For years, Cadillac has been trying to play catch-up to the Germans, with mixed efforts. On of its more recent attempts, the current CTS was a perfect example of the brand’s success with trying to tackle BMW. The Cadillac CTS looks good and drives surprisingly well but its interior, technology, engines and transmission are all lacking to most of the German brands, especially the new 5 Series. So the Americans are axing the CTS and replacing it with something they think is more worthy of taking on the mighty 5er — the Cadillac CT5.
The name has barely changed visually but we get it. Rather than the ATS, CTS and STS, there’s now the CT5 and CT6, with a smaller ATS-replacing CT4 presumably on the way. However, despite the similarity in name, the new Cadillac CT5 is quite a bit different than the old CTS.
It sports a new look, one that, while similar, does look much better. Its rear fenders seem more muscular and its face looks sharper and more modern. It’s built on GM’s new Alpha platform, the same one that underpins the new Camaro, and it looks it. Which is a good thing. Though, that C-pillar kink is borrowed directly from the Honda Accord and doesn’t look very good at all. The rest of the car, though, is handsome enough.
Under the hood, there will be two new engines to start. The base engine will be a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 237 hp and the more potent engine will be a 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged V6 making 404 hp. Gone is the naturally-aspirated 3.6 liter V6 that used to power most Cadillac vehicles and good riddance. Sending that power to the wheels will be a 10-speed automatic.
So this new Cadillac CT5 looks to be much improved, from top to bottom. Can it take on the BMW 5 Series when it finally debuts? We’ll see but it should be interesting.
If it weren’t for the silly, oversized lower front fascia, the front would look pretty decent for a Caddy.
My sentiments as well.
Drivers can’t actually see lower front fascia.
Only typists.
I priced fully a optioned Lincoln Aviator PHEV against an equivalent BMW X5 40e and it came out almost $10K more than the BMW. Lincoln doesn’t seem to understand that it would have to cost $10K LESS for me to even consider it. Will the Caddy make the same mistake?
Doubt you’ve ever been in one of Lincoln’s newer vehicles. Navigator is selling at close to record numbers. I think the new Aviator will be even more popular.
The Americans will NEVER “catch up” to the Gerry’s. They just won’t.
They lack the sophistication and philosophy that European roads have chiseled into the minds of British and Euro motoring designers/builders.
Ya’d have to be daft to spend monies on an American motor. I almost feel sorry for the yanks… almost
So apples & oranges. I’ve had Cadillacs as rentals, they’re not bad cars. But SO American, they can’t really compete with Germany. As with Lexus, different. Something for everyone. But you’re right. They can’t compete with the original. Too bad. Maybe more tariffs?
I agree. Cadillac shouldn’t try and copy the Germans. It should be uniquely American, like what Lincoln is doing. And look at the increase in traffic Lincoln is seeing.
Nobody cares about Cadillacs.
Isn’t the entire Cadillac brand switching to electric?