Spoiler alert: The 2020 Cadillac CT5-V is not the same supercharged V8-powered ground pounder the 2019 CTS-V was. Cadillac has rejiggered its sedan lineup for 2020, and with a few key changes, the mid-size CTS has become the CT5. The new CT5 gets a longer wheelbase and much-needed boost in rear legroom, a new base four-cylinder turbo engine, a coupe-like fastback roofline, and a grille and headlamp design from the Cadillac XT6 crossover, plus key updates to its infotainment and safety systems. You can read about the changes to the base 2020 CT5 here.
Think of the 2020 CT5-V as an everyday performance luxury sedan not unlike last year’s twin-turbo V6-powered CTS V-Sport — except it’s about $20,000 less expensive than the 2019 V-Sport. With a base price of $48,690 including the $995 destination charge, the new CT5-V, powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, is a relative bargain. It can be configured with rear- or optional all-wheel drive. Major competitors include performance variants of the Audi A4 and A5, BMW 3 Series, Genesis G70, Kia Stinger, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.