Cadillac is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its V-Series in style with updates of the two CT5 performance packages, the CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing. Headlight.News checks out how the two sedans strike the balance between performance and luxury.
Cadillac is celebrating 20 years of V-Series performance with updates to its 2025 CT5-V Blackwing, above, and CT5-V sedan.
When the original CTS-V sedan made its debut two decades ago it helped Cadillac not only redefine itself but also position itself as a more serious challenger to European performance sedans like the BMW 5 Series M and Mercedes-Benz E-Class AMG.
In recent years, Caddy has added V-Series takes on much of its line-up, from the compact CT4 sedan and the full-size Escalade SUV. They’ve clearly clicked with buyers, sales of the various V-Series models jumping 55% year-over-year in 2023.
Now, to keep the momentum building, the Detroit luxury brand is rolling out two updated versions of its midsize sedan, the 2025 Cadillac CT5-V and the CT5-V Blackwing — the latter package the most powerful, street-legal model Cadillac has ever offered.
Performance is “deeply embedded”
“Performance is a big part of who we are. It’s deeply embedded in our DNA,” said John Roth, Cadillac’s global vice president, during a media backgrounder.
The solid demand for the two V-Series versions of the CT5 help explain why Cadillac remains in the sedan market, Roth added, even while a growing number of competitors are migrating to lineups focused exclusively on SUVs and CUVs.
The solid demand for the two V-Series versions of the CT5 help explain why Cadillac remains in the sedan market.
Both models draw heavily from what Cadillac has learned on the track, said Alex MacDonald, the chief engineer for both CT5 variants. Motorsports “really test technology that is used on the track and then finds its way back into the performance vehicles.”
What’s new for 2025
The CT5-V is the more mainstream version — if one can use that term here — gets a number of exterior design updates, according to Cadillac, including:
- A redesigned grille and front fascia with black moldings, rocker extensions and spoiler;
- A redesigned Cadillac stacked signature vertical lighting with LED headlamps with Mondrian pattern etching;
- A lit Cadillac Crest on the back of the 33-inch-diagonal LED display, which welcomes the driver upon approach; and
- Quad trapezoid exhaust tips
The Blackwing gets some additional front-end tweaks, including revisions to its unique grille, a front fascia aero ground effects and unique front fenders. There’s also an updated Carbon Fiber Package with splitter.
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More technology
Some of the biggest updates fall into the technology category. That includes an updated version of the built-in Performance Data Recorder. It can analyze lap times and even show a driver how to improve their handling on track. Data is now streamed live on the center stack’s 33-inch infotainment screen, and a head-up display provides critical information while on track. Significantly, motorists now can access the graphics and data captured by the PDR directly on that touchscreen, rather than having to download it to a laptop or tablet computer.
The “base” performance model is fitted with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 which pushed 360 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque.
Both of the 2025 Cadillac CT5 V-Series models now come standard with General Motors hands-free Super Cruise system which adds the ability to automatically pass slower vehicles.
And the infotainment system has migrated to the Google built-in operating system which includes the voice-operated Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play.
One critical piece of technology carried over from 2024 is the use of the Magnetic Ride Control suspension. It uses a magnetically sensitive fluid that allows the sedan’s dampers to individually go from firm to soft — or anything in-between — in less time than it take a CT5 to travel 2 inches at 60 mph.
Performance
The powertrains on both CT5-V and Blackwing carry over from 2024.
The “base” performance model is fitted with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 which pushed 360 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque through a 10-speed automatic gearbox.
The Blackwing punches out 668 hp and 650 lb-ft from its supercharged 6.2-liter V-8, including an option for a 6-speed manual.
The Blackwing punches out 668 hp and 650 lb-ft from its supercharged 6.2-liter V-8. Buyers have a choice of a 10-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual gearbox. Last year, over 50% of Blackwing buyers opted for the stick, noted MacDonald.
Both models are offered with a choice of rear or all-wheel drive. And they come standard with performance traction management, an electronically controlled limited-slip differential and launch control. The Blackwing adds to the list Brembo brakes and Line Lock.
Pricing and availability
Both the 2025 Cadillac CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing will go into production at GM’s Lansing Grand River Assembly facility before midyear, with the two performance models rolling into U.S. showrooms over the summer.
Pricing will be released closer to their on-sale date. The outgoing CT5-V starts at $51,495 before delivery fees, the CT5-V Blackwing at $94,890.
Use this link to check out a video of the two 2025 Cadillac CT5-V models.
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