There was a time when a Cadillac sedan was the car found in the driveway of every sixty-something who had saved their entire life to treat themselves at retirement. Needless to say, times have changed, and Cadillac is now a brand that appeals to a much broader and more diverse clientele.
The CT5 is a luxury sedan that I am particularly fond of because it has everything going for it. It is a very enjoyable car to drive, it definitely turns heads wherever it goes, and its comfort is comparable to a first-class seat on an intercontinental flight. In short, the American manufacturer's sedan ticks all the boxes, and Cadillac continues to improve its offering year after year.
The 2026 Cadillac CT5 lineup is divided into three main categories. First, there is the regular CT5 version, perfect for those who love the model and are looking primarily for a luxurious and comfortable experience. This version starts at $61,225.
If you want to add a bit of spice to your drive, there's the CT5-V version starting at $73,125. Here, you get the perfect balance between performance and refinement. It's a car you can drive seven days a week without ever getting bored behind the wheel.
Finally, if you are a brand enthusiast and want a car that can scorch the asphalt, there's the CT5-V Blackwing. This one is more expensive, starting at $117,079, but its performance is ridiculously impressive. It can leave many exotic cars in the dust.
The Cadillac CT5 competes with some of the biggest names in the industry, such as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the legendary Audi A5. However, I feel that European brands have been following trends a bit too closely in recent years. Cadillac, on the other hand, has remained more traditional while showing boldness — and that is what makes the CT5 so special.
It is the only car in its category available with a V8 engine and a manual gearbox.
Rivals: Acura TLX, Alfa Romeo Giulia, Audi A5, BMW 4 Series, Genesis G70, Lexus IS, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Volvo V80
Whether you are talking about the base version or the ultimate Blackwing, the Cadillac CT5 is a car with class and character. It stands out thanks to its sharp lines and very angular shapes — this is not a car that goes unnoticed.
On top of that, Cadillac added several flamboyant colors to the 2026 CT5 palette. In my opinion, it's one of the most beautiful cars currently available on the market.
The American sedan's cabin is sumptuous and very modern. The first thing that catches your eye is the massive 33-inch screen that houses both the dashboard and the infotainment system. Fit and finish are flawless, and comfort is clearly something Cadillac engineers studied with great care.
The 2026 Cadillac CT5 offers no fewer than four powertrain options.
The base sedan is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is available as an option.
The regular CT5 also offers a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 developing 335 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque.
The CT5-V version also gets a 3.0-liter V6, tuned for 360 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. The difference may not seem huge, but this variant benefits from other improvements, particularly in the brakes and suspension, making it even more fun to drive. This version also offers optional all-wheel drive, making it a very appealing choice for Canadian weather.
At the top of the CT5 lineup, you'll find the CT5-V Blackwing and its massive 6.2-liter supercharged V8 producing 668 horsepower and 669 lb-ft of torque. It rockets from 0–100 km/h in under 3.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 322 km/h. It's also the only version that offers a 6-speed manual transmission.
No electrified powertrain options
Does not hold its resale value as well as its European rivals
A pleasure to drive, comfortable, and very stylish
Blackwing performance is breathtaking
CT5-V offers the perfect balance
The Cadillac CT5 delivers just the right mix of boldness, fun, elegance, comfort, and technology. It's a car you simply can't regret buying.
I love modern cars for their technology and style, but most of them have lost what made them truly special. Cadillac has managed to preserve that little "je ne sais quoi," and that's why, in my opinion, the CT5 is currently the best luxury sedan available on the market
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
