2025 Cadillac CT4-V

The CT4-V, as its name implies, is based on the regular Cadillac CT4. Turning it into a sportier machine involves a generous amount of go-faster hardware, along with aerodynamic tweaks to the body, and a special calibration of the suspension. This may seem outside the traditional smooth-riding Cadillac wheelhouse, but the engineers working on these cars really know their stuff. Both the CT4-V and the CT4-V Blackwing have forged fine reputations among enthusiasts, especially the Blackwing.

The 2025 CT4-V gains 8-way power-adjustable front seats, a new design for its alloy wheels, and the option of Drift Metallic (light blue) paintwork.

Rivals like the Audi S5, BMW 3 Series (the M340i specifically), and the Mercedes-AMG C-Class are all markedly more expensive. Even the high-performance CT4-V Blackwing is kind of a bargain, stacking up well against the far pricier BMW M3.

Before buying a new Cadillac CT4-V luxury sport sedan, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. Resale values are quite far below the class average. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

The CT4-V develops 325 horsepower and can sprint from standstill to 60 mph in an entertaining 4.8 seconds. Although the BMW M340i enjoys 386 hp and would be more than half a second up the road at 60 mph, CT4-V drivers can console themselves with the fact that they spent around $10,000 less. Yet the CT4-V still comes with equipment like a sport-tuned adaptive suspension, upgraded brakes, limited-slip differential, and a sport exhaust system.

Things get much more exciting with the CT4-V Blackwing. This 472-hp sports sedan is capable of dispatching 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds. The base BMW M3 only has one more horse under its hood and isn’t any quicker than the Blackwing, even though it’s much pricier. Like the M3, the Blackwing has a dedicated suspension and plenty of other components to exploit this superb amount of muscle. It can even come with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Fuel Economy

With rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), the CT4-V achieves 23 mpg in combined city/highway driving. To compare, the BMW M340i manages 29 mpg combined, regardless of the number of driven wheels.

The CT4-V Blackwing manual is estimated to return 18 mpg combined, which is close enough to the BMW M3’s 19 mpg combined not to matter. The automatic version does match the M3 at 19 mpg combined.

We’re aware that the non-V CT4 variants are a little disappointing in terms of cabin materials, but Cadillac makes more of an effort with these V cars. As well as sportier front seats (now 8-way power-adjustable in the CT4-V), things like carbon fiber accents and simulated suede make their way in. However, rear legroom measures a relatively small 33.4 inches, while trunk space of 10.7 cubic feet is also unimpressive.

There’s the slight air of a sleeper car in the CT4-V. It doesn’t call too much attention to itself, apart from its arguably handsome general looks. When we get to the CT4-V Blackwing, there’s the rear, um, wing. Well, the rear spoiler on the trunk lid.

Along with a new alloy wheel design this year, the CT4-V now offers a light blue Drift Metallic paint finish.

Wireless phone integration
Cable-free Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard in the 2025 CT4-V models. Wireless charging is also included.

Cadillac Smart System
This standard set of safety features includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, rear parking sensors, and a vibrating safety alert driver’s seat.

Driver Assist package
This standard array includes adaptive cruise control, enhanced automatic emergency braking, and reverse automatic braking.

Manual transmission
Yes indeed, a 6-speed stick shift is standard in the powerful 2025 CT4-V Blackwing, the only car of its class to do so. Driving purists can rejoice.

AKG audio
This fine 15-speaker system is reserved for the Blackwing. The CT4-V has to make do with a Bose setup, which doesn’t thrill us quite so much.

Brembo brakes
These standard items are fitted to the front wheels, and the Blackwing has them at the rear as well. Brembo supplies many top marques, like Ferrari and Aston Martin.

A turbocharged 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine propels the CT4-V with 325 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, one of the lower outputs in this compact luxury/sports sedan class. This goes to a standard rear-wheel-drive setup or an optional all-wheel drive system through a 10-speed automatic transmission.

The CT4-V Blackwing uses a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 to send a forceful 472 hp and 445 lb-ft of torque solely to the rear wheels. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard, or there’s that 10-speed auto available.

There’s also the regular CT4 lineup, which we review separately.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

Cadillac’s new-car warranty lasts four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. That’s common among luxury car makers, although the powertrain warranty is a little better than usual: six years or 70,000 miles, including roadside assistance. The first scheduled service is also free.

Safety Ratings

The overall CT4 lineup hasn’t been crash-tested by any independent agencies in the United States. Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, rear parking sensors, and a vibrating safety alert driver’s seat.