2026 Cadillac CT5 & CT5-V: The Complete Guide to Pricing, Specs & Performance

The 2026 Cadillac CT5 lineup continues to make waves in the luxury sports sedan segment, offering a compelling blend of cutting-edge technology, premium comfort, and exhilarating performance. Following its significant 2025 refresh that introduced a stunning 33-inch curved LED display, the CT5 enters 2026 unchanged but remains highly competitive. The CT5-V Blackwing edition holds particular significance as the last midsize luxury sedan offering a six-speed manual transmission—a feature cherished by driving purists.

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2026 Cadillac CT5 Pricing & Availability

The 2026 Cadillac CT5 lineup is currently available at dealerships nationwide. Cadillac maintains four distinct trim levels for the CT5 series, each catering to different buyer priorities from luxury comfort to track-ready performance.

Model	Starting Price	Key Differentiators
Premium Luxury	$50,095	Base model with premium features
Sport	$51,095	Sportier styling, 19-inch wheels
V-Series	$59,095	Performance-focused upgrades
V-Series Blackwing	$101,195	Track-capable super sedan

All prices include Cadillac's $1,495 destination charge. The Blackwing's pricing also incorporates the gas-guzzler tax, reflecting its high-performance nature. Compared to German rivals like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the CT5 offers competitive pricing while maintaining distinctive American luxury character.

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Detailed Trim Level Breakdown

Premium Luxury: The Well-Equipped Foundation

The base Premium Luxury trim establishes a high standard for equipment, featuring:

• 18-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires
• Full LED exterior lighting with signature daytime running lights
• Leather upholstery with 12-way power-adjustable front seats
• Heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats
• Heated steering wheel and dual-zone automatic climate control
• 33-inch curved LED display combining gauge cluster and infotainment
• Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and device charging
• 15-speaker AKG premium audio system
• Ambient interior lighting with multiple color options

Sport: Enhanced Styling With Some Compromises

The Sport trim builds on the Premium Luxury with more aggressive styling but makes some surprising feature trade-offs:

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• 19-inch dark-finish alloy wheels
• Sport body kit with unique front bumper and rear spoiler
• Black window trim and dark exterior accents
• Aluminum sport pedals
• Synthetic leather upholstery (losing genuine leather)
• Deletion of front seat ventilation

V-Series: The Performance Sweet Spot

Positioned between the mainstream models and the extreme Blackwing, the CT5-V delivers serious performance credentials:

• Sport-tuned suspension with Magnetic Ride Control adaptive dampers
• Brembo front brake system with 4-piston calipers
• Mechanical limited-slip rear differential
• 19-inch wheels with summer performance tires
• Performance Traction Management with multiple drive modes
• Launch control for optimized acceleration
• Sport front seats with enhanced bolstering
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Blackwing: The Ultimate Expression

The range-topping Blackwing transforms the CT5 into a legitimate super sedan:

• Supercharged 6.2L V-8 producing 668 hp and 659 lb-ft
• Standard 6-speed manual transmission (10-speed auto optional)
• Track-tuned suspension with stiffer components
• Wider front fenders and aerodynamic enhancements
• Brembo carbon ceramic brakes (front and rear)
• Differential cooler for track endurance
• Perforated leather upholstery with ventilation
• Thick-rimmed steering wheel with Alcantara inserts
• 16-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system
• Performance Data Recorder for track analytics
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Advanced Safety & Driver Assistance Features

The 2026 CT5 comes equipped with an impressive array of standard safety technologies, thanks largely to the hardware required for GM's Super Cruise system. This comprehensive suite includes:

• Super Cruise - Hands-free driving capability on compatible highways (automatic transmission models only)
• Automatic Emergency Braking - Detects vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists
• Blind Spot Intervention - Actively steers to prevent lane change collisions
• Cross-Traffic Alert with Braking - Front and rear detection
• Adaptive Cruise Control - Full-speed range with stop-and-go capability
• 360-Degree Camera System - Bird's-eye view for parking maneuvers
• Road Sign Recognition - Displays detected speed limits and other signs
• Automated Parking System - Parallel and perpendicular parking assistance

Powertrain Options & Performance Specifications

The 2026 CT5 lineup offers four distinct powertrain configurations tailored to different performance levels and driving preferences:

Model	Engine	Horsepower	Torque (lb-ft)	Transmission	Drivetrain
CT5 Premium Luxury/Sport	2.0L Turbo I-4	237	258	10-speed automatic	RWD/AWD
CT5 Premium Luxury (optional)	3.0L Twin-Turbo V-6	335	405	10-speed automatic	RWD/AWD
CT5-V	3.0L Twin-Turbo V-6	360	405	10-speed automatic	RWD/AWD
CT5-V Blackwing	6.2L Supercharged V-8	668	659	6-speed manual/10-speed auto	RWD only

Fuel Economy Estimates

While official EPA figures for the 2026 models aren't yet available, they're expected to mirror the 2025 model year's ratings:

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Model	Drivetrain	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG
2.0L Turbo RWD	RWD	23	32	26
2.0L Turbo AWD	AWD	21	30	25
3.0L Twin-Turbo RWD	RWD	19	28	22
3.0L Twin-Turbo AWD	AWD	18	26	21
CT5-V RWD	RWD	18	27	21
CT5-V AWD	AWD	17	26	20
Blackwing (manual/auto)	RWD	13	20	15

Drivetrain Options

All CT5 models come standard with rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available on Premium Luxury, Sport, and V-Series models for $2,000. The Blackwing remains rear-drive only to preserve its performance character and save weight.

The 10-speed automatic transmission comes standard on all models except the Blackwing, which features a standard Tremec 6-speed manual with rev-matching. The 10-speed automatic is a $5,875 option on the Blackwing.

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Why the CT5-V Blackwing Matters

In an era where manual transmissions are disappearing from luxury vehicles, the CT5-V Blackwing stands as a defiant holdout. Its standard six-speed manual (with no-cost automatic option) makes it unique in the segment—German rivals like the BMW M5 and Mercedes-AMG E63 have long abandoned three-pedal setups.

The Blackwing's supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 represents another rarity—a large-displacement, high-output engine in a class increasingly dominated by turbocharged six-cylinders and hybrid systems. The 668-horsepower output places it among the most powerful sedans available at any price.

Beyond raw numbers, the Blackwing delivers an analog driving experience increasingly difficult to find:

• Hydraulic power steering (versus electric assist in most rivals)
• Available carbon ceramic brakes that don't require hybrid regeneration
• Minimal sound deadening for more visceral engine feedback
• Track-focused cooling systems for extended performance driving

For enthusiasts, the Blackwing represents what may be the last of its kind—a traditional, combustion-powered super sedan with manual transmission purity.

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Competitive Landscape

The 2026 Cadillac CT5 competes in one of the most hotly contested segments in the automotive market. Here's how it stacks up against key rivals:

BMW 5 Series

• More refined interior materials
• Superior infotainment system (iDrive 8.5)
• Wider range of powertrains including plug-in hybrids
• Less engaging driving dynamics than CT5-V models
• No manual transmission option

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

• More advanced semi-autonomous driving features
• Larger rear seat accommodations
• Higher base price ($56,750 for 2026 E350)
• AMG models can't match Blackwing's manual option

Audi A6

• Standard Quattro all-wheel drive
• Virtual Cockpit digital display more configurable
• RS 6 Avant wagon available (no CT5 wagon)
• Less engaging driving dynamics

Lexus ES

• Lower starting price ($42,140)
• Hybrid option available
• More reliable reputation
• No performance variants to match V-Series

The CT5's value proposition becomes particularly compelling at the high-performance end, where the Blackwing undercuts German rivals by tens of thousands while offering a purer driving experience.

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Ownership Considerations

Warranty Coverage

All 2026 Cadillac CT5 models come with:

• Bumper-to-Bumper: 4 years/50,000 miles
• Powertrain: 6 years/70,000 miles
• Roadside Assistance: 6 years/70,000 miles
• Corrosion: 4 years/50,000 miles

Maintenance

Cadillac offers prepaid maintenance plans covering the first 3 years or 36,000 miles. Blackwing models require more frequent service intervals for high-performance components like brakes and differentials.

Resale Value

Historically, Cadillacs have depreciated faster than German rivals. However, limited-production models like the Blackwing (especially manual versions) may hold value better due to enthusiast demand.

Insurance Costs

Insurance premiums will vary significantly by model. The base CT5 should be comparable to other luxury sedans, while the Blackwing may command rates similar to exotic cars due to its high performance capabilities.

Final Verdict

The 2026 Cadillac CT5 lineup successfully blends American luxury with serious performance credentials. While the base models compete effectively on technology and comfort, the CT5-V Blackwing stands as one of the most compelling driver's cars in recent memory—a super sedan that prioritizes engagement over outright luxury.

For buyers who value:

• The last manual transmission in the segment
• Supercharged V-8 power in an era of downsizing
• Cutting-edge infotainment technology
• Competitive pricing versus German rivals

The CT5, particularly in Blackwing guise, represents an increasingly rare breed of performance sedan that may not be replicated in the electric future. Its combination of analog driving pleasure and digital convenience creates a compelling package for enthusiasts and luxury buyers alike.

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