At first glance, it’s easy to assume that the Cadillac CT5 is a mere bookend when it comes to the brand’s broader sales forecast with the Escalade and other SUV models stealing the spotlight. However, the CT5 is in fact, the best-selling model the brand has when it comes to overall sales, with the CT5 seeing its sales increase ever since it first went into production back in 2019 (bucking a broader downward slide in sales across the sedan landscape.) Cadillac decided to reward this strong showing by giving the model a refresh for 2025 and has now extended it to its two V-Series models, the 2025 CT5-V and the fire-breathing CT5-V Blackwing.
A Pinch Of V-Series Fun Breaks Up The Basic Formula
The bulk of the changes are focused on the front fascia and like the standard model, Cadillac elected to give these two a bigger front grille, reworked lighting elements, and sharper accents that attempt to inject some boldness into the design. The two V models though move further and inject their own personality into the mix. The CT5-V gets black accents and minor alterations but the Blackwing is the one to go for if you’re looking for a more dramatic transformation thanks to a new carbon fiber package that gives it a bigger front lip and other strategically placed splashes of carbon fiber. The rear end of both models is unaltered from the outgoing model and as a result, there’s not much to talk about here but that’s ok since it’s still a handsome look overall.
The interior also follows the same core script from the standard model, but here the V-Series enhancements are much more noticeable. A large 33-inch replaces the rather dowdy infotainment system the outgoing model had while automatic-equipped V and Blackwing models can also get Super Cruise installed. Google Built-In is also newly standard and allows owners to access various Google-branded apps including Maps. A major change is that an updated Performance Data Recorder (PDR) is along for the ride and now includes a built-in coaching software that not only offers drivers tips to help improve their lap times, but also other features including the ability to put two different lap recordings side by side which allows owners to compare them and see potential opportunities for improvement.
Carryover V-Series Performance Still Brings The Thunder
With the bulk of the updates being focused on the exterior and interior, it should come as no surprise to see that both Vs get their performance from carryover hardware. That’s not a bad thing, since that means the V-Series retains its 360-horsepower, 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 which also comes with 405 lb-ft of torque. Meanwhile, the Blackwing gets to keep its 668-hp, 6.2-liter, supercharged V8 and is also the only V-Series to offer a manual transmission alongside the 10-speed automatic.
The retention of the manual will still make the CT5-V Blackwing an interesting outlier when viewed alongside rivals, especially German offerings that have mostly abandoned the old-school gearbox for automatics that promise swifter drive times but at the cost of driver involvement. It also doesn’t hurt either that the Blackwing’s manual has auto rev-matching and is thankfully spared from GM’s loathed CAGS feature. Cadillac also claims that they made upgrades to the suspension to sharpen up handling as well but we’ll wait until we have the chance to drive one ourselves to see if we notice any discernible changes.
When Can I Buy One?
Cadillac revealed that production of the 2025 CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing will begin this summer, with the duo making their official debut at the 24 Hrs of Daytona race in Florida with the brand’s GTP cars competing in the aforementioned event. The CT5-V Blackwing will also be the pace car for the race. When the pair eventually reach dealer showrooms, customers will be encouraged to check out the three new colors that will be debuting on these models: Deep Space Metallic (black), Typhoon Metallic (a green that takes its inspiration from ocean waves), and Rift Metallic.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.