Cadillac CTS sales have been in falling and the brand only managed to sell 11,219 units in the United States last year. For reference, BMW sold 44,578 3-Series and 43,937 5-Series over here the same time period. While GM hasn’t hesitated to kill slow selling sedans, the CTS is getting another chance in the form of the 2020 CT5.
Unveiled at the New York Auto Show, the 2020 CT5 is a modern luxury sedan as it features upscale styling, rear- and all-wheel drive as well as the Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving system. Even though Cadillac insists that the new CT5 “is not meant to replace CTS” and that it’s classifying it as a compact premium sedan, we find its dimensions a near match to the CTS.
While the outgoing CTS looks a bit dull, the CT5 adopts a bolder design which was previewed by the Escala concept. The front end is notably more stylish as it adopts a slimmer grille and smaller headlights. The model has also been equipped with a bulging hood, a dynamic roofline and a trunk with an integrated spoiler.
In terms of size, the CT5 is a tad smaller and wider than the CTS as it measures 193.8 inches (4,924 mm) long, 74.1 inches (1,883 mm) wide and 57.2 inches (1,452 mm) tall. Despite being 1.7 inches (43 mm) shorter than the CTS, the CT5 has a longer 116 inch (2,947 mm) wheelbase.
Interior
The CTS’ cabin wasn’t at the top of luxury car standards, but the CT5’s interior should fare much better as it has higher quality materials and an improved design. Speaking of the latter, the CT5’s 10-inch infotainment system is mounted higher up on the dashboard where it’s easier to look at. Unfortunately, the CTS’ stylish switchgear has been replaced by rather boring buttons.
The news isn’t all bad as the CT5’s longer wheelbase means there’s more legroom than in the CTS. Front seat occupants lose 0.2 inches (5 mm) of space, but rear passengers gain 2.5 inches (63.5 mm) of legroom for a total of 37.9 inches (963 mm). On the downside, there’s less headroom on the new model and the trunk has shrunk from 13.7 cubic feet (388 liters) to 11.9 cubic feet (337 liters).
Powertrains
The CT5 comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces an estimated 237 hp (177 kW / 241 PS) and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque. This is a significant drop from the CTS’ turbocharged 2.0-liter which cranked out 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque.
The turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 fares better as it produces an estimated 335 hp (250 kW / 340 PS) and 400 lb-ft (542 Nm) of torque. The old 3.6-liter V6 was also rated at 335 hp (250 kW / 340 PS), but it only had 285 lb-ft (386 Nm) of torque.
Speaking of performance, the CT5 is slightly lighter as it tips the scales at 3,660 lbs (1,660 kg). The model also features a ten-speed automatic transmission rather than the old eight-speed unit.
The 2020 Cadillac CT5 will go up for order this fall and former Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen had suggested pricing could start at $35,000.