2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing

Once a down-and-out brand producing sloppy sedans, Cadillac is back on top and delivering cars that impress with dynamic handling, refined luxury, and impeccable taste. The luxury brand has revived the high-performance sedans we've come to love, this time under the Blackwing moniker, with the entry point being the CT4-V Blackwing. Though powered by a 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 472 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque - that is almost precisely the amount of power on tap in the base BMW M3 - the CT4-V Blackwing has been targeted at the subcompact segment, meaning it easily outmuscles Cadillac's claimed competitors, namely the Audi RS3, BMW M2, and Mercedes-AMG CLA 45. With GM slowly transforming Cadillac into an all-electric brand, could the CT4-V and its bigger brother, the CT5-V, be the last hurrah for combustion engines?

There's no hiding this car's true intentions - the CT4-V Blackwing sedan looks muscular from any angle and downright mean when facing you head-on. Cadillac has always been great at making its fast sedans look aggressive, and the CT4-V Blackwing is proof that it hasn't lost its touch. Standard exterior features include 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with a polished Dark Android finish wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S performance tires, LED IntelliBeam auto high beam headlamps, rain-sensing window wipers, and a rear spoiler. The optional carbon-fiber packages add carbon bits such as a front splitter, wheel deflectors, and an extra rear aero spoiler. A power sunroof is available as an option but you don't have to pay extra for those aggressive quad-exit exhaust outlets.

Although Cadillac classifies the CT4-V Blackwing as a subcompact executive sedan, it's significantly larger than segment contemporaries, such as the Audi RS3 and Mercedes-AMG CLA 45. The CT4-V Blackwing rides on a 109.3-inch wheelbase and is 187.6 inches in length. The BMW M3 is less than two inches longer. Excluding the wing mirrors, this Caddy is 71.4 inches wide and is 56 inches tall. This isn't the lightest car of its kind, although that hasn't prevented Caddy from making it sublime to drive. The manual weighs 3,860 pounds and the automatic variant has a curb weight of 3,900 lbs.

With such bold styling, the CT4-V Blackwing looks great in any color. Cadillac offers Summit White and Black Raven as no-cost options. For an additional $625, you can coat your CT4-V in exotic colors such as Electric Blue, Blaze Orange Metallic, or Wave Metallic. More demure options include Satin Steel Metallic, Shadow Metallic, and Rift Metallic. The stunning Infrared Tintcoat costs $1,225, and the limited-edition Dark Emerald Frost will set you back $3,925. We'd choose the low-profile Shadow Metallic.

taste of a proper American muscle car. The CT4-V Blackwing is the successor to the much-loved ATS-V coupe/sedan and offers a sharper, more focused package that brings this Caddy closer to what we've come to expect from more accomplished German rivals. Unfortunately, you won't find a V8 engine under the hood of this performance sedan, but there's still tons of power on offer from the twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6. Despite that 445 lb-ft of torque doing its best to overwhelm the rear tires, the CT4-V Blackwing will still rush to 60 mph in only 3.9 seconds (when fitted with the ten-speed automatic transmission) and go on to reach a top speed of 189 mph. The manual is two tenths slower to 60. The top speed makes it faster than the Audi RS3, but the Audi will hit 60 mph slightly quicker, and the outgoing BMW M2, with its 0-60 mph time of four seconds and a top speed of 174 mph, won't be far behind.

The 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing is powered by a twin-turbo 3.6L V6, which sends 472 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque to the rear-wheel drive via a rev-matching six-speed manual transmission featuring no-lift-shifts for improved shift times and a LUK twin-disk clutch for improved pedal feel and torque distribution. A smooth and precise 10-speed automatic transmission is also offered. Power delivery is impressive, there's minimal turbo lag, and the torque window on offer is wide. This motor might not have the raspy growl of a V8, but once the variable exhaust system clears its throat, this powerplant doesn't sound bad at all. Inside the cabin, the audio system buffs the actual engine sound with recordings of the engine to make the experience even more visceral. This Caddy feels fast, even compared to rapid vehicles such as the Audi RS3, and won't leave you wanting much more.

This Caddy is brimming with horsepower and definitely impresses in a straight line, but that's not the only place it shines; take this compact executive out on track, or weave through your favorite set of mountain bends and you'll quickly realize how competent it is at handling. The first thing one notices is the abundance of steering feel, something competitors such as BMW seem to have forgotten about. The CT4-V Blackwing offers excellent feedback, even when not pushing too hard, which dramatically adds to the overall enjoyment of the car. The Performance Traction Management (PTM) system offers several drive modes, including Wet and Race. The sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires and GM's Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 dampers work together to deliver excellent dynamics, but with the dampers, steering effort, engine response, and damper stiffness all set to Comfort mode, this Caddy feels just as refined as the most comfortable in the class. Those big Brembo brakes work a treat and show slight fade when pushed hard, but are progressive enough for comfortable daily use.

In the world of cars, it isn't easy to have it all. The CT4-V is stylish, fast and comfortable, but it will cost you more than the average car when it comes time to fill up on gas. According to the EPA, the most economical version is the 10-speed automatic model, which will consume 16/24/19 mpg on the city/highway/combined cycles. Going for the six-speed manual transmission will see that figure dip to 15/23/18 mpg, and that is, of course, when the car is driven with a modicum of restraint. With a fuel tank capacity of 17.4 gallons, the 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing has a maximum range of approximately 330 miles of mixed driving in automatic guise.

The outgoing CTS-V was a bucket of fun and posed a genuine threat to the dominance of German performance sedans but could never compete in one specific department, that being its interior. Cadillac has improved by leaps and bounds in terms of interior quality with the cabin of the CT4-V Blackwing. The choice of materials is not surprising, as most cars in this class all use a similar combination of black plastic, soft-touch plastics, leather, and suede. The interior design is classy but does have a sporty edge, and the feeling of quality as a whole is good, if not at the level of a BMW or Merc. With tasteful touches such as ambient interior lighting and tech features, including in-car Wi-Fi and wireless phone charging, this is one classy Caddy.

As a driver-focused vehicle, the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing makes sure that those in the front are comfortable and well supported. Both front passengers get lumbar control, and the driver gets a memory system for multiple profiles. There's ample leg and headroom in the front, so six-footers can rest easy, but the news isn't so great for those occupying the back seats. The CT4-V Blackwing is a subcompact executive, so it will have to make some sacrifices, and that sacrifice comes in the form of backseat space. With only 33.4 inches of rear legroom, things can feel tight for taller passengers, but at least there's enough headroom for most.

Cadillac has come miles in terms of interior quality, and while the CT4-V Blackwing isn't class-leading, it feels like a near-premium product. As standard, this Caddy comes with a set of Jet Black Inteluxe seats, but for $3,000, you can get Jet Black leather/performance cloth/suede microfiber and Inteluxe combo front seats. If leather is more your thing, Cadillac offers this upgrade for $5,500 and it comes in Jet Black, Natural Tan, or Sky Cool Gray. This leather upgrade includes suede microfiber interior trim, ventilated high-performance bucket seats, and lumbar massage for the front seats.

It seems that Cadillac was so focused on entertaining the people inside the car that they forgot said people's luggage. With only 10.7 cubic feet of trunk space on offer, the CT4-V Blackwing has one of the smallest trunk spaces in its class. It offers enough space for four carry-on bags or enough beer to make you believe that you can keep up with your buddy's Porsche 911 on track. A split-folding rear seat is a handy feature for transporting larger items.

Small-item storage is adequate. There's a center console storage nook, a glovebox, cupholders, and door pockets. Cadillac also offers a seatback organizer for the benefit of rear passengers and a collapsible cargo area organizer at extra cost.

Customers will be getting their money's worth when buying a new CT4-V Blackwing. This isn't just a fun performance sedan but also a contemporary family vehicle filled with all the latest tech and creature comforters. Standard features include a 12-inch HD driver instrument cluster, heated and power-adjustable front seats, ambient interior lighting, a rearview camera, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Driver-assistance features that come as standard on the CT4-V Blackwing include lane change alert with blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, Intellibeam auto high beam headlights, forward collision alert, and front and rear parking sensors. Optional extras include a head-up display, ventilated front seats, and a performance data and video recorder.

It is disappointing to note that despite all the effort that has gone into making the interior feel upmarket, Cadillac neglected to spend the same amount of effort on the infotainment system. You get a small eight-inch display with mediocre graphics and a so-so user interface, but at least contemporary features such as wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto make an appearance. You also get an HD Radio, Bluetooth, SiriusXM with 360L, two USB ports, connected apps, navigation with available real-time traffic alerts, and a banging 15-speaker sound system that sounds great when blasting any ZZ Top song.

Unfortunately, the 2022 Cadillac CT4 family has already been recalled once for incorrectly installed roof-rail side-curtain airbags that could fail to deploy in the case of an accident. This issue is accompanied by a malfunctioning airbag light that will fail to indicate that said airbags are not working. Information pertaining to the recall from the NHTSA doesn't make it explicitly clear whether the Blackwing is affected.

Cadillac covers the CT4-V Blackwing with a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which includes corrosion cover. You also get six years or 70,000 miles of drivetrain cover, and roadside assistance for the same duration/mileage. Complimentary scheduled maintenance applies for one visit during the first year.

It's doubtful that the speedy sedan will ever be crashed in the name of safety testing, both the NHTSA and IIHS have failed to review the CT4-V Blackwing. Nevertheless, with a host of standard driver aids and a full complement of airbags on board, we're sure that this Caddy will prove to be as safe as any of its competitors, who, to be fair, normally don't undergo review either.

The CT4-V Blackwing might be unrated by the major safety agencies, but it still comes with the latest driver-assistance features. Standard for this hot sedan are eight airbags, including knee airbags for the driver and front passenger, and head curtain airbags for both rows. Standard driver aids include an HD rearview camera, automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, front pedestrian braking, front/rear parking sensors, lane change alert with side blind zone alert, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert . To get reverse automatic braking, enhanced automatic braking, and adaptive cruise control, you have to opt for the automatic transmission.

The idea of a fast Cadillac sedan has been normalized by the CTS-V, a car that set the bar pretty high, but the new generation of fast Cadillacs has pushed that bar even higher. The CT4-V Blackwing is the smallest of the Blackwing range, but that doesn't mean it lacks in performance; in fact, this performance sedan will give its German rivals a hiding in most performance metrics. Its twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6 delivers a massive punch of power and, to top it all off, it's just as good in the corners and delivers a confidence-inspiring and highly entertaining driving experience. Inside, Cadillac has seriously stepped up its game. The design and quality aren't far off from its German competitors, which is a big milestone for this USA-based brand. It's sad to think that the CT4-V Blackwing and its big brother, the CT5-V, will be the last of the fast ICE Cadillacs, but learn to appreciate them in the here and now, and they shine like few others in this class.

This quick Caddy competes with smaller and less powerful German rivals such as the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45, which costs around $3,000 less but offers 90 less horsepower. Then again, the Caddy's in-between size can also see it go up against the slightly bigger AMG C63 and BMW M3. Equipped with the six-speed manual transmission, the CT4-V Blackwing starts at $58,995 MSRP, excluding tax, registration, and a destination fee of $995. Opting for the ten-speed automatic car will increase the price to $62,170. Fully loaded with all the available specs, the price of the 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing exceeds $87,000.

There's only one model on offer, but the 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing does come with a generous amount of standard gear. Starting with the powertrain, you get a twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6 producing 472 hp and 445 lb-ft of torque, which gets sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual or ten-speed automatic transmission. On the inside, the baby Blackwing includes standard features such as power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient interior lighting, and an eight-inch infotainment display with navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration. Standard driver aids include lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, and rear cross-traffic alert. However, you do have to opt for the automatic transmission if you want the most advanced driver aids.

Those who want more out of their CT4-V Blackwing can opt for the $725 Technology Package, which adds a head-up display and cabin air ionizer. Selecting this package will automatically add a performance data and video recorder, resulting in a total price change of $2,325. For added passenger comfort, the Climate Package adds a front lumbar massage function, ventilated front seats, and an automatic heated steering wheel. This package automatically adds a high-performance steering wheel, the sueded microfiber interior, and other comfort features for a total price change of $5,500. Opting for the $900 Driver Assist Package, comprising adaptive cruise control, enhanced automatic emergency braking, and reverse automatic braking, means getting the automatic gearbox, resulting in a total price increase of $3,175. The Carbon Fiber 1 and Carbon Fiber 2 packages are worth looking at if you're after some more aggressive styling, with the former starting at $4,350.

There's only one trim, so we'd recommend adding some of your own flavors. If we were buying, we'd go for a six-speed manual in Satin Steel Metallic with the $4,350 Carbon Fiber 1 package and Satin Graphite wheels. Inside, we'd go for the $3,000 high-performance bucket seats, which can be considered a significant performance upgrade for those planning a few track days. As for added safety features, we feel that the CT4-V Blackwing already comes with enough standard aids, and the rest of the cabin's tech is more than enough.

Many consider the Audi RS3 to be the greatest subcompact performance car out there, and thanks to quattro wizardry and a potent 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, this little German likes to punch above its weight class. The 2022 RS3 promises even more performance and sharper styling. The famed 2.5-liter power plant remains and will now kick out 394 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque, which is significantly less than the 472 hp and 445 lb-ft of torque on offer in the Caddy. The RS3 will be based on the redesigned A3 and S3 platform and will get significant chassis upgrades to improve on an already capable platform. We expect the 2022 RS3 to put up a good fight against the CT4-V, which seems to be the schoolyard bully of this class. While there is no definitive figure at the time of writing, the RS3 should share a similar price to the CT4-V Blackwing.

The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 can be considered a junior version of the CLS 53 AMG and is powered by one of the most potent 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines to ever feature in a production car. With 382 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, the CLA 45 is significantly less powerful than the Cadillac but features a quick-shifting eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and AWD, which results in a 0-60 mph time of just four seconds. The CLA 45 is the smaller car here but offers similar interior space and a larger trunk. On the inside, it manages to beat the Cadillac by a slight margin in terms of build quality and overall appeal, but Caddy has come far in terms of interior quality, and for most, it will come down to a question of styling. On the road, the little CLA 45 is a real ripper and feels more agile even though it lacks the raw speed offered by the CT4-V Blackwing. If you're after brute power, we'd recommend paying extra for the Cadillac.