2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Review: The Super V8 Endgame

There aren't many true V8-powered muscle cars left in the world, and as electric powertrains become the new norm, their numbers are set to dwindle. This means that the time to appreciate the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is now - even though the mighty Caddy isn't actually a muscle car, it comes pretty close. Said V8 engine develops a scintillating 668 horsepower and 659 lb-ft of torque, which is sent to the rear wheels for a rocket-like driving experience. Another rarity is the standard manual transmission, which ensures a type of immersion that not many rivals can match. The BMW M5 has been put out to pasture, and the closest rival - despite being smaller - is the BMW M3. But is the 2023 CT5-V Blackwing worthy of being called a collector's car, or is it just a fossil-fueled dinosaur stomping around waiting for the EV asteroid to hit?

What's the Price of the 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing?

Though it may be cheaper than other go-faster sedan competitors, the new price of the 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is still far from cheap. Rear-wheel drive and a manual transmission are standard, so it will cost you $91,995 to begin with. Upgrading to the ten-speed automatic gearbox adds $3,175. If you're after one of the 120 special anniversary models, they go for no less than $104,395.

These are the MSRP prices for the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing and do not include any tax, registration, or destination fees, with the latter amounting to $1,395.

2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Handling and Driving Impressions

Caddy combines an old-school V8 engine with modern construction techniques and suspension settings to create a truly exceptional driver's car. Just some of the incredible systems at work include Magnetic Ride Control, Performance Traction Management, and Brembo high-performance brakes. The combination helps to create a truly incredible driving experience, whether on the road or on the track. A number of driving modes help you customize how the car reacts, with some options including Wet, Dry, Sport, and Race.

While the manual is extremely satisfying to handle, the automatic is smart and quick to shift when needed, so driving pleasure is guaranteed regardless. Meanwhile, the electric steering is both accurate and communicative, giving the driver more than enough confidence to get playful and lug that hefty rear end into the corners. But it's not all about burning rubber and hugging the curb; the CT5-V Blackwing works almost as well as a daily driver, with a comfy suspension and magnetic dampers that soak up bumps to the point that you might be fooled into believing you're driving one of its German rivals.

Verdict: Is The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing A Good car?

It is not often that a car from the USA can claim to go toe to toe with German royalty, but the 2023 Cadillac CT5-V does just that while still coming at a reasonable price in comparison. It has more power, for starters, but manages to handle almost as athletically. But what will really impress purists is the supercharged V8 engine, whereas most others have dropped down to a turbocharged V6. We are truly living in the golden age of combustion engines, but it is sadly also the golden years of these rumbling blocks, as they are heading for the chopping block now that electric propulsion is becoming more mainstream. The manual gearbox is just icing on the cake at this point - but it is truly delectable icing. So is the suspension, which not only keeps the sedan poised around corners but also guarantees a luxurious ride. But, unlike most Caddies that come at a fraction of the price of their European rivals, the Blackwing will cost you just as much, if not more. But this is because it slots into an awkward segment between the BMW M3 and M5. Still, this figure gets you some high-quality materials and a fair number of advanced features. In review, the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is an endangered species that is hard to compare with anything else on the market, but we think it's worth the price of admission.

What 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Model Should I Buy?

There are two models in the new Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing range, but getting your hands on one of the limited Anniversary Editions is quite unlikely. That leaves you with the regular RWD model, and we'd stick with the manual gearbox simply for the visceral feeling. Of course, if you don't plan on spending all that much time on the track, or if you're not entirely sure of your driving prowess, the automatic will give you a good combination of comfort and freedom. Luckily, almost everything you could want comes standard with the starting price, but we'd still opt for the performance seats and maybe even the carbon fiber splitter for that extra bit of flair. The ceramic brakes are also a nice addition. All of this brings the price up to about as much as you'd pay for the Anniversary Edition, and it feels almost as special.