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The 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing might be the last epic V8 super sedan from Cadillac and if it is, it’s one great smoky sendoff.
What’s New for the 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing?
The 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is the first full fat, no punches pulled version of the first generation Cadillac CT5. It comes with one powertrain, a supercharged V8 that makes 668 horsepower and 659 pound-feet of torque. The trim level below it, the CT5-V, is a far less engaging car as the Blackwing comes with more performance goodies like a lap timer and an optional performance data recorder to equal its power.
2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing – media.cadillac.com | Shop 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
No heavy AWD system
Outstanding power
Driver information center rocks
Lowish fuel economy
Not a ton of cargo room
Slower to 60 than rivals
Rear styling is “meh”
2022 CT5-V Blackwing Specs
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- 668 horsepower from base engine
- 659 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 11.9 cu-ft of cargo space
- Performance Data Recorder is awesome
- Standard Automated Emergency Braking
- Lengthy 6-year/70,000 mile powertrain warranty
2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Powertrain
Under the hood of the 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is perhaps the last great V8 to ever brandish the Cadillac badge. It displaces 6.2-liters and leverages boost via a supercharger to create some 668 horsepower and 659 pound-feet of torque. Yes, that’s a lot of power but what really shocks you as you use it is just how linear the power is.
From a standstill, the CT5-V Blackwing never seems to let up even for a millisecond. Yes, its rivals are slightly faster to 60 mph (all-wheel-drive will do that), but for the first time that we can remember, this American sedan isn’t simply concerned with a drag race. It’s also lighter than its contemporaries and so when the bends show up, it leaves the others in the dust.
While we’ve seen many full-sized sedans with this kind of power, it’s incredibly rare to find one that feels as small and nimble as the CT5-V Blackwing. Directional changes aren’t just good, they’re telepathic. The steering and braking react almost as fast as your brain can think of the input required. Body roll is all but non-existent in more aggressive driving modes, and it’s hard to think of anything that’s as engaging on a circuit that can also handle hauling around 3 more adults at the same time.
2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Fuel Economy & MPG
Nothing in the world is perfect and so too, the big, powerful, supercharged V8 under the hood isn’t exactly a fuel-sipper. On the highway the 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing will return 21 mpg while dropping to an almost supercar-esque 13 mpg in the city. Combined, it’ll get about 15 mpg. That’s less than rivals like the Audi RS7 and the Mercedes Benz C63 AMG, but it equals its fellow American, the Dodge Charger Hellcat.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
If there’s something that Cadillac has always been good at, it’s ride comfort, and the CT-5 V Blackwing just adds another page to that very long record. From the way it handles bumps to the fact that it’s as quiet as cars get inside, it’s a very lovely place to spend time on public roads. In fact, the vast majority of drivers could pilot this car without ever realizing that there’s a small monster under the bonnet. The 18-way power-adjustable front seats also have a massage feature to top things off.
Most drivers will fit well regardless of their height thanks to a roomy cabin. Rear-seat passengers have ample leg room for longer trips too. Headroom is a bit tighter in the back but they’ll be comforted by beautiful quilted leather seats. There’s almost nothing in the way of tech for rear seat passengers. A cigarette style outlet, a USB port, and two climate vents is about as good as it gets. Trunk space is under 12 cubic feet, but the seats can be laid down to provide space for longer objects if needed.
Entertainment & Technology
The CUE system used in the 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing’s infotainment setup is outstanding. It’s fast to respond to touches, easy to navigate, and features great resolution. No, it’s not the largest screen in the segment, but frankly, the giant driver information screen more than makes up for it. It’s fully configurable and provides all information a driver might need on the road or the track. The inclusion of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is a wonderful feature and it’s hard to not love the Heads Up Display.
An optional split panoramic sunroof is available and opens both at the push of a button. Having multiple drive modes quickly available from the steering wheel puts the Blackwing on the same level as its competitors in that respect. We also love the exhaust baffle that opens when V-Mode is selected. Finally, the rearview mirror that can be switched to camera mode in the future, we hope.
Safety Features
If there’s something that we feel the 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is missing, it’s standard advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control. Nevertheless, it’s good that some features like lane-departure warning and automated emergency braking are standard on all Blackwing models. The NHTSA and IIHS have yet to test the CT5-V fully.
2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Pricing & Features
Since the CT5-V Blackwing only comes in a single trim, let’s discuss standard features and then what options are available. A bare-bones CT5-V Blackwing will come equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, a jet black interior with jet back accents, a 12-inch HD color driver information display, a heads up display, heated and ventilated power-adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, keyless entry and start, and a 10-inch infotainment system featuring Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Performance bits include an electronic limited-slip differential, magnetic ride control, six drive modes, Line Lock, Brembo six-piston front brakes and four-piston rear brakes, and the buyers choice of Summit White or Black Raven paint colors.
Optional paint colors include Blaze Orange Metallic, Electric Blue, Infrared Tintcoat, and the limited Dark Emerald Frost. Optional interior trims include Sky Cool Gray and Natural Tan. Cadillac also offers multiple packages to customize the CT5-V Blackwing and improve its performance.
Two different Carbon Fiber packages add a splitter and rocker panels. A Driver Assist Package adds adaptive cruise, reverse automatic braking, and more. The Parking Package offers rear-pedestrian alert, rear camera mirror, and a hands-free decklid release. Cadillac offers three sets of wheels, all 19-inch. Carbon Ceramic Brakes are available for $9,000 as are colored brake calipers for another $595. The Performance Data Recorder is a $1,600 option that we think is worth every penny.
Warranties
Cadillac offers a longer warranty than most, covering the CT5-V under a limited warranty for 4 years or 50,000 miles and the powertrain for a total of 6 years or 70,000 miles. Where they might fall short is in terms of complimentary maintenance. Buyers will only get a single free visit while rivals like BMW offer 3 full years of free service.
What we think
2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing – cadillac.com | Shop 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing on Carsforsale.com
All good things must come to an end, and while it’s sad that this is very likely the last big bad V8 super sedan to ever be built by Cadillac, it sure is a great swan song. The 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing demonstrates what the company is capable of when they go for it. Nothing short of a giant killer.
