Driven: The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Is The Perfect Performance Sedan

At $91,995 ($95,170 with the automatic), the 2023 CT5-V Blackwing is far from an affordable performance sedan. But when compared to a similarly-powered German model like the Audi RS7 ($120,900), BMW M5 ($109,900), or Mercedes-AMG E63 ($112,800), it stands out as a bargain. Our car was pretty well-equipped with options, but it stayed just under $100,000 before destination. The last xDrive M4 we tested was more expensive than that, and the aforementioned mid-size options can easily near $150,000 with options.

There may never be another car quite like the CT5-V Blackwing, so if you can afford it, we’d highly urge you to get one now before it’s gone. Our lone hesitation would stem from the smaller CT4-V Blackwing. Its twin-turbo V6 won’t sound as good, but at only $60,495 to start, it’s around two-thirds the price of its big sibling. It may have “just” 472 hp on tap, but 0-60 only takes a half-second longer. So if the larger Blackwing’s price is too high to justify, be sure to check out the CT4.

Money no object; we’d take the CT5-V Blackwing over any sports sedan in history. It’s a perfect blend of performance, driver connectivity, and comfort. Cadillac has built the perfect luxury muscle car… just in time for the electric takeover.