After a few years of sitting out, Cadillac is back with a vengeance with its V series of sports sedans that are as ready for the track as they are the daily commute.
The Cadillac CT4 is the compact sedan and when you choose the V Series Blackwing version, you awaken one spectacular performance car. The twin turbo V6 pumps out 472hp and motivates this smaller sedan with quick acceleration. The manual transmission is a rare find these days and offers with quick crisp shifts. A ten-speed automatic would lead to a quicker Caddy, but I enjoyed the driver engagement of the manual. The Blackwing version really shines when the road turns twisty with high and approachable handling limits. This car loves to be driven and rewards you with one of the best handling compact luxury sports sedan on the market. The trick Magnaride suspension is very happy thundering down the track or it can offer a more relaxed compliant ride for your daily drive.
Where Cadillac has fallen short in the luxury sports sedan market is the lower grade interior. Luckily, the CT4 V-Series Blackwing has been to luxury car finishing school. Sport seats covered in leather with contrasting-color stitching add to the appeal. The massage and seat ventilation are a treat, and I was not expecting it at this price point. The softer touch materials throughout the cabin, and the carbon fiber and microfiber trim are a welcome luxurious touch. However, the rear seat space is at a premium with less legroom than its competitors.
The style of the Cadillac V series sedans has a more aggressive look over the normal version of the sedan. GM transforms the little Caddy with blacked-out trim and a black mesh style grill. Special ground effects give the car a lower, sportier stance without screaming boy racer. Even the rear spoiler looks right when you see it with four large exhaust outlets. Its stylish 18-inch wheels look a bit undersized in a world of 20 and 21-inch wheels.
Cost: $58,995 as tested $68,040
MPG: 15 MPG City; and 23 MPG Highway. I managed 19.7 mpg in 240 miles of mixed driving.
Options: $4,900 Jet black leather, steering wheel high performance, sueded microfiber package; $595 red painted brake calipers; $1,600 performance data and video recorder; $625 Rift Metallic; $725 Technology package; $600 climate package; $995 destination charge.
Safety: HD rear vision camera; front & rear park assist; teen driver mode; performance traction management; automatic emergency braking; forward collision alert; safety seat alert; lane keep assist/ lane departure warning; lane change alert/ side blind zone alert
Things to know: Cadillac is back with high performance sedans. The CT4 V-Series Blackwing is one of the best handling compact luxury sedans on the market and it will not break the bank either.
Pros:
- A performance luxury sedan with a rare manual transmission
- Fun-to-drive, hard or comfortable enough for daily driving
- Much improved interior comes closer to the competition
Cons:
- Twin Turbo V6 offers performance but not a very nice sound
- Rear seat legroom is lacking
- Not as quick as the Automatic version of the CT4 V-Series Blackwing
