#NYIAS: Cadillac Redfines Luxury In The Mid-Sized Market With New CT-5 Sedan

Cadillac recasts the concept of American Luxury with the global debut of the unrivaled 2020 CT5 sedan.

This all-new compact sedan advances the brand’s award-winning legacy with a distinctive fusion of design, performance and comfort, supported by Cadillac’s latest technologies — including Super Cruise¹, the world’s first true hands-free driver assistance feature for limited-access freeways.

“The first-ever Cadillac CT5 showcases Cadillac’s unique expertise in crafting American luxury sedans,” said Steve Carlisle, Cadillac president. “Its details elevate every drive and reward the senses.”

2019 New York Auto Show Preview

An all-new fastback design underscores the CT5’s refined ride, complemented with a driver-centric interior that blends high technology and high-touch elements. Luxury and Sport models allow customers to tailor the car to their style preferences with unique design and trim.

Cadillac is dedicated to building the world’s most exhilarating luxury sedans,” said Carlisle. “Every element of the CT5 is focused on delivering an unrivaled experience, from the 10-speed transmission to Cadillac’s Super Cruise technology. The expansion of Super Cruise to CT5 reinforces our commitment to bringing the most innovative technologies to our customers.”

Cadillac CT5’s Super Cruise technology will be available in calendar year 2020 on select models.

CT5 highlights:

• At launch, the model range will include Luxury, Premium Luxury and Sport, with a Platinum package available on Premium Luxury and Sport models.
• A 2.0L Twin-Scroll Turbo engine is standard and Cadillac’s 3.0L Twin-Turbo V-6 is available on Premium Luxury and Sport models. Unique sound calibrations are tuned with the engines and each is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
• The driving dynamics build on Cadillac’s award-winning RWD architecture and include standard Driver Mode Control. AWD is available.
• The latest Cadillac user experience² with a large 10-inch-diagonal screen, as well as intuitive controls, including a rotary controller.
• A host of comfort and convenience features such as standard Adaptive Remote Start, cabin air purification ionizer and available front-seat lumbar massage.
• Driver awareness technologies include standard Safety Alert Seat³ and Cadillac’s latest generation available Rear Camera Mirror with zoom and tilt adjustment.
• Standard driver assistance technologies include Forward Collision Alert³, Low Speed Forward Automatic Emergency Braking³ and Front Pedestrian Braking³.
• Available driver assistance technologies including Advanced³ Adaptive Cruise Control, Enhanced Forward Automatic Emergency Braking³, Automatic Parking Assist with Braking³, HD Surround Vision with Recorder³, Rear Pedestrian Detection and Alert³, Reverse Automatic Braking³ and more.

A New Design Profile

With a fastback profile inspired by the Escala concept, the first-ever CT5 charts a new direction for Cadillac sedan design that leverages the natural proportional advantage of the vehicle’s rear-drive platform to communicate power, presence and performance.

“From every angle, the CT5 exudes athleticism, sophistication and confidence,” said Andrew Smith, executive director of global Cadillac design. “Cadillac’s signature hard-edge cues have evolved to a more sculptural and fluid expression of the brand’s design language.”

A long, 116-inch wheelbase (2,947 mm) and lengthened side glass accentuate the car’s long, low proportion and sweeping fastback profile. Body sculpturing, including taut character lines, contributes to the car’s strong stance and speaks to Cadillac’s legacy of craftsmanship and technology.

An all-LED exterior lighting strategy features signature vertical lights at all four corners of the vehicle.

Bright exterior accents and unique grilles and fascias distinguish the CT5 Luxury and Premium Luxury models, while the Sport model is differentiated by darker accents and performance-inspired details, including unique grilles, fascias, rocker extensions, spoiler and standard 19-inch wheels⁴.

High-Tech and High-Touch Interior

CT5’s interior features elegant, wide surface lines and simple interfaces, focusing on quality, attention to detail, authenticity of materials and impeccable craftsmanship.

Everything from the instrument panel to the center display is focused on the driver and essential touch points, emphasizing control. That includes a prominent, 1080dp high-definition full-color 10-inch-diagonal touchscreen mounted high within the instrument panel for visibility.

Intuitive Technology and Connectivity

CT5 delivers thoughtful technology integration by offering an intuitive in-vehicle experience with a heightened sense of control. This is provided in everything from vehicle controls that conform to the driver’s driving style to the latest, more personal Cadillac user experience², which provides more intuitive ways to interface with the system, including phone pairing via Near Field Communication and a new rotary controller.

CT5 also features standard Adaptive Remote Start and an available hands-free power-release decklid to further customers’ convenience and comfort. Adaptive Remote Start automatically activates features such as the available adaptive heated/ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel and other climate systems, depending on the temperature. The hands-free decklid uses a motion sensor with Cadillac crest target projection that allows customers to activate the trunk release with their foot, supporting easy access.

Turbocharged Performance

CT5 is powered by a 2.0L Twin-Scroll Turbo engine and 10-speed automatic transmission with Electronic Precision Shift. This standard propulsion combination offers responsive off-the-line performance with excellent low-end torque. The twin-scroll turbocharger and a unique three-step sliding camshaft help the engine optimize performance across the rpm band for a greater feeling of on-demand power at all speeds.

Cadillac’s powerful 3.0L Twin Turbo V-6 is available on Premium Luxury and Sport models, rated at an estimated 335 hp (250 kw) and 400 lb-ft of torque (542 Nm)⁵. Low-inertia turbochargers and a manifold-integrated liquid-to-air intercooling system help the engine produce exceptional power with virtually no lag and sustain it across most of the rpm band. Like the 2.0L Turbo, it is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission with Electronic Precision Shift.

Both engines employ technologies such as direct injection, camshaft phasing, Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) and automatic stop/start to balance performance, refinement and efficiency. Sound tuning via mechanical and electronic sources contributes to CT5’s optimized effect on the senses, with engine sounds tuned to augment the driving experience in a refined manner, while helping to minimize unwanted noise in the cabin.

Evolved Driving Dynamics

Building on the strengths of the superb RWD architecture that underpins Cadillac’s award-winning rear-wheel-drive sedans, the first-ever CT5 is designed to deliver an exhilarating driving experience while maintaining the brand’s signature blend of performance, comfort and refinement.

Evolutionary enhancements of the front and rear suspensions, including Cadillac’s signature double-pivot MacPherson-type front suspension, are designed to improve road isolation and driver feedback. At the rear, a five-link independent suspension contributes to the car’s excellent feeling of control.

Additional chassis and driving dynamics features:

• Standard Bosch premium electric, rack-mounted power steering system.
• Capable, confident and precise eBoost brakes.
• Brembo front brakes are standard on the Sport model.
• Standard ZF MVS passive dampers.
• All-wheel drive is available on all models.

Standard customer-selectable drive modes allow CT5 to adapt even better to driver preferences and changing road conditions. The modes — Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice and new My Mode — can alter the calibrations for transmission shifting, steering and brake feel, front/rear torque split (with the available AWD system) and vehicle sound character to customize the driving experience.

CT5 can handle a variety of road conditions no matter the climate, thanks to all-wheel drive available on every model along with a diverse range of tire choices, including 19-inch all-season run-flat tires and 18-inch Michelin self-seal tires. All tire options allow drivers to continue driving during most punctures that would sideline conventional tires, for immediate replacement/repair.

Coming Soon

The 2020 CT5 makes its public debut at the New York International Auto Show April 19-28 and will be available for ordering this fall. It will be manufactured at GM’s Lansing Grand River facility, which previously received a $211 million investment to build the next-generation Cadillac sedans. Pricing and additional information will be announced closer to the start of production. 

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¹Even while using the Super Cruise driver assistance feature, always pay attention while driving and do not use a hand-held device.  Visit cadillacsupercruise.com for compatible highways and more information.  Requires active OnStar plan, active Wi-Fi Hotspot, working electrical system, cell reception and GPS signal

²Cadillac Infotainment System functionality varies by model. Full functionality requires compatible Bluetooth and smartphone, and USB connectivity for some devices.

³Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. The driver should remain attentive to traffic, surroundings and road conditions at all times. Visibility, weather and road conditions may affect feature performance. Read the vehicle’s owner’s manual for more important safety limitations and information.  

⁴Lower profile tires wear faster. Wheel and tire damage may occur on rough or damaged road or from surfaces or from curbs, debris or obstacles. This damage is not covered by the GM New Vehicle Limited Warranty. For more details, go to my.cadillac.com/learn/tires/ or see your dealer.

⁵Cadillac estimated. Horsepower and torque pending SAE certification.

2020 CADILLAC CT5 SPECIFICATIONS (NORTH AMERICA)

FUEL TANK CAPACITY

ENGINES^{^}

^ SAE numbers n/a

ENGINES^{^}

^ SAE numbers n/a

TRANSMISSION & AXLE

CHASSIS & SUSPENSION

EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS

INTERIOR DIMENSIONS

CURB WEIGHT & CARGO VOLUME

^Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution. ±Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual.

ADDITIONAL AVAILABLE DRIVER SUPPORT & CONNECTIVITY TECHNOLOGIES*

* Certain features require a trial or paid active service plan

¹Cadillac Infotainment System functionality varies by model. Full functionality requires compatible Bluetooth and smartphone, and USB connectivity for some devices.

²Map coverage available in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada.

³Requires active connected services or OnStar plan. Services are subject to user terms and limitations and vary by vehicle model. Visit onstar.com for details. Availability subject to change.

⁴The system wirelessly charges one Qi-compatible mobile device. Some phones have built-in wireless charging technology and others require a special adaptor/back cover. To check for phone or other device compatibility, see my.cadillac.com/learn or consult your carrier.

⁵Not compatible with all devices

⁶ Connected services include 2 years of navigation services and 6 months of Remote Access Plan. Data plans offered by AT&T. Services subject to user terms and limitations. Certain services require working electrical system, cell reception and GPS signal. OnStar links to emergency services. See onstar.com for details and limitations. Availability subject to change.

⁷Vehicle user interface is a product of Apple and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires compatible iPhone and data plan rates apply. Apple CarPlay is a trademark of Apple Inc. Siri, iPhone and iTunes are trademarks for Apple Inc, registered in the U.S. and other countries.

⁸Vehicle user interface is a product of Google and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires the Android Auto app on Google Play and an Android compatible smartphone running Android™ 5.0 Lollipop or higher. Data plan rates apply. Android Auto is a trademark of Google LLC.

DRIVER ASSISTANCE TECHNOLOGIES

^Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. The driver should remain attentive to traffic, surroundings and road conditions at all times. Visibility, weather and road conditions may affect feature performance. Read the vehicle’s owner’s manual for more important safety limitations and information.

blackbr - 4/16/2019 10:21:48 AM

+4 Boost

Exterior is interesting, not necessarily good looking. Sort of a blend of Maxima and BMW 5-series GT (not a car to copy!). Inside doesn't really do it for me, the center stack is busy although the wood trim looks good. This might be one of those cars that looks better in the flesh than it does in pictures. Price strikes me as high once essential options are included.

dumpsty - 4/16/2019 6:12:36 PM

+2 Boost

Get this in V-sport or V-series trim.

People who'd take an Accord or Camry or Maxima over the CT5 are kinda crazy & probably don't enjoy driving anyway.

countguy - 4/16/2019 10:32:56 AM

+11 Boost

Side profile still looks like an Accord.

MDarringer - 4/16/2019 10:38:11 AM

+3 Boost

*Lurxy* Jesus Horatio Christ

As for the Cadillac, it's dead in the water because no one wants their premium sedan to look like a hatchback. This will be pulled from production in a year or two.

MDarringer - 4/16/2019 10:54:54 AM

+1 Boost

What Cadillac needs to do is to bring back the formal roofline of the 1976 Seville. Yes, it would be an aerodynamic disaster, but it would stand out in a very good way. Reskin this with a formal roofline and a longer tail, call it Seville, and price it sanely to create a market success. Cadillacs should be posh and coddling not some poorly executed Euro coupesedan wannabe.

Truthy - 4/16/2019 2:21:54 PM

+3 Boost

Agree. Look ar Cadillac's heritage. Big, bold and comfortable. This design language worked on the Escala concept due to its length/proportions. To quote Bill Mitchell, "It's hard to tailor a dwarf."

cidflekken - 4/16/2019 11:55:18 AM

+4 Boost

Cadillac has become the American Asian car company. Started with its XT6, aka Honda Pilot clone. Now this CT5, a meld of the Accord, Maxima, Infiniti M70, and a few more. Nothing original from a design standpoint, inside or out.

And this is supposed to rival the 3 Series, et al? At 193 inches that's mid-size to large-size, almost 10 inches longer than the 3/A4/C.

dtmwtch - 4/16/2019 11:57:17 AM

+4 Boost

never has so much been spent by so many on so little.

MDarringer - 4/16/2019 12:32:25 PM

+2 Boost

I absolutely agree. This was conceived under Jockitch DeNiacin's watch and shows how epically stupid he is.

valhallakey - 4/16/2019 2:23:53 PM

+5 Boost

Disappointed in three areas, from the B pillar back it is a mess for a Cadillac. As some have mentioned - too much Honda Accord or Maxima inthere. The interior is nice but not coherent or something. I can’t put my finger on it exactly but it just does not strike me as premium class. Last but not least is no hybrid option, big miss IMHO. Front 1/2 of the exterior looks ok as a progression of the art/science design theme.

dumpsty - 4/17/2019 1:27:05 PM

+1 Boost

Cadillac will never get everything right for everyone. But what they're doing is pretty nice. They've made so many advances but they'll never meet such wide & diverse expectations who see the brand differently.

scenicbyway12 - 4/16/2019 4:33:48 PM

+5 Boost

Yea, this car isn't going to help Cadillac at all.

LUXCAR32 - 4/16/2019 7:08:02 PM

+4 Boost

What's most frustrating about Cadillac is that they've proven that they are capable of executing gorgeous designs with concepts like the escala and elmiraj, but they've never been able to bring that level of design into production.
Flop.

MDarringer - 4/16/2019 8:08:10 PM

+1 Boost

I'd love to own an Elmiraj and an Escala.

NewQ - 4/16/2019 7:21:33 PM

+3 Boost

There's a lot going right in the interior, at least compared to previous Cadillacs.

As others have commented, there's something about the overall design that lacks cohesion and vision, but it might look better in person; it definitely looks better from some angles than others inside. There's also a chance it will grow on me, but only time will tell.

I really hope the leather isn't cheap crap though; hard to say without seeing it in person. The lower parts of the center tunnel and doors really should be soft-touch in this class of car. I'm not expecting stitched leather like on a 7-Series, but we're past cheap scratchy plastic at this level. This doesn't fully pass the test until we can get our hands on it.

And goddamn it Cadillac, I swear if that cupholder cover and the rest of the center console top surface is plastic...

Exterior seems very color/trim sensitive. It looks pretty good in the luxury trim in red, but I've seen candid shots of it in white out on roads, and it really screams "Chevy". Mixed bag on that one...

Overall, I'm in the "positive" camp, after seeing more candid shots of it. I wasn't quite there when the press photos came out.

Now, NVH, engine smoothness, and overall sound quality needs to be put to the test. This car can't ride/sound like a Cruze, no matter how "sporty" it is.

As far as a smart product choice in this market? Well, it's not an SUV, so no. I worry Cadillac is too far gone at this point, and this won't pick up any new buyers against the competition, and they'll cancel it in 2 years and Steve Carlisle will say "well, we tried, let's just hot glue some Cadillac badges on some of our Chevy SUVs right quick".

rlbdcky - 4/16/2019 8:01:55 PM

0 Boost

I like the design other than the blacked-out faux windows and Infiniti-like moldings in the C-pillar. Otherwise, it's a handsome car.

ricks0me - 4/16/2019 11:16:13 PM

+1 Boost

Nothing to see here ... next !!!

xjug1987a - 4/17/2019 7:46:06 AM

+1 Boost

I've seen a few other blogs that say the car is gorgeous, and it is appealing, but I've clearly not seen it. The interior looks promising as well. I'll hold my opinion until I've seen it. I do like the fact the wheelbase is 116 which is longer than the XTS by 5 inches, which means the car is going to be roomy. Lets face it, the 3, C and A4 are not that roomy in the back so this should be more than competitive. Seems it should compete more with the A5 Sportback, but again this is bigger. I also like the 3.0TT as the next engine. Though I prefer a normally aspirated mill and this engine has been detuned to 336bhp, it’s a good engine. I'm not wild about the styling but again, I've not seen it and I think both the ATS and CTS were good looking cars... As they have already spent $$ to create brand awareness for the ATS and CTS it seems stupid to now need to create new brand awareness for these new cars. GM does that a lot and its stupid and a waste of marketing dollars. Mercedes doesn’t rename the C or E every time they redesign or BMW or Honda or anyone else, I can think of. Call the CT5 the Seville and don’t change it.. ever.
I always "hope" the delivery is strong but have read the back seats do not offer heated options which is available in a Hyundai Elantra. The other thing is the curb weight is 3600 whereas the much bigger CT6 is about the same. Seems they should be working THAT platform to a greater extent than this Alpha platform, good as it is.

MDarringer - 4/17/2019 9:35:08 AM

+2 Boost

When you have automotive "journalists" on the wine and whores circuit, all you need are some pictures with the whores to send to the wifey to get the effusive response we so often see that is out of sync with what our eyes tell us.

Cadillac needs to go to names: Seville, Escala, Elmiraj and it would be easy to mine Spanish and Spanish-like for more names: Encanto, Elmirado and so on.

xjug1987a - 4/17/2019 1:47:23 PM

+1 Boost

If they went back to real names, it would set them apart, but now Lincoln is going back to names... so THEY will stand apart. I agree with you completely.

Truthy - 4/17/2019 11:29:34 PM

+1 Boost

Several Euro rags have said it looks far better in person. Will have to wait and see. Agree the interior looks far better than anythin Cadillac has done to dat, however it will just put them in the hunt. Redefining luxury, um, no.