Cadillac has a long history with sedans—although sometimes it helps to have a short memory.
The 2020 Cadillac CT5 is a mid-size sedan that’s smaller than its predecessor, but right-sized for car buyers around the globe—not just folks in the U.S.
Dimensionally, the 2020 CT5 fits between the outgoing compact ATS and mid-size CTS. A smaller CT4 sedan complements the CT5.
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With the CT5, Cadillac has a competitor for a bevy of luxury competitors from Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW. A performance CT5-V is available to take on mid-range performers and a high-powered version is due soon—something Cadillac has done very well in the past.
Style and performance
The CT5 bears some resemblance to the company’s outgoing full-size sedan, the CT6, and borrows inspiration from the 2016 Escala concept.
The new sedan sports a more upright nose, wider grille, vertical headlights, and chiseled looks. The hood and body sides are deeply creased and skip the Art & Science jaggedness for a blockier, but ultimately more contemporary look.
The CT5’s rear roof pillar may be the most recognizable shape compared to the outgoing sedans; it kicks up quickly toward a high tail and black plastic mimics the look of a rear quarter-window and meets a plunging roof at the rear end.
Under the metal, the CT5 is distantly related to the Chevrolet Camaro—a relationship that has served other Cadillac sedans well in the past.
The 2020 Cadillac CT5 initially will be available with a choice between two turbocharged engines, a 237-horsepower 2.0-liter inline-4 or a 335-horsepower 3.0-liter V-6. The CT5-V gets a 360-hp 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6.
The engines will pair exclusively with a 10-speed automatic transmission and drive the rear or all four wheels. All-wheel drive will be available with any engine.
Initial performance figures weren’t immediately available, although V-6 versions should sprint to 60 mph in around five seconds and Cadillac says that the CT5 would use “unique sound calibrations” for both models.
Safety and features
The 2020 Cadillac CT5 will be available in Sport and Luxury trim levels when it goes on sale later this year. Like other Cadillacs, the two trim levels are separated by small styling differences outside, and equipment differences inside and under the hood.
The CT5 will come equipped with Cadillac’s latest and greatest for infotainment and convenience, including available SuperCruise driver-assistance tech that can reduce fatigue on long trips.
The CT5 will use Cadillac’s latest infotainment system that offers a touchscreen and clickwheel controller, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
Cadillac also has promised premium sound from Bose in the CT5.