2023 CT5-V Blackwing Interior

The CT5-V Blackwing's interior is essentially the same as the standard CT5 with a few model-specific touches like carbon fiber inserts. You can expect a surround-view camera, a head-up display, a 12-inch digital instrument cluster, and a ten-inch high-definition touchscreen display. Jet Black performance leather seats are also standard, but you can choose from a wide selection of high-performance bucket seats trimmed in upmarket materials. The quality of the materials are not on par with the German rivals, but Cadillac is closer than ever before. We like the logical layout, and the available interior extras. If you are going to track this thing, you should definitely invest in the performance bucket seats and the brilliantly useful performance data recorder.

2023 CT5-V Blackwing Interior Photos

Seating and Interior Space

As mentioned earlier, the CT5 is somewhere between a BMW 3 and 5 Series in size. That makes it large enough for five adults. The wheelbase is within an inch of other executive sports sedans, though Cadillac maintains this is a compact luxury competitor. Whichever way you look at it, it's the customer that benefits. The Caddy has 42.4 inches of legroom in the front and 37.9 inches in the rear. The front headroom is 39 inches, though it tapers off due to the CT5's interesting design from the B-pillar backwards. Still, 36.6 inches in the rear is still more than enough for the average person.

Both front seats are power adjustable, so finding that perfect driving position is easy. If you do want to use it on track, it's worth paying extra for the high-performance bucket seats. These offer more side support when cornering at speed, while maintaining a high degree of comfort.

2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Interior Dimensions:

Interior Colors and Materials

The standard trim is Jet Black leather with Jet Black accents, coupled with carbon fiber trim. For an additional $2,890, you can add high-performance bucket seats in Jet Black or Sky Cool Grey, and a sueded microfiber wrapped interior trim package. The semi-aniline leather options cost $6,090 and all come with Jet Black accents. Main color options include Jet Black, Sky Cool Gray, and Natural Tan. Seat belts can be finished in Torch Red ($400) or Natural Tan, but the latter requires the expensive semi-aniline leather. The standard steering wheel is wrapped in leather and has alloy paddle shifters for the automatic.

2023 CT5-V Blackwing Trunk and Cargo Space

The trunk is on the small side, even in a segment where limited cargo capacity is the norm. The Caddy's wheelbase is nearly on par with the BMW 5 Series, yet it can't even get close to the 3's 17-cubic-foot trunk. You only get 11.9 cubes to work with, which is fine for the daily grind. Longer trips with passengers might be tricky, however. You'll have to limit the family's packing to helmets and Nomex suits. The rear seats do fold flat, but Cadillac does not provide a figure for the increased capacity.

Interior storage is equally underwhelming. There are dual cupholders up front, a center armrest with a storage space, and large door pockets.

2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Trunk and Cargo Space Photos

2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Cargo Dimensions:

2023 CT5-V Blackwing Infotainment and Features

Features

As the halo model in the CT5 range and Cadillac's most powerful production car ever, we expected a lot as standard. And, thankfully, Caddy delivered. The Blackwing comes standard with LED headlights, LED cornering lights, keyless entry and start, a surround-view camera, wireless phone charging, dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated power-adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, a digital instrument cluster, a head-up display with a shift light, auto-dimming rearview mirrors, blind-spot assist, and rear cross-traffic assist.

The standard driver-assistance features depend on whether you choose a manual or automatic. This is simply because the car's brain has more freedom and control when equipped with an automatic gearbox. Engineering a manual car to work harmoniously with adaptive cruise control would be a nightmare, which is why the manual only gets basic cruise control. Upgrade to the automatic and you get adaptive cruise control, enhanced automatic emergency braking, and reverse automatic braking. All models get a following distance indicator, lane-keep assist with lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking at speeds below 50 mph, and forward collision warning.

Infotainment

The Blackwing comes standard with a ten-inch high-definition touchscreen interface with navigation, real-time traffic updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, SiriusXM with 360L, Bluetooth, and three USB ports. You can also create a Wi-Fi hotspot for the passengers to keep them busy on longer trips. The system is connected to an AKG 16-speaker premium sound system with a unique selling point. When using the navigation system, the directional prompts will come from the speaker located in the direction you need to turn. In other words, if you're turning right, the navigation will tell you so using the speakers located on the right side of the car. We're not quite sure whether this is a gimmick or not. We understand the difference between left and right perfectly fine, but we do know some adults that struggle with the concept. It's not annoying in any way, just an interesting tidbit of information.

This sound system is the only available option, but you can also opt for the $1,600 performance data and video recorder. It uses Cosworth Toolbox driving analysis software to record laps of a track. As the driver, you can select what data you want overlaid over the recording. You can add the timing, or simply record a clear video of a smooth run. It's the ultimate tool for those humblebrags on social media.