While SUVs and crossovers are top sellers right now, sedans are still in favor for those who want riding comfort in a low silhouette design. And Cadillac has come on strong with their latest CT5 midsize sedan.
This rear-drive (AWD is a $2,000 option) replaced the former CTS sedan. As such, it’s a tad smaller, more maneuverable plus it sports a striking chiseled, angular design.
CT5 is offered in Luxury, Premium Luxury (tested), Sport and CT5-V Blackwing that has a myriad of sporty features and performance functions.
The CT5 550T Premium Luxury tested was not only an eye-grabber, but true to Cadillac tradition. It had a classy 5-passenger interior sporting a 10-inch iPad-type touchscreen with, ONSTAR, 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, apps and rearview camera that offers four selectable views including frontal and side views. Below it is a palm-shaped 10-speed automatic electronic automatic transmission shifter that has a “P” button for park gear instead of a typical detent. It’s surrounded by neat carbon fiber type trim that really sets off the cockpits’ decor.
Below the shifter is a rotary dial controlling some touchscreen functions and the four driving modes of My Mode, Tour, Sport and Snow/Ice.
CT5’s Rearview Camera Mirror is unique in that it does double duty as it can be switched to a wider rear view to see any unseen obstacles on either back side of the car.
HVAC controls on the vertical stack are comprised of two horizontal rows of easy to operate switches with the bottom row activating the heated/cooled seat functions and heated steering wheel.
An analog gauge cluster (surprised Cadillac didn’t go with digital gauges as many lesser cars are using) includes a driver information display for various driving functions, features and alerts.
Front seats are exceptionally supportive, soft, comfy with extended under thigh support. The driver’s seat has a custom setting so three different drivers can set their preferences. When crossing a highway line or backing into an object, the driver’s seat buzzes as an alert. And get this. The driver/passenger seats also have a massage function that soothes over long hauls. But be forewarned. Once activated, you won’t want to get out of the car when the trip is over.
Back seats are equally as comfy as the fronts, but only for two adults as a tall transaxle hump doesn’t allow sufficient legroom. However, three youngsters can be accommodated.
Trunk space is rated at 11.9 cubic feet and with the rear seatbacks upright, there’s 41.5 inches of storage length. Flip the seatbacks and length expands to 72 inches. Only problem here is there’s an oval-type partition behind the rear seatbacks that lessens space. But two hoofer type golf bags will still fit. There’s also a deep bin on either side of the trunk to stow smaller items plus beneath the trunk floor, is a two partition hard foam bin to stow added items.
CT5 is offered with two engine choices. A 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder with 237-hp and 258 lb/ft of torque for EPA mileage estimates of 23/32 mpg for RWD and 21/31 mpg for AWD.
Our test car came with the optional ($3,500) 3.0-lter, twin turbo V6 that generates 335-hp and a whopping 400 lb/ft of torque for EPA mileage estimates of 19 city, 26-highway mpg with RWD and 18/25 mpg for AWD. These ratings are with engine start/stop technology and 10-speed auto trans.
The 3.0L V6 offered impressive performance from a standing stop and during highway passing situations. It moved CT5’s 3,659-pound curb weight as if there was a V8 under the hood. And in Sport mode, rpm’s increased somewhat as did shift points for quicker acceleration.
The ride on Michelin 18-inch all-season self-sealing tires was silky smooth and quiet, a trademark of all Cadillac’s.
Handling was controlled in sharp turns with the suspension offering compliant maneuverability. Parking was easy with a relatively tight 39 foot turning diameter. And when backing into a parking spot and there’s an object or person, CT5’s Reverse Automatic Braking automatically stops the car. It’s part of the Driver Assistance and Advanced Security Package ($1,950) as is enhanced automatic braking, adaptive cruise and a lengthy list of added items.
Other safety features include rear cross traffic alert, forward collision alert, lane change alert w/side blind zone alert and front pedestrian braking.
CT5 carried a base price of $40,695 but after adding the aforementioned options plus the Platinum Package ($8,330) that included the massaging seats, panoramic sunroof, Bose audio, alloy pedals, climate, parking package and a few more, the Drive Awareness Package added an additional $1,300 and with a $995 delivery charge, the bottom line reflected $58,770.
With that comes a 4 year, 50K mile bumper-bumper; 6/70K powertrain with roadside assistance/courtesy transportation; and complimentary first maintenance visit warranties.
All in all, CT5 is not like your grandfathers Cadillac. Far from it. It’s a pleasing mix of luxury, sportiness and latest technology for a price that’s less than its comparable competition from BMW and Mercedes. And it’s made in the good ole USA.
