- Excellent driving manners
- Quick V-Series Blackwing
- Range of power- and drivetrains
- Not enough luxury
- Could use a hybrid
- Small trunk
2025 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing – Overview
Take a moment to appreciate the 2025 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing—its time is limited as Cadillac accelerates toward an all-electric future. While it’s still available, enthusiasts are making the most of it, including putting one through a 40,000-mile long-term test. Throughout that journey, the CT4-V Blackwing impressed with its ease of daily driving as much as its spirited handling and performance.
Driving the CT4-V Blackwing is a thrill. Its adaptive dampers are expertly tuned to deliver sharp agility while still smoothing out road imperfections for a comfortable ride. Power comes from a twin-turbo V-6 generating 472 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque, sent to the rear wheels via either a six-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission. The car’s balanced chassis and responsive dynamics make it versatile enough to handle any driving scenario, earning it a spot on our 2025 10Best Cars list.
As one of today’s top two sports sedans—the other being its larger sibling, the CT5-V Blackwing—the CT4-V offers extensive customization options for the exterior. Owners also gain access to the Cadillac V-Performance Academy, where they can learn to maximize the car’s performance capabilities.
When Is The 2025 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing Coming Out?
Cadillac has confirmed the 2025 CT4-V Blackwing will arrive in dealerships in late 2024, giving buyers access to the updated tech and performance upgrades well ahead of the 2025 model year.
What’s New for 2025 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing?
For 2025, Cadillac introduces the CT4-V Blackwing Petit Pataud Collector Series, a limited-edition model inspired by the 1950 Cadillac Series 61 driven in that year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans. Production will be strictly capped at 50 units, with exclusive visual upgrades but no changes to performance.
The Petit Pataud edition stands out with Magnus Metal Frost matte paint complemented by Stormhawk Blue carbon fiber accents. Inside, the cabin features Phantom Blue leather with Santorini detailing, paired with Sky Cool Gray or Jet Black inserts. Heritage touches include blue sill plates, custom 3D-printed shifter medallions, and a numbered plaque on the B-pillar, making this edition a true collector’s piece.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The 2025 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing starts at $63,690, with fully loaded models topping out at $88,590, depending on trim and options.
Trim | Starting MSRP (est.) |
Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing |
$63,690
|
Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing Petit Pataud Edition
|
$88,590
|
We’d pick the CT4-V Blackwing over competitors such as the higher-priced Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio and BMW M3, as well as the lower-priced Mercedes-AMG CLA45. Its manual transmission and track-ready chassis offer a compelling combination of performance and driver engagement, all starting at under $65,000. Inside, the cabin features athletic front seats and a range of optional packages that add luxury and flair without compromising the car’s sporty character.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Under the hood, the 2025 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing features a twin-turbo 3.6-liter V-6 generating 472 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual or an optional 10-speed automatic, with all-wheel drive unavailable.
Early driving impressions highlight a car that sounds more aggressive than its ATS-V predecessor, offers precise steering feedback, and delivers one of the class’s best ride-to-handling balances. Every CT4-V Blackwing comes equipped with adaptive dampers, an electronic limited-slip differential, and a high-performance braking system, making it fully prepared for the racetrack while remaining comfortable for everyday driving.
0–60 MPH Times
On our test track, the 2025 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing equipped with the manual transmission sprinted to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds, pulled 1.01 g on the skidpad, and came to a stop from 70 mph in 153 feet. While these numbers fall slightly short of the 503-hp, automatic-only BMW M3 Competition we tested, the CT4-V Blackwing feels more engaging behind the wheel and excels at communicating with the driver, making the experience more visceral and rewarding.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The 2025 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing with the 10-speed automatic is rated at 16 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, while the manual model drops 1 mpg in both categories. In real-world testing, the automatic-equipped Blackwing slightly exceeded its EPA highway estimate, achieving 25 mpg on our 75-mph fuel-economy route. For official EPA ratings and additional details, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The 2025 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing interior adds several upscale touches compared with the standard CT4, including carbon-fiber trim, microsuede accents, and more supportive front seats. Beyond these enhancements, the layout and design closely mirror its less performance-oriented siblings. While the cabin quality isn’t groundbreaking, the Blackwing offers a generous roster of high-end features.
Standard equipment includes a 12.0-inch digital gauge cluster and specially bolstered front seats with 18-way power adjustments and heated cushions. These seats can be upgraded to an even more aggressive set with ventilation, lumbar massage, and enhanced bolstering. Cargo space matches the regular CT4, with practical cubbies and a trunk that accommodated five carry-on suitcases in our testing, making it both sporty and surprisingly practical.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every 2025 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing comes equipped with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and multiple USB ports. Cadillac has moved beyond its old CUE interface, replacing the nearly all-touch setup with a convenient rotary knob and physical buttons for easier operation.
Audio is handled by a 14-speaker AKG stereo system with brushed aluminum grilles and lightweight components, delivering crisp, powerful sound that complements the car’s sporty cabin.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2025 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing comes equipped with a wide array of standard driver-assistance technologies. Additional features, such as adaptive cruise control and rear automated emergency braking, are available through the optional Driver Assist package.
Key safety equipment includes:
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Standard Forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking
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Standard Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
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Standard Lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
For official crash-test ratings, refer to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The 2025 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing comes with a limited warranty comparable to most luxury competitors, but its powertrain coverage surpasses that of Audi and BMW. On the other hand, the German rivals offer more generous complimentary maintenance programs, such as BMW’s three years or 36,000 miles of coverage.
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Limited warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles
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Powertrain warranty: 6 years or 70,000 miles
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Complimentary maintenance: covered for the first visit
2025 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing Specifications
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Engine | 3.6L Supercharged V6 |
Horsepower | 472 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
Torque | 445 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm |
Transmission | 6-speed manual / 10-speed automatic |
Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) |
0–60 mph | ~3.9–4.0 seconds |
Top Speed | 189 mph |
Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 16 / 24 mpg |
Curb Weight | 3,865 lbs |
Suspension (Front/Rear) | Magnetic Ride Control, Independent |
Brakes | Brembo performance brakes |
Steering | Electric power-assisted |
Wheels / Tires | 18- or 19-inch performance wheels |
Cargo Space | 11.6 cubic feet |
Infotainment | 12-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bose audio |
Safety Features | Lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control (optional) |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles basic, 6 years / 70,000 miles powertrain |
Maintenance Coverage | 1 year / 10,000 miles complimentary |
Final Verdict
The 2025 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing strikes a strong balance between track-capable performance and everyday usability. It competes directly with BMW M3, Audi S4, and Mercedes-AMG C43, offering a uniquely American take on the sports sedan formula.
2025 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing Videos