[Equilibrandt]

Coworker had a CTS-V - thing had about as much day-to-day functionality as a Hellcat. Too much power to really put down.

Biggest appeal for most top-trim Caddies? Their design elements. The CTS-V had dual-pane front windows. The interior was definitely a notch above my F80. The front seats had independently-adjustable thigh bolsters and back bolsters. Caddy knows how to do interiors.

Now would I get a CT4-V Blackwing (Twin Turbo V6) over an F80 or G80? Absolutely not, the 10 speed auto is nothing close to fun to drive in a paddle configuration. Just like the Mustang's 10R80 10 speed auto. BMW DCT or ZF 8 speed will always beat out a 10 speed unless you drive in simple auto and never paddle.

Haven't looked at the interior of a CT4/5 V yet, but if you're a manual or automatic (no paddle) driver, I could definitely see the appeal of a Caddy over an M3/5 because of the interior, assuming it's similar to the CTS-V.

One thing to note: Caddy's MagneRide is unrivalled, imo. The CTS-V that I've driven locks into a perfect degree of body roll on cloverleaf highway on-ramps - pushing 90 on a cloverleaf that has signage for a 30 mph limit is wild. Now, if you're a suspension modder, MagneRide 4.0 would be a total waste.

[EDWYER]

C&D review is in.

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...ackwing-drive/

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by TooSoonJunior

C&D review is in.

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...ackwing-drive/

Great review, definitely a swan song for ICE Cadillac's. Very curious to hear how the CT5-V BW drives next week.

[RM7]

Seems to have a lot/most of the technology in my SS 1LE, as far as powertrain/chassis options. If it has PTM, it must have the same type of eLSD, which has the 5 or so modes, with "race" being the highest. The (my) suspension has 4 modes, then there's the competitive modes, etc. Short story: there's a lot of ways to set it up and customize based on your track and racing needs.

[Namelss]

I placed an order for a ‘22 CT5-V Blackwing back in March after signing up for the waitlist the previous month. I sold my ‘18 CTS-V for almost what I paid for it new back in June while the used car market was high. However, GM is really blowing this launch IMO and it has forced me to consider other options for my next car. As a result, I submitted an order (with build slot) for an M5C last week. I still haven’t received an allocation for the Cadillac so I’m sitting on that to see what happens and will make my decision in the next few weeks. I feel like my dealer is stringing me along while others around the country are getting their allocations.

As for my ‘18 V3, I liked it a lot. It was a beast but it didn’t have any traction as some have mentioned. Some in the V community find it downright scary with the rear squirming around when you punch it at 60. I thought it was fun lol. CUE wasn’t the best interface but it wasn’t as horrible as everyone made it out to be once it was updated for ‘18. The interior of my V was nice at all the touch points but it was a sea of black which I don’t really care for.

My only concerns with the M5 are cost of ownership over time and resale value. I have a 2007 Volvo XC90 V8 that I purchased new and I could have bought a new Corolla with the money I’ve sunk into it over the years. I would all but guarantee the Caddy will hold its value with the manual trans like the Chevy SS is today. I had 2 SSs before the CTS and I made money when I sold my second SS because it was a manual. I think the new CT5 interiors are nicer than before but still leagues behind the BMW in that regard. I like that they’re at least offering some variety in the interior choices. Cadillac service isn’t the best to put it nicely. Every time I brought my car in they had it for a week, no matter the issue. My V had an intermittent electrical issue and I had to eventually open a case with GM to get it fixed.

So, that’s where I stand today. I’ve had a long line of American iron over the past 10 years and I’m ready for something different. I think the M5 is a beautiful machine and I’d be fortunate to own one. I’ve been telling people my head says get the M but my heart wants the V.

[KevinGS]

Originally Posted by IIIMPERATIVE

One thing to note: Caddy's MagneRide is unrivalled, imo. The CTS-V that I've driven locks into a perfect degree of body roll on cloverleaf highway on-ramps - pushing 90 on a cloverleaf that has signage for a 30 mph limit is wild. Now, if you're a suspension modder, MagneRide 4.0 would be a total waste.

100% agree. Having driven a few C7s and a last gen CTSV, the Magna ride is damn near perfect - functionally comfortable on most choppy roads (firm, but compliant), yet can dial in a curve to maximize grip in less than a second. It's an amazing engineering feat. GM's alpha platform is impressive. They just need to find a way to dial in a tad more reliability into their overall product, and they need to continue to evolve their interiors.

Caddy's V products have produced some definitive M fighters over the years, and the new Blackwing V models ups the ante even more. A 650+ HP sedan with a manual??? Now that's making a statement. BMW would not even think of making a new M5 or M8 with a manual.

[stein_325i]

Car and Driver
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[e92hunter]

Originally Posted by KevinGS

100% agree. Having driven a few C7s and a last gen CTSV, the Magna ride is damn near perfect - functionally comfortable on most choppy roads (firm, but compliant), yet can dial in a curve to maximize grip in less than a second. It's an amazing engineering feat. GM's alpha platform is impressive. They just need to find a way to dial in a tad more reliability into their overall product, and they need to continue to evolve their interiors.

Caddy's V products have produced some definitive M fighters over the years, and the new Blackwing V models ups the ante even more. A 650+ HP sedan with a manual??? Now that's making a statement. BMW would not even think of making a new M5 or M8 with a manual.

That's because the CT4VBW/CT5VBW uses the carryover powertrain from last generation (ATSV/CTSV) that also offered manual options. BMW went with updated powertrains on the G80/F90 and the G80 still has a manual option.

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by e92hunter

That's because the CT4VBW/CT5VBW uses the carryover powertrain from last generation (ATSV/CTSV) that also offered manual options. BMW went with updated powertrains on the G80/F90 and the G80 still has a manual option.

The previous CTS-V did not offer a manual. The engines while carryover, also do feature upgrades, the M5 is similar in that the engine is also a carryover (S63 was first introduced in 2010) and has been upgraded since.

[Namelss]

Well there's my TV viewing schedule for tonight.

[e92hunter]

Originally Posted by stein_325i

The previous CTS-V did not offer a manual. The engines while carryover, also do feature upgrades, the M5 is similar in that the engine is also a carryover (S63 was first introduced in 2010) and has been upgraded since.

From my understanding, the CT5V-BW uses the same LT4 from the CTS-V. Not like the CTS-V was low on power, it had 640 hp in 2016 already so this iteration is a small power bump. The S63 saw bigger changes than what you're implying lol and the part number literally reflects that (TU being Technical Update). F10 S63B44T0 -> F90 S63B44T4 - many changes were made that you can look up.

Just easier for BMW to offer cookie cutter specs by limiting transmission choices since they have like 30 cars in their lineup.

[dgoldenz]

CT5 Blackwing looks great, really wish they'd put a damn full leather option on these cars. You're competing at the $100k+ price point and can't offer it even as an option when you're charging an extra $7k for the upgraded interior already? I mean come on...unless my eyes are deceiving me the one in the Raiti's Rides review looks like standard plastic dash with some stitching.

[KevinGS]

Originally Posted by e92hunter

That's because the CT4VBW/CT5VBW uses the carryover powertrain from last generation (ATSV/CTSV) that also offered manual options. BMW went with updated powertrains on the G80/F90 and the G80 still has a manual option.

Yes, the G8X still comes with a manual. But imagine if the M5 came with a manual? Caddy's making one last stand with a high-performance full size sedan (650+ hp) with a manual. Likely the last manufacturer to produce such a vehicle.

And if you're "old" powertrain produces 650+ hp, no need to use an updated powertrain just for the sake of change.

Hec, if I could get an M2 today with the E9X V8, I'd be all over it.

[zakhar18]

Originally Posted by stein_325i

2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing: Exterior Color Options
2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing: Interior Colors, Materials, and Tracking Software
2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing: Exterior and Interior Color Options

Hey! I liked the Shadow Metallic exterior and Sky Cool Gray interior))

[Wheelwright]

Originally Posted by dgoldenz

CT5 Blackwing looks great, really wish they'd put a damn full leather option on these cars. You're competing at the $100k+ price point and can't offer it even as an option when you're charging an extra $7k for the upgraded interior already? I mean come on...unless my eyes are deceiving me the one in the Raiti's Rides review looks like standard plastic dash with some stitching.

I agree the leather should be standard, however even some very expensive cars such as Porsche 911 don't include it in base configuration. I guess it doesn't bother some people.

[dgoldenz]

Originally Posted by Wheelwright

I agree the leather should be standard, however even some very expensive cars such as Porsche 911 don't include it in base configuration. I guess it doesn't bother some people.

It's not even an option though and the "upgraded" leather interior is already $7k extra. Porsche charges less than that for full leather interior, lol. Maybe I'm missing something.

[6oclockshadow]

Originally Posted by Wheelwright

I agree the leather should be standard, however even some very expensive cars such as Porsche 911 don't include it in base configuration. I guess it doesn't bother some people.

Not only does it not bother some people, but many prefer non animal skins to sit on.

[heavyD^2]

Originally Posted by 6oclockshadow

Not only does it not bother some people, but many prefer non animal skins to sit on.

I prefer cloth seats. I really wish manufactures would offer cloth seats as an option as the GTI and Civic Type R are the only sporty vehicles that come to mind offering this. I find cloth holds me in the seat better and it just feels more comfortable during temperature extremes.

[Kiefermeister]

I actually got on waiting list at a local dealer for an allocation. Two ahead of me. Hoping to get one. Manual transmission option. If I can get it at MSRP…

[AlexFL]

Originally Posted by Wheelwright

I agree the leather should be standard, however even some very expensive cars such as Porsche 911 don't include it in base configuration. I guess it doesn't bother some people.

Many people in Europe don't want to have animal materials in their car.

[KevinGS]

Originally Posted by Kiefermeister

I actually got on waiting list at a local dealer for an allocation. Two ahead of me. Hoping to get one. Manual transmission option. If I can get it at MSRP…

Nice!

[Namelss]

Originally Posted by Kiefermeister

I actually got on waiting list at a local dealer for an allocation. Two ahead of me. Hoping to get one. Manual transmission option. If I can get it at MSRP…

I’ve been on the waitlist since March, good luck! 👍🏼

I’m tired of waiting which is why I’m on this board checking out the M5. The M5 seems nicer in every regard. That 6spd is gonna be hard to pass up, though. Nice to have these choices.