not sure why Cadillac gets so much hate

Cadillac seems to have ADD. No that's not a model they sell. They go from names about 20-30 years ago like Seville, Deville, etc. Then they went with letter names we got used to STS, ATS, CTS, SRX and the V-Series. Also they went German in the size categories with a 3-Series size (ATS) and 5 Series size (CTS), and recently the 7 Series size (CT6). But wait what's up with the CT6 name? Oh yeah Cadillac decided to change the names of their cars and SUV's again, CT4, CT5, XT4, XT5, XT6. And the V-Series which is comparable to M-division of BMW, nah Cadillac decided to tranquilize it and make it more of what was once V Sport. Now they are going back to their bigger is better value like the past too? WTF Cadillac, all of this is a recipe for failure.

For Caddy with V badge, I'd expect it handle like CTS V. With the horse power, it should have a sports suspension mode that can dance with Beemer.

Thanks for the video! This hits exactly in the spot of the interests to look out for. On the ironic side, the main difference vs G70, as it was said in some previous video already, will be the answer to the following question from friends and relatives: "- Which car do you have?" And the answer "I have a Cadillac." sounds a bit better than other option. Cheers!

CT-5 hands down. Thanks for the Stellar Review!

This is an improvement over previous efforts. However, a couple of misses really hurt this car IMO. The fuel economy is just terrible (same has the Hyundai/Kia). They are addressing the gauge cluster next year. However, it should have never shipped with this old one in the first place. An analog gauge cluster can be made to look attractive, but they didn't even try. They still seem to be lost as a brand and their products reflect that.

If I was leasing, I'd get the Volvo. For a purchase, the Caddy as parts will be easier to obtain and cost would be more reasonable (when out of warranty). I may be one of but a few who would rather buy then lease a car.. #Frugal

Thank you for these informative, super in depth reviews.

I think that a prime consideration when choosing any of these vehicles is your proximity to a mechanic that can work on your particular make and model. This would be especially true with something like the Volvo S-60 T8, with a turbo charger, a super charger, electric motors, an air suspension, and enough electronic nannies to run a daycare center.

If I bought one of those cars I would remove that newtonmeter badge asap. (Not like I can afford one but still..)

Still waiting Im ready to buy the ct5 I rather have the ct6 but they don't make it anymore very disappointed.

OOF! That C Pillar! They should have just kept making the CTS!

Your reviews are more informative than Redline Reviews. You are very objective and your comparisons aren't just biased toward brands you favor. Thank You. Responding to a comment posted below, the CT5 looks nothing like a Malibu nor is it engineered as a front wheel drive midsized family sedan. Additionally I think Cadillac can catch the buyers who are not audi, bmws, or mercedes zombies with the CT5 and CT4. Finally anyone who can afford 50K for a vehicle is not going to buy the Kia Stinger or rather anyone who appreciates the value of their money is not going to buy a car from a brand that makes a car that looks like the Kia Soul. Cadillac represents performance, brand association, and value. Your buy a Stinger to be noticed. In the end, you buy a Cadillac to announce that "you've arrived".

4.6s 0-60..... how much faster do u ppl need... got damn!

The 550T badge is indeed silly, like stupid silly, like falling down drunk stupid silly. Smh.

The new badges such as the 550 T on this CT5 is just ridiculous. Showing the name of the car and the engine like 3.6 was just fine! It’s one of those “if it isn’t broke don’t fix it” type of thing!

The badging should be erased...just use the traditional 2.5t or 3.0t. Looks better, makes more sense and simple to read. Overall, this is a great option for entry luxury shoppers.

that is one nice looking car

Funny how 4.6 sec 0-60 seems normal now

I guess we don't consider the Chrysler 300 as a luxury car. This Cadillac is a beautiful car!!!

great review, as always. You use the word "particular" a lot. I cannot wait for the new G70 review. Keep up the great job.

Seems like a nice car but I think I would wait a couple years for the lease returns and then nab one. The only thing is all of these sedans take a enormous hit on depreciation no matter if they are American Euro or Asian.

Love the new intro, classy.

The rear seat headroom appears adequate. Why do reviewers insist on sitting in an unnaturally upright position to illustrate available headroom? It's really quite silly . . .

Feels like you filmed this video before 2021 TLX? Otherwise it should have been put in length/legroom comparisons

I would get the CT5 V loaded with every option avalible 😊. So I won’t feel too bad for not having the Blackwing.

Alex is one of the most intelligent, clear & thorough auto reviewers on RU-vid.

If they would replace the 2 sun roof with a solid full glass panel that might get more head room in the back similar to what the Tesla model 3 has.

Side profile is screaming Japanese.....Infiniti much?

Alex, I have a question that I hope you can answer...what do you think about the tactile feel like the switchgear? In my experience with GM vehicles, it tends to feel really cheap with not great tactile feedback. What you show looks encouraging but I just want to know what you think.

GM really said "let's do what we know best, big and cheap!" And ran with that... I wonder if it'll pay off for them like it has with VW.

Waiting for the 2021 CT5 with supercruise.😀

I would get the revised Stinger GT over all these options actually.

Finally Alex! Everyone else has tested the CT-5V and I was wondering what was holding you back, however, you tested the version I can afford. Bummer on the lack of Magnetic ride, but otherwise looks right for me. What other options beside the sun roof did you have in your test vehicle?

Very nice design. Everything made by GM has amazing design

I want comfort not the sporty and Best of all its a Cadillac.

I wonder how good of a value the Blackwing model will be...

Alex, You keep using the phrase - unless you've been living in a cave. What do you have against cave dwellers anyway?

Even though the MKZ is going away you should’ve put it in your comparison list

Great review! But since it as big as a Mercedes E class and BMW series 5, why not compare it with those ?

It’s too bad they forgot the quality, and reliability.

Thanks Alex. Your videos are always helpful. I agree on the 550T being something we recognize. I bought a 2020 XT5 with 400 on the back, and it was confusing. I have no idea what Newton-Meters even means, nor do I care to know. Just tell me the displacement on the badge and I'm okay with that. GM should know better than to try and confuse us. That being said, I love my XT5 Premium Luxury as my research indicated that it beat out so many automakers (BMW, AUDI, Lincoln, Acura, and a lot more). I plan to replace my 14 year old Mercedes in a couple of years, and the CT5 is in my top 5 right now.

Its surprising how this vehicle is similar in size to the Kia stinger in a lot of ways. I was on the hunt for a lux car with enough room for car seats. The list gets pretty short when youre not looks to waste and extra 20 grand. That said this and stinger are firmly on the list. I may get a used ct6 depending where the numbers land come purchase time. Thanks for the vid.

Does it have a head up display? I never see it mentioned

They started to use the misleading badges when they released their three row crossover with the boring old 3.6 engine and Lincoln blew them out of the water with The standard 3.0 eco-boost engine that produced 400 pound feet of torque. Because conveniently the 3.6 L engine is batched as the 400. It’s horrible.

I'll take the CT5 3.0 over field

Hmmm... The Star Wars segway wipes effect is a bit cheesy.

Do they still blow head gaskets? My 1992 Seville fell apart quickly. It too had “magnetic ride control” which also failed quickly. Beautiful cars but really unreliable.

Great review!

I don't know how you do your 0-60 times but they are very optimistic. Even the CT5-V is ~4.6-4.8 and you got the smaller engine doing 4.6. Same issue with your TLX review, 5.7? others are over 6.

This car is one of my favorites for 2020. With the 3.0L TT, it's a modern day Infiniti G35 - which was one of my favorite vehicles from the early 2000's. As usual, Alex does a brilliant job reviewing it.

I am going to buy a CT 5 when I soon move from awful New York City to Aventura, Florida. I hope to get red leather upholstery. And perhaps black exterior.

The interiors of Genesis blow this away.

New sub from the tfl channel

I find this car to be both ugly and embarrassing for the division at the same time. And I think you hit the nail on the head when you described the front end in the beginning: No wreath, no ducks; nothing to link this car with any traditional Cadillac. That's the damned problem. I see a 2011-2015 Chevrolet Cruze on steroids when I look at it. It's too big for its competitors and too small on the inside to compete with cars as large on the outside. And turbos can and will break over time, so no thank you! I hope when all-electric power takes over, that Cadillac will forget trying to be all things to BMW and Mercedes-Benz owners and get back to being Cadillac! Good review as usual, Alex and crew, but to this car and Cadillacs in general (except the Escalade), I say "Ewww, disgusting, go away!" And don't come back until you build an actual Cadillac! 🗑! 🐰

nice review. The only thing now is that there are none in stock at any local Cadillac Dealers in my area.

That badging rationale is completely laughable. What group of executives sat around with their masks on to tight and a lack of oxygen???

At about 5 seconds after 19:34, I *think* you meant to say "priced," not "sized."

Both these and bmws get hammered with depreciation because they are not worth asking price. Buy these at year 3 for prices starting with a 2.

my favorite car reviewer

Wow great review thank you! Super comprehensive! I would go for the AWD premium

We bought the 2020 XT5 Premium Luxury SUV in February and we love it. I've had my old 2006 SLK350 Benz for almost 12 years now, and considering moving to a newer car in the next year or two. Oddly enough, the CT5 is on my very short list, along with a used (2013-2017) SL550 Benz that has low miles. If I can tear myself away from having a folding hardtop convertible, then the CT5 will be my #1 choice. Comparing a CT5 to an SL550 is pretty impressive IMO. I am not typically even remotely interested in a sedan, so I'll keep thinking about it.

ct5 is sweet as a V 6 cyl and the Blackwing V will be awesome and the one to buy . ct4 is garbage and should be called a Buick Verano 2.0 . ct4 is nothing like the ATS at all

Once this has super-cruise it will be a lot more compelling. Right now, "value" is the major market advantage. Also, Cadillacs drive very well; their chassis tuning and steering feel are underrated, although this sounds like its a bit soft for my taste. But the GM parts bin interior is a major turn off, and the fuel economy is disappointing compared to the European competitors.

I guess I'll trade in my 16 CTS for CT6. This does not really do it for me.

The CT5 may beat out its Asian rivals (Genesis, Lexus, Acura, Infiniti), but it's still not on par with the Germans (BMW, Mercedes, and Audi).

Anoalog I like analog gauges better but this is the first Caddy I’ve liked in awhile

kudos for getting the CT5-550T variant to review. in my estimate only maybe 5% of CT5 reviews on RU-vid are for the 550T.

When my CTS dies, I'll get one of these.