Our V-Series test vehicle arrived in the stunning Rift Metallic exterior color, a choice that adds $625 to the total cost. It featured a Jet Black with Jet Black Accents interior, which costs an additional $1,500 and includes luxurious leather seating surfaces. The vehicle’s design is dynamic and well-executed from most perspectives.
When viewed from the side, the CT5 exhibits a lengthy roofline that creates a distinct hatchback aesthetic, although it is indeed a sedan. Moving to the front, the grille gracefully extends into the headlights, giving the impression that they reach towards the front wheels.
Continuing the hatchback-inspired appearance, a noticeable indentation just behind the rear doors accentuates the design, ultimately leading to a compact trunk lid.
Our V-Series test car was equipped with 19″ premium painted alloy wheels featuring an elegant pearl nickel finish. Despite the sportier contours of V models, they undergo minimal significant alterations, which contributes to their discreet performance.
Inside the CT5, clean and conservative lines dominate, although they may lack boldness. However, a sizable 10.0-inch screen occupies a prominent position above a well-organized array of switches, adding a touch of modernity to the interior.
The front seats of the CT5 provide generous power adjustments as a standard feature. While the bolstered seats in the V model offer exceptional comfort, individuals with a broader build might find them slightly snug. In the rear, passengers are treated to satisfactory space and a well-cushioned bench, ensuring a pleasant ride for all.
On the other hand, the trunk of the CT5, with its 11.9 cubic feet capacity, evokes more of a sports car vibe than that of a sporty sedan. Therefore, it is advisable to pack light when utilizing the trunk space.
SUPER CRUISE
In our test vehicle, we had the Super Cruise 1 Package, an optional feature costing $3,700. This package includes Cadillac’s advanced driver assistance system, which allows for hands-free driving and takes control of the throttle, brakes, and steering.
Super Cruise makes use of various technologies such as LIDAR map data, GPS tracking, cameras, and sensors to enable hands-free driving. The 2020 update has improved its performance, providing more natural steering and pedal responses. It can now automatically change lanes when encountering slower vehicles, activated easily with a button on the steering wheel.
On the road, Super Cruise performs impressively, surpassing expectations by staying within lane boundaries, avoiding collisions, and seamlessly integrating into the driving environment to ensure a comfortable and convenient ride. It mimics human behavior with smooth acceleration and deceleration in traffic and sharp bends.
With the capability to analyze road conditions, execute lane changes, and emulate skilled human driving behavior, Super Cruise transitions smoothly between lanes to accommodate faster traffic, adjusts for sudden strong winds, and operates flawlessly in rainy weather. It offers a remarkable driving experience.
What sets Super Cruise apart from other driver assistance systems is its seamless performance, avoiding common pitfalls and providing a refreshing experience. It operates without hesitation, offering consistent and reliable assistance.
However, it is important to note that maintaining focus on the road is crucial. The cabin incorporates monitoring systems to ensure driver attentiveness. If the driver’s attention diverts for an extended period towards phones or mirrors, a bright green strip of light on the steering wheel flashes to regain attention. If the diversion persists, the system disengages and safely brings the vehicle to a stop. It is essential to understand that Super Cruise is not a self-driving system.
A positive aspect of the system is that it can track eye movements even when wearing sunglasses, eliminating the need to remove them for operation.
Despite its reliance on LIDAR data, Super Cruise has limitations. It can only operate on pre-mapped roads, primarily focusing on heavily traveled interstate highways in North America. This restricts its overall usefulness, as there are numerous unmapped miles across the United States where the system’s effectiveness diminishes considerably.
PERFORMANCE
The CT5-V, our vehicle under testing, boasts a potent 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine generating 360 horsepower. With this remarkable power, it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds. The engine is mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox that comes equipped with paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel, ensuring a seamless delivery of power.
To enhance its road performance, the CT5-V shares its chassis with the Chevy Camaro. This shared platform guarantees impressive road-holding capabilities. Additionally, the rigid structure of the chassis benefits from the inclusion of magnetic dampers, resulting in a smoother ride experience.
The V-Series model strikes an exceptional balance between performance and comfort, making it suitable for both thrilling drives and everyday commutes. The addition of the letter “V” on the back of the vehicle further enhances its composed nature.
VERDICT
The starting price for the 2023 CT5 V-Series is $50,495. When additional features like Super Cruise and other optional extras are included, the total price increases to $58,905.
Competition
When evaluating the CT5 in comparison to other mid-size luxury sedans, it becomes evident that only a limited number of car manufacturers can offer a similar range of choices. While the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class provide a variety of engine options and performance-focused suspensions, they fall short of matching the relative value offered by the CT5.
On the other hand, mainstream models like the Lexus ES excel in delivering a serene driving experience with satisfactory performance, while the Volvo S90 impresses with its opulent interior and the added allure of a robust hybrid powertrain.
Nevertheless, taking into account the strengths of the CT5, it emerges as an exceptional value proposition among its competitors, making it a standout choice.
