I just spec'd out a CT4-V Blackwing for $68,515. Premium interior, climate package, non of the carbon fiber, and 6 speed manual. I don't run 0-60 every time, and I personally appreciate and enjoy the greater involvement a manual brings.
The only reason people like me get automatic is because we can't drive stick. It' embarrassing and people like me probably won't admit it, but that's the real reason lol.
I really want to buy one of these, but I refuse to pay over MSRP which appears to be what every dealer is asking. Gotta take a stand against price gouging.
Man this thing is absolutely fantastic. Since they talked about the new tech for chassis design/fab a few years ago i've been liking most of what they're putting out.
I got the 4 Blackwing. By far the best handling and most serious drivers car of the bunch. Got it for MSRP too. The RS3 (last year's) was too understeeing for me and I like exclusivity of the caddy. I compared the RS3, IS500 and 4V Blackwing.
@@loopba My friend a Lady from the Philippines came to America and she wanted to give back to this country for her success so she bought a Cadillac and it was constantly breaking down. She sold the Cadillac and bought a Mercedes-Benz top-of-the-line S class and she never had any problems. Her next car was another Mercedes-Benz S class. She paid cash and she could well afford a Rolls-Royce. It’s just that a Rolls-Royce she said doesn’t look very good. Coming up to your properties and collecting rent. Now I purchased a Ford expedition when they first came out top-of-the-line, Eddie Bauer leather interior, 4 x 4. My family and I are on a ski trip from California and we were in Park city Utah and this brand new expensive SUV got stuck in Camptown low 4 x 4, so I had to drive back from Park city into town about 40 miles to the Ford dealer, they got it out of cow pound low and my family and I were driving back to California and about a quarter of the way the Ford expedition got stuck again in low gear and I had to take it to the dealer and they got it running and my family had a wonderful experience. I have taking a Greyhound bus 400 miles back to Los Angeles. I got to Los Angeles with my POS Ford expedition and I had to take it in to Pasadena Ford dealer to get the transmission repaired again. We have four of us in the family and we will never buy American cars ever again. American car manufacturers shit on themselves for making garbage. My Mercedes S class I put on 180,000 miles and touched nothing under the hood just putting in mobile one oil on schedule. The car was 11 years old and I regret selling it because it was in perfect running condition perfect leather interior and perfect shiny paint that I kept waxed. Now I drive a Tesla model three long range in California. And my car in Thailand, where I live is a Hyundai ELANTRA that never gives me any problems. We have awesome Ford rangers that are a design nightmare when you push a little truck with a 2 L turbo diesel that puts tremendous strain on a little 2 L diesel. I will purchase a Toyota with a 2.8 L turbo diesel which produces 200 hp reliably for 500,000 miles. My sister-in-law purchased a Ford escape brand new and the POS transmission failed at 40,000 miles again here’s a family that wants to give back to America. Their next car was a Honda pilot. The big three car manufacturers constantly drive their customers away to buy foreign cars. The big three have destroyed car manufacturing in America, except for Tesla which is an outstanding example of a car made as perfect as humanly possible.!!!!! I love my Tesla better than my TwinTurbo, V8 Mercedes-Benz with seats that had air conditioning and gave you a massage. Pretty wood on the dash well not get me to buy a Mercedes again as good as they are. Cheers from the land of smiles.
I gotta say I feel like I've seen every single review/dive into this car and yours is the only one (or at least the best one) that goes into detail on the "everyday use stuff" like trunk space, interior quality, etc. I love it. Every other video seems to just say the same thing about those things in a hand-wavey fashion ("interior is fine but not up to the Germans"). Great, but let me see why that is and explain to me why that is. Subscribed.
@@daboxer181 This is my everyday car so I got the 10 speed Auto. I have a Corvette that is standard trans. The 10 spd works well, not quite as quick as the DCT trans in my GT500, but it is very quick, smooth and gears are setup well. I absolutely love it thus far.
@@chrisstewart1108 thanks for the reply I absolutely love the car. I live in a city with crazy traffic so as much as I like a 6-speed I just can't do it anymore I've been driving a 6-speed for the last 6 years as my daily driver. As long as the automatic is fast. I want the option to just chill and turn it into a sports car when I want. These autos now are super fast. The difference between auto and dct is minimal these days. The autos now are as fast as an 8 year old dct anyway.
Alex, We can see you put a lot of thought into your rankings but I don't see how anyone shopping in this category can say 'no thanks' to one of the last high powered, rear wheel drive, manual sports sedans. 🤔
TBH, if we're to believe every other review of this car out there currently, I think Alex kind of missed the boat on this one. Ultimately, it's kind of a lukewarm review of a car that EVERYONE else loves. But Alex is pretty down-to-earth and not prone to hyperbole, so maybe he's got this one right?
I love my 23 CT4 Blackwing with the 6 speed manual. Such a blast to drive. Mine is raven black and i think it looks more stealthy. I love the fact this car isn't as well known because it makes it the very capable underdog. Don't under estimate this car, it gets!!!
The problem with Cadillac is the dealer network. If you don't have a good dealer near you, they're basically unownable. The one near me has scratched my car several times, dented the door, bent "a piece of metal on the bottom," knocked out my alignment...the list goes on. Who wants to buy a new luxury car when the warranty service does as much damage as they fix?
Journalists typically always have a biased view against American vehicles. They forgive Toyota and Honda for the same things they criticize Ford and GM for. It's cool to see GM getting its props because they genuinely make some great vehicles
American vehicles have done their best to earn that kind of treatment, dont pretend they've been matching toyota on reliability since the dawn of time.
You can make the argument that the 3 best Cadillacs ever are being produced right now The CT5 Blackwing, Cadillac last ICE vehicle this CT4 Blackwing and the new Cadillac Lyriq The Escalade V could make it a Mt. Rushmore.🤔
Great review as always! Probably my favorite review channel for all the technical, in depth insight BUT… how is a RWD platform not as good as a FWD (RS3) the handling difference between the two is more noticeable in everyday driving because of a front heavy/under steer FWD platform. Sure, taking both to the extreme (specially during launching) will expose the Cadillac’s RWD happy tail but I’ll take it anytime vs a FWD platform. Happy new year AOA!
The engine on the RS3 sounds more interesting, but it’s not a blow out. I would pick the CT4 Blackwing overall though. I prefer rwd dynamics more than any AWD drive sporty car I have driven.
Why would you feature an autobox? This car is an M3 killer so you got the comparables wrong. I’ve owed vettes, the original CTS V and the ZR1. My 4 Blackwing is the best race ready car I’ve ever owned. Incredible high performance sedan. The best in the world in mine and other expert opinions.
@@ramanapixelxl7572 I change vehicles often and at this point more so to have the experience of owning blackwing. I used to drive nothing but manual,I'm not quite like that anymore ... rs3 is alot of fun but really no tuning options for it yet and extremely limited quantities avail
ugh buyer’s remorse should have waited 3 months or so and got a ct4 sport or v. now I think your right it’s definitely better then the bmw 330i. and I am stuck with my mini countryman till it’s lease ends in 2024/2025. I got the countryman because it was the best price at the time and it was in stock. ct4 v or sports where not around at all.
Great review as always. I wonder how many reviewers would highlight that unflattering interior design ("feature"?) at 9:06. I had a little giggle when I saw that. Is that even safe? I hardly ever have passengers in the rear seats, so I might wait for the lawsuits to come in and the prices to drop. I like everything else about this car.
@@glennb6142 I was watching that rear seat portion of this review thinking to myself, "That'll be an easy fix if you don't care about having a sunroof."
David this is Dixie I’m a bit older however Missouri gets snow but I really love the looks of this vehicle. Can the vehicle be ordered with alloy wheels instead of the black wheels? Horse power isn’t a big deal. I have a 2019 regal GS hatchback toro . With everything you have shown in your video. Except I have leather black seats . I love this car it’s not going anywhere. Just how hard is this model in regards to ordering one? Thank you
Car is not a high performance competitor, even the 340i beats it handily. The platform is outdated and while it has a great engine - that's about the only good thing about the IS500. It is NOT a F model, just an F-sport.
GM / Cadillac had an ATS-L option in China - an alpha platform with an additional 2" of wheelbase. Cadillac should have grabbed this longer chassis when they transitioned from the ATS to the CT4 and just kept the CT4 in the C segment with the BMW3 and the MB C class. Caddy's repositioning downward was a lot of hocus pocus. I think ultimately they couldn't justify the price re-adjustment in the marketplace without down-segmenting the cars. Smart/aware ATS and CTS owners already caught this 'pricing slight of hand' - Caddy didn't really fool anyone that mattered. I was an owner of a 2013 ATS 2L Turbo and then upgraded to a 2016 ATS-V, both cars with 6 speed manuals. Lovely cars, and great performers, but definitely tight in the rear seats. That extra 2" (the Chinese L (long)) alpha platform was/is really needed, no matter if the car is in the D or C segment.
Niceeeeeee job Cadillac. Too bad Cadillac will never come out with a Seville for its next big vehicle or call it Fleetwood. I think Buick should come out with a Riviera GS with a all electric engine
I think I would've enjoyed the automatic more if it had much fewer gears. As it is, the 10-speed is great at knowing what gear you need at any given time, but that removes a lot of the fun. If there were some magic way for the manual to come equipped with the Driver Assist features, that'd be my choice.
I sold an M3 for blackwing, idk how you measure but the lateral G in blackwing is insane. So much faster than the M3. And the tremac is heaven compare to bmw which felt like it’s about to break all the time
@@nathanmcintyre26 i drive roughly about 25000 miles per year and they are all abusive miles. i kid you not the stress that the m3 was giving me it wasnt worth it strictly the transmission. Tremec is worth it just by itself and overall I feel like everything about the cadillac is just way more solid, couldnt believe it i done 3 track days so far 1 session was 2 days 4 hours event and the temperatures and oil change between each day you couldnt even tell.
@@OriginalAbsolute wow that’s pretty impressive. I’ve been wanting a g80 m3 since they were released but I might have to go for the BW then. My local dealer will give me a deal cause I have a Escalade V on order with them I just can’t decide which car I want more lol. I’ve noticed the aftermarket support is pretty decent on the BW so far. Making nearly the same power with downpipes and tune as the m3
I'm not sure if availability is the issue, but reviewing the GR86 and now this with automatic seems counterintuitive and a bit disappointing. Especially the CT4-V Blackwing, because the increasingly rare manual is a potential selling point for this car. Besides, this 10-speed is a fairly known quantity--CT4-V has the same transmission--and people who can't drive a manual will go for an auto anyway. Reviewers are obviously going to have their own opinion on any car, which might evolve with time and age. But they should also consider the target audience and application in their assessment. It seems Alex is missing a bit of that in some reviews.
Yeah the new reviews being in auto form is puzzling. I would get an auto rs3 over an auto blackwing. But I would get a manual blackwing over most cars.
The 6 MT is regarded as the finest available under $100K...see related highly complimentary reviews ( I also recently drove such a Blackwing, and was super impressed. PLUS, has super easy switch for rev match and almost uniquely in industry a 'no lift accelerator pedal' ie computer senses the shifting and adjusts the revs accordingly.....an awesome drivers car with fantastic comfort/control with magnetic ride control, 4th/latest gen.
@@oi32df The CT4 V Blackwing 6 MT does NOT suffer from rev hang bz of superior/advanced software that even programs i for the 'no lift shift'. For comparison, the 23 Integra 6 MT w 1.5L engine hangs excessively, but largely while pushing close to red line, bit less with more tepid shift points....unpleasant and adds to it's poky 0-60 of ~ 7.5 sec.
Can we directly compare to the audi rs3?please 😊 🙏 should I get rid of the 8y for this just for manual or will I regret? I have a booster and car seat in rear fyi..ty for the great review!
Would the AMG C43 with a V6 be the Merc competition more than the CLA? Admittedly the C43 is AWD and larger. Love the handling on the BW, but I think I would get a Golf R....same rear diff as the RS3 and yet more practical and cheaper (though the UI is bad!).
What's slightly "crazy" to me about this review, is that it is by far the most..."pedestrian" review of the car that has received accolades from other auto journalists as being literally the one of the year's best 4-door sports sedan, on Car & Driver's 10 Best Cars of the Year list, etc. And here Alex is talking like the CT4-V Blackwing is just another trim line of an okay car. Honestly, it's both sort of refreshing (I appreciate Alex's thorough and honest reviews), but also confusing. This is the kind of review I would expect of say an Acura TLX Type S. Like, here's another pretty nice sports sedan, but comes up short against it's principle German rivals. Literally every other review of the CT4-V Blackwing, has been a variation of, "Holy Sh**, this is the greatest 4 door sports sedan ever, except maybe the CT5-V Blackwing...nope, I actually like the '4' better."
You are 100% correct re the top rated accolades this great car has received. I think Alex's comments can be best construed as a very good car but without the safety net of a all wheel drive at track like performance.....accepted. However, at typical, less than triple speeds with the right tire compound it is the stickiest/best performer under $100K ...quoted by several/all journalist. When it is below 40 F, go with a high performance all season and it's traction/safety is awe inspiring.........per two owners that I conversed with (that also owned several other performance vehicles ie enlightened drivers/owners).
Personally, if gas mileage isn't an issue, there are still some 2017-19 CTS-V's around for about the same price or less. Although the electronics in the Blackwing are way better, I like the power of the and room in CTS-V.
Did you actually say this car has a lot less hp than the M3? Seriously? The base M3, which again is easily $10k more money, is rated at 473hp to the BlackWings 472hp. I'd take you more seriously if you noted the BMWs S58 is notoriously underrated and likely makes more than it's crank rating of 473.
Really like this car, but I'm on the fence re: brake pedal feel. Since it's essentially 'brake by wire,' it might be tough to actually feel brake engagement... thoughts?
That is NOT the case, rather it's designed for constant/predictable/never fade braking....see other You Tube video on the very advanced braking system (even has a parking brake caliper on the rear brakes.....ingenious).
@@glennb6142 I agree, it is ingenious. However, a driver has to depend on a computer vs. hydraulic pressure to decide how hard to brake the car, as the computer will give the same 'feel' regardless of pressure needed, vs. hydraulic system where driver can 'feel' what system is doing, and adjust accordingly. All other reviewers on UA-cam have noted this. It might be an idea to wait a bit & see how the system performs in the real world...
The critical flaw of the CT4 (due to its roots from the ATS) is the packaging….it has the rear seat room of a VW Beetle. Ridiculous and completely inexcusable.
Cadillac going all EV is a sad end to what became one of the best sports sedan makers of all time. Such a shame all we have to look forward to is another canned EV platform.
I think people don't compain about parts sharing from other manufacturers because (at least historically), they have been of higher quality than cheap GM crap
60K for this puts it in direct cross hairs with the Lexus IS500. Yet the Lexus is slower 😂. But that Lexus v8 sounds absolutely fantastic Also the m340i is right on the CT4 v’s toes
Wow Alex, God forbid you be in the backseat during a head on collision. No airbag is going to save your head from that sunroof hump. Very scary. I'll take the RS3 with it's all-wheel drive and virtual cockpit, thankyou very much.
@@byronnasem4110 it’s “moot” point…regardless, why qualify some perceived advantage of driving a performance car “in the snow”…that’s a pretty weird qualifier. The CT4-V Blackwing is likely a much better track weapon that the FWD based AWD system of the RS5 (though that motor is a gem).
I’ve decided to withhold my like because you promoted automatic over a manual gearbox. If manual gearboxes weren’t an endangered option I could have looked the other way.
With options this gets too expensive in relation to the RS3 it’s compared to. Also, the RS3 is quicker and gets better gas mileage. The AWD system in the RS3 allows for some crazy fun on a track.
Respectfully, not really more expensive unless one goes crazy with silly carbon fiber add ons, or needless but nice Recaro seats. For $64.0K, can get a great, nicely equipd BW 6MT.....a real STEAL.
I'd still choose the BMW M235ix Gran Coupe over all of these, I don't think anyone driving on public road would say that it's not fast enough or doesn't handle well enough! The M235ix is not only much cheaper to purchase, but also gets far better fuel economy.
Love the detailed reviews usually, but in this case I am not sure why you spent almost 5 mins needlessly confusing the issue and talking about the previous model and bringing up competitors that are way, way more expensive and totally not in the same market segment. The CT4 is competing with other cars in the same price range. Full stop. Why do we need to confuse the issue? The fact that it has way, way more power and RWD and a manual are huge bonuses. Next time you review a competitor in the same price range, ask why it doesn't have nearly as much power as this CT4 BW, instead of bringing up a dozen cars that aren't real competitors in this review.
It would be nice to have that engine in the Camaro and also to have that wide trunk opening and that good visibility. So make it a 2 or 3 doors cause why a 4 door when these rear seats are so cramped anyway.The choice of interior color gives the impression of having D.Trumps permanently seated by your side .
Ok alternative to German small sedans, if you don’t want to pay more. But it’s Too small inside, American people are much larger to fit into that interior.
You keep comparing this to German cars and AWD cars. I’m assuming this is trying to appease the typical American slack jawed “I want a rear wheel drive car with a manual!” This makes me think it should compete with the American muscle cars. Let’s see if they buy the car they say they want. Or, if they just want to know it’s been made and have no intention of buying the thing they demand.
Because with the long hood style they went with and a decent trunk that’s all you get. Remember a lot of these will be “mid life crisis” buys for people with some other family hauler.
🤔I am on a waiting list for the new Audi RS3, I really don’t feel like this car compete with RS3 or A45, it’s somewhat comparable to the m2 but tbh it’s more like a poor man’s m3
Convert to sport all seasons and combined with it's electronic diff, and near perfect 50-50 weight distribution, a sane driver will never need more under moderate ~ snow conditions (own/ed several like equipd cars in NJ, and not a problem). But surely not a AWD vehicle as needed in the Snow Belt.
CT4 3rd highest '22 sales to 3rd qtr in it's class..........and #1 one, the Acura Integra, doesn't belong in this compact luxury class for a multitude of reasons.
I just spec'd out a CT4-V Blackwing for $68,515. Premium interior, climate package, non of the carbon fiber, and 6 speed manual. I don't run 0-60 every time, and I personally appreciate and enjoy the greater involvement a manual brings.
The only reason people like me get automatic is because we can't drive stick. It' embarrassing and people like me probably won't admit it, but that's the real reason lol.
Sick shifts are anti theft devices in modern times.
I really want to buy one of these, but I refuse to pay over MSRP which appears to be what every dealer is asking. Gotta take a stand against price gouging.
The instrument panel customization at around 14:00 is very impressive.
Man this thing is absolutely fantastic. Since they talked about the new tech for chassis design/fab a few years ago i've been liking most of what they're putting out.
I got the 4 Blackwing. By far the best handling and most serious drivers car of the bunch. Got it for MSRP too. The RS3 (last year's) was too understeeing for me and I like exclusivity of the caddy. I compared the RS3, IS500 and 4V Blackwing.
Should of bought the LEXUS! Let’s see if you can go 250,000 miles without any problems!
@@danielstehura9657 The constant negative critic with likely a $5K relic car.........not relevant nor impressed with your meaningless critique.
@@naveenthemachine You Wanna Bet? Check the repairs on GM Junk! So many Problems on all their vehicles!
@@danielstehura9657 true, GM parts don’t last and the dealers can’t fix the cars properly and a pretty negative experience overall
@@loopba My friend a Lady from the Philippines came to America and she wanted to give back to this country for her success so she bought a Cadillac and it was constantly breaking down. She sold the Cadillac and bought a Mercedes-Benz top-of-the-line S class and she never had any problems. Her next car was another Mercedes-Benz S class. She paid cash and she could well afford a Rolls-Royce. It’s just that a Rolls-Royce she said doesn’t look very good. Coming up to your properties and collecting rent. Now I purchased a Ford expedition when they first came out top-of-the-line, Eddie Bauer leather interior, 4 x 4. My family and I are on a ski trip from California and we were in Park city Utah and this brand new expensive SUV got stuck in Camptown low 4 x 4, so I had to drive back from Park city into town about 40 miles to the Ford dealer, they got it out of cow pound low and my family and I were driving back to California and about a quarter of the way the Ford expedition got stuck again in low gear and I had to take it to the dealer and they got it running and my family had a wonderful experience. I have taking a Greyhound bus 400 miles back to Los Angeles. I got to Los Angeles with my POS Ford expedition and I had to take it in to Pasadena Ford dealer to get the transmission repaired again. We have four of us in the family and we will never buy American cars ever again. American car manufacturers shit on themselves for making garbage. My Mercedes S class I put on 180,000 miles and touched nothing under the hood just putting in mobile one oil on schedule. The car was 11 years old and I regret selling it because it was in perfect running condition perfect leather interior and perfect shiny paint that I kept waxed. Now I drive a Tesla model three long range in California. And my car in Thailand, where I live is a Hyundai ELANTRA that never gives me any problems. We have awesome Ford rangers that are a design nightmare when you push a little truck with a 2 L turbo diesel that puts tremendous strain on a little 2 L diesel. I will purchase a Toyota with a 2.8 L turbo diesel which produces 200 hp reliably for 500,000 miles. My sister-in-law purchased a Ford escape brand new and the POS transmission failed at 40,000 miles again here’s a family that wants to give back to America. Their next car was a Honda pilot. The big three car manufacturers constantly drive their customers away to buy foreign cars. The big three have destroyed car manufacturing in America, except for Tesla which is an outstanding example of a car made as perfect as humanly possible.!!!!! I love my Tesla better than my TwinTurbo, V8 Mercedes-Benz with seats that had air conditioning and gave you a massage. Pretty wood on the dash well not get me to buy a Mercedes again as good as they are. Cheers from the land of smiles.
Just awarded Car and Driver’s 10 Best for the 2nd year in a row
I gotta say I feel like I've seen every single review/dive into this car and yours is the only one (or at least the best one) that goes into detail on the "everyday use stuff" like trunk space, interior quality, etc. I love it. Every other video seems to just say the same thing about those things in a hand-wavey fashion ("interior is fine but not up to the Germans"). Great, but let me see why that is and explain to me why that is. Subscribed.
I got my 2023 CT4V Blackwing for $4k off MSRP. AMAZING car!
6spd or 10spd ? If you got the 10spd how is the transmission?
@@daboxer181 This is my everyday car so I got the 10 speed Auto. I have a Corvette that is standard trans. The 10 spd works well, not quite as quick as the DCT trans in my GT500, but it is very quick, smooth and gears are setup well. I absolutely love it thus far.
@@chrisstewart1108 thanks for the reply I absolutely love the car. I live in a city with crazy traffic so as much as I like a 6-speed I just can't do it anymore I've been driving a 6-speed for the last 6 years as my daily driver. As long as the automatic is fast. I want the option to just chill and turn it into a sports car when I want. These autos now are super fast. The difference between auto and dct is minimal these days. The autos now are as fast as an 8 year old dct anyway.
@@daboxer181 yes, agreed. That is why I got the auto as well. Love stick but hard on the car in stop and go traffic all the time.
Alex, We can see you put a lot of thought into your rankings but I don't see how anyone shopping in this category can say 'no thanks' to one of the last high powered, rear wheel drive, manual sports sedans. 🤔
TBH, if we're to believe every other review of this car out there currently, I think Alex kind of missed the boat on this one. Ultimately, it's kind of a lukewarm review of a car that EVERYONE else loves. But Alex is pretty down-to-earth and not prone to hyperbole, so maybe he's got this one right?
This would definitely be on my sport sedan shopping list!
I love my 23 CT4 Blackwing with the 6 speed manual. Such a blast to drive. Mine is raven black and i think it looks more stealthy. I love the fact this car isn't as well known because it makes it the very capable underdog. Don't under estimate this car, it gets!!!
This is a class above them you named this car is a serious track weapon not just a 0-60 car
The problem with Cadillac is the dealer network. If you don't have a good dealer near you, they're basically unownable. The one near me has scratched my car several times, dented the door, bent "a piece of metal on the bottom," knocked out my alignment...the list goes on.
Who wants to buy a new luxury car when the warranty service does as much damage as they fix?
I so agree everytime I go to the shop something always scratch or bent ridiculous
Finally. A proper sports sedan.
Best drivers car in the segment for me! Loved it!! Great job Cadillac!
Journalists typically always have a biased view against American vehicles. They forgive Toyota and Honda for the same things they criticize Ford and GM for. It's cool to see GM getting its props because they genuinely make some great vehicles
American vehicles have done their best to earn that kind of treatment, dont pretend they've been matching toyota on reliability since the dawn of time.
Most definitely going with the CT4 blackwing over the Benz or Audi. Especially in that sexy red paint. 😍
Mercedes lost their mind charging $81k for a 4-cylinder
Why is the number of cylinders so important? It’s the overall package that counts.
Yes and how complex the car is. The technicians are going to take one look at a broken down C63 and tell insurance it's totaled.
Traction is not an issue. The launch control feature is phenomenal on mine.
You can make the argument that the 3 best Cadillacs ever are being produced right now
The CT5 Blackwing, Cadillac last ICE vehicle this CT4 Blackwing and the new Cadillac Lyriq
The Escalade V could make it a Mt. Rushmore.🤔
Great review as always! Probably my favorite review channel for all the technical, in depth insight BUT… how is a RWD platform not as good as a FWD (RS3) the handling difference between the two is more noticeable in everyday driving because of a front heavy/under steer FWD platform. Sure, taking both to the extreme (specially during launching) will expose the Cadillac’s RWD happy tail but I’ll take it anytime vs a FWD platform. Happy new year AOA!
The engine on the RS3 sounds more interesting, but it’s not a blow out. I would pick the CT4 Blackwing overall though. I prefer rwd dynamics more than any AWD drive sporty car I have driven.
3800 lbs was the weight that my ‘76 Cutlass. That was before they were downsized.
The "B" pillar is a killer if you're 68', 6'4", with a bad back. I have never been an SUV/CUV/whatever person but I'm sadly having to rethink )-;
Why would you feature an autobox? This car is an M3 killer so you got the comparables wrong. I’ve owed vettes, the original CTS V and the ZR1. My 4 Blackwing is the best race ready car I’ve ever owned. Incredible high performance sedan. The best in the world in mine and other expert opinions.
It’s easier to find a blackwing (even the manual) at msrp vs a rs3.
I'm here debating if I should sell my 22 rs3 for the blackwing
@@briankilichowski235 whoa. Why? Want a manual?
@@ramanapixelxl7572 I change vehicles often and at this point more so to have the experience of owning blackwing. I used to drive nothing but manual,I'm not quite like that anymore ... rs3 is alot of fun but really no tuning options for it yet and extremely limited quantities avail
Owned CTS Vsport 8 years. The magneto ride shocks wear out rapidly and are expensive. Dealership experience is also quite bad
ugh buyer’s remorse should have waited 3 months or so and got a ct4 sport or v. now I think your right it’s definitely better then the bmw 330i. and I am stuck with my mini countryman till it’s lease ends in 2024/2025. I got the countryman because it was the best price at the time and it was in stock. ct4 v or sports where not around at all.
This is the one I'd by.
DC I think Ct 4 black wing would be great . Thank goodness someone thought of a passenger vehicle.
My heart sank a little when you said Cadillac will be going all electric.
Perfect review. All the information was correct and explained throughly. Thank you!
I would be happy with the CT4 Blackwing. Sounds like a fun car to drive for me.
Fine looking automobile
Great review as always. I wonder how many reviewers would highlight that unflattering interior design ("feature"?) at 9:06. I had a little giggle when I saw that. Is that even safe? I hardly ever have passengers in the rear seats, so I might wait for the lawsuits to come in and the prices to drop. I like everything else about this car.
Simple solution, order it without the sunroof as I plan....adds more headroom frt and back, quieter, less weight as well.
@@glennb6142 I was watching that rear seat portion of this review thinking to myself, "That'll be an easy fix if you don't care about having a sunroof."
Great review but the manual trans is a must in this perfectly balanced rear wheel drive sport sedan.
David this is Dixie I’m a bit older however Missouri gets snow but I really love the looks of this vehicle. Can the vehicle be ordered with alloy wheels instead of the black wheels? Horse power isn’t a big deal. I have a 2019 regal GS hatchback toro . With everything you have shown in your video. Except I have leather black seats . I love this car it’s not going anywhere.
Just how hard is this model in regards to ordering one? Thank you
Why wasn't the IS500 in the mix here? Similar power, similar price. RWD, similar fuel mileage, but with a glorious V8.
But no manual😔...For the IS500. If the Lexus IS500 or the LC500 had a manual I'd buy either one in a heartbeat
Car is not a high performance competitor, even the 340i beats it handily. The platform is outdated and while it has a great engine - that's about the only good thing about the IS500. It is NOT a F model, just an F-sport.
@@MrSchn3llExactly. It's slow and dull to drive. Pass.
GM / Cadillac had an ATS-L option in China - an alpha platform with an additional 2" of wheelbase. Cadillac should have grabbed this longer chassis when they transitioned from the ATS to the CT4 and just kept the CT4 in the C segment with the BMW3 and the MB C class. Caddy's repositioning downward was a lot of hocus pocus. I think ultimately they couldn't justify the price re-adjustment in the marketplace without down-segmenting the cars. Smart/aware ATS and CTS owners already caught this 'pricing slight of hand' - Caddy didn't really fool anyone that mattered.
I was an owner of a 2013 ATS 2L Turbo and then upgraded to a 2016 ATS-V, both cars with 6 speed manuals. Lovely cars, and great performers, but definitely tight in the rear seats. That extra 2" (the Chinese L (long)) alpha platform was/is really needed, no matter if the car is in the D or C segment.
Niceeeeeee job Cadillac. Too bad Cadillac will never come out with a Seville for its next big vehicle or call it Fleetwood. I think Buick should come out with a Riviera GS with a all electric engine
Suggest you look at the Lyriq or big buck Celestiq
@@rdollie1 Best friend already ordered the Lyric back in March....Still ain't received it yet. Most likely spring 2023
Wait how long has caddy been doing that quasi night panel? That is an amazing feature should just be a button but I am glad they do it.
I think I would've enjoyed the automatic more if it had much fewer gears. As it is, the 10-speed is great at knowing what gear you need at any given time, but that removes a lot of the fun. If there were some magic way for the manual to come equipped with the Driver Assist features, that'd be my choice.
manual gearboxes are long gone. almost no one makes that anymore.
It's crazy how the tt v6 has more hp than the lt1 v8 and is just about the same in tq
I sold an M3 for blackwing, idk how you measure but the lateral G in blackwing is insane. So much faster than the M3. And the tremac is heaven compare to bmw which felt like it’s about to break all the time
G80 or f80 m3?
@@nathanmcintyre26 g80
@@OriginalAbsolute I’m torn between a g80 and a BW
@@nathanmcintyre26 i drive roughly about 25000 miles per year and they are all abusive miles. i kid you not the stress that the m3 was giving me it wasnt worth it strictly the transmission. Tremec is worth it just by itself and overall I feel like everything about the cadillac is just way more solid, couldnt believe it i done 3 track days so far 1 session was 2 days 4 hours event and the temperatures and oil change between each day you couldnt even tell.
@@OriginalAbsolute wow that’s pretty impressive. I’ve been wanting a g80 m3 since they were released but I might have to go for the BW then. My local dealer will give me a deal cause I have a Escalade V on order with them I just can’t decide which car I want more lol. I’ve noticed the aftermarket support is pretty decent on the BW so far. Making nearly the same power with downpipes and tune as the m3
I dont think youre gonna notice 0.2 second slower 0-60 with the manual, so id get that because i want a tremec.
Another great video Alex, tickled me that the carbon package adds weight 🤭
Great review. Thanks.
But I hate video games and I'm a good driver. I'll take the manual Blacking.
I'm not sure if availability is the issue, but reviewing the GR86 and now this with automatic seems counterintuitive and a bit disappointing. Especially the CT4-V Blackwing, because the increasingly rare manual is a potential selling point for this car. Besides, this 10-speed is a fairly known quantity--CT4-V has the same transmission--and people who can't drive a manual will go for an auto anyway.
Reviewers are obviously going to have their own opinion on any car, which might evolve with time and age. But they should also consider the target audience and application in their assessment. It seems Alex is missing a bit of that in some reviews.
Yeah the new reviews being in auto form is puzzling. I would get an auto rs3 over an auto blackwing. But I would get a manual blackwing over most cars.
The 6 MT is regarded as the finest available under $100K...see related highly complimentary reviews ( I also recently drove such a Blackwing, and was super impressed. PLUS, has super easy switch for rev match and almost uniquely in industry a 'no lift accelerator pedal' ie computer senses the shifting and adjusts the revs accordingly.....an awesome drivers car with fantastic comfort/control with magnetic ride control, 4th/latest gen.
@@glennb6142 Their 6mt do suffer from rev hang or not ? cause it,' the most annoying thing of modern di motors .
@@oi32df The CT4 V Blackwing 6 MT does NOT suffer from rev hang bz of superior/advanced software that even programs i for the 'no lift shift'. For comparison, the 23 Integra 6 MT w 1.5L engine hangs excessively, but largely while pushing close to red line, bit less with more tepid shift points....unpleasant and adds to it's poky 0-60 of ~ 7.5 sec.
Smart move putting the pricing at the end... ouchies... 61K starting price... so that's what "entry level luxury" starts at?
Compared with 340i, C43, etc. pretty much par for the course, but the G70 is great value for sure.
The Blackwing models are nowhere near “entry level” models.
@@wesleywalls7582 Not entry level performance for sure.
I would like to see the rear head room in a slick top. I'm not a fan of roof holes.
Can we directly compare to the audi rs3?please 😊 🙏 should I get rid of the 8y for this just for manual or will I regret? I have a booster and car seat in rear fyi..ty for the great review!
Would the AMG C43 with a V6 be the Merc competition more than the CLA? Admittedly the C43 is AWD and larger. Love the handling on the BW, but I think I would get a Golf R....same rear diff as the RS3 and yet more practical and cheaper (though the UI is bad!).
No one seems to review night driving... on how well you can actually see!
Filming night reviews with today’s cameras is still tricky
How reliable are these?
Cold lol, it’s -30 where I live
Where does the Genesis G70 fit in??
G70 doesn't offer a serious performance version. G70 3.3 competes with CT4 2.7, not with the Blackwing.
Not along side this... maybe next to a Acura TLX Type S?
The G70 and Stinger 3.3 are 100 hp down on power - I WISH they made an 'RS' version of the G70/Stinger with 450 hp.
What's slightly "crazy" to me about this review, is that it is by far the most..."pedestrian" review of the car that has received accolades from other auto journalists as being literally the one of the year's best 4-door sports sedan, on Car & Driver's 10 Best Cars of the Year list, etc. And here Alex is talking like the CT4-V Blackwing is just another trim line of an okay car. Honestly, it's both sort of refreshing (I appreciate Alex's thorough and honest reviews), but also confusing. This is the kind of review I would expect of say an Acura TLX Type S. Like, here's another pretty nice sports sedan, but comes up short against it's principle German rivals. Literally every other review of the CT4-V Blackwing, has been a variation of, "Holy Sh**, this is the greatest 4 door sports sedan ever, except maybe the CT5-V Blackwing...nope, I actually like the '4' better."
You are 100% correct re the top rated accolades this great car has received. I think Alex's comments can be best construed as a very good car but without the safety net of a all wheel drive at track like performance.....accepted. However, at typical, less than triple speeds with the right tire compound it is the stickiest/best performer under $100K ...quoted by several/all journalist. When it is below 40 F, go with a high performance all season and it's traction/safety is awe inspiring.........per two owners that I conversed with (that also owned several other performance vehicles ie enlightened drivers/owners).
Debating between a ct4-v and a ct4-v blackwing? Which to choose and why?
hmm well whats to YOU most important? cant say which to choose en masse…all depends on the specific person’s priorities.
Get the black wing if you wanna have fun!
Personally, if gas mileage isn't an issue, there are still some 2017-19 CTS-V's around for about the same price or less. Although the electronics in the Blackwing are way better, I like the power of the and room in CTS-V.
It's the driver's car of the segment. I would absolutely take it over the competition.
Pristine Edge though
caddilac never stops with the constant name changes, in 2-3 years they will do it again
Did you actually say this car has a lot less hp than the M3? Seriously? The base M3, which again is easily $10k more money, is rated at 473hp to the BlackWings 472hp. I'd take you more seriously if you noted the BMWs S58 is notoriously underrated and likely makes more than it's crank rating of 473.
That Caddy is Jesse Owens
The Caddy for me.
There should be public hearings where Chevy has to try to justify not putting in the 6.2.
Really like this car, but I'm on the fence re: brake pedal feel. Since it's essentially 'brake by wire,' it might be tough to actually feel brake engagement... thoughts?
Check Car & Driver. They've done track tests, and they have one in their long term fleet.
That is NOT the case, rather it's designed for constant/predictable/never fade braking....see other You Tube video on the very advanced braking system (even has a parking brake caliper on the rear brakes.....ingenious).
@@glennb6142 I agree, it is ingenious. However, a driver has to depend on a computer vs. hydraulic pressure to decide how hard to brake the car, as the computer will give the same 'feel' regardless of pressure needed, vs. hydraulic system where driver can 'feel' what system is doing, and adjust accordingly. All other reviewers on UA-cam have noted this. It might be an idea to wait a bit & see how the system performs in the real world...
@@PeteinMD Good comment and observation, thanks. The most technical youtube details it's performance and very impressed, with a fail safe back up.
It would be more practical than a Corvette. It is a "sports car."
such highly rated, except few people actually buy it.
This car is limited to about 150 units per year
The CT5 compres to the M3, S4/5, C63.
GM continues with its “tweener” cars…the 4 is bigger than the A3 etc and the 5 is bigger than the A4/3-series/C-class.
The critical flaw of the CT4 (due to its roots from the ATS) is the packaging….it has the rear seat room of a VW Beetle. Ridiculous and completely inexcusable.
I think GM stops moving all EVs anytime soon
Cadillac going all EV is a sad end to what became one of the best sports sedan makers of all time. Such a shame all we have to look forward to is another canned EV platform.
Too bad cadillacs lease deals are terrible!!
Because they depreciate faster than a shooting star! 10k drop the day you buy it
@@danielstehura9657 sounds like it will be a storming deal in 2-3 years with 40k on the clock.
@@ATH_Berkshire if gas prices go down again! When you drive a Tesla even a Prius eats too much gas! We are spoiled
@@danielstehura9657 not sure that rule applies to these given it’s somewhat rare. There is one going over MSRP over on cars n bids.
Save the Manuals
I think people don't compain about parts sharing from other manufacturers because (at least historically), they have been of higher quality than cheap GM crap
60K for this puts it in direct cross hairs with the Lexus IS500. Yet the Lexus is slower 😂. But that Lexus v8 sounds absolutely fantastic
Also the m340i is right on the CT4 v’s toes
This is more similar to an M3 than to M340i. The Blackwing is track ready.
@@Mgoblagulkablong but it’s slower than an m3 but on par with the m340i
@@naveenthemachine0-60 bc of 2WD traction vs 4WD traction, lap times will be closer to M3 than to M340.
Wow Alex, God forbid you be in the backseat during a head on collision. No airbag is going to save your head from that sunroof hump. Very scary. I'll take the RS3 with it's all-wheel drive and virtual cockpit, thankyou very much.
Silly reaction, simple solution....do not get the optional SR.....flat ceiling, great height for tall drivers, plus, lighter, quieter.
Manual CT4V for the drivers, RS3 for the Playstaion nerds.
🤓
In-line 5 still better lmao….good luck driving that in snow
@@byronnasem4110 i have an SUV for the snow.
@@cultofmodernism8477 Mute point since that not the topic lmao
@@byronnasem4110 it’s “moot” point…regardless, why qualify some perceived advantage of driving a performance car “in the snow”…that’s a pretty weird qualifier. The CT4-V Blackwing is likely a much better track weapon that the FWD based AWD system of the RS5 (though that motor is a gem).
That cars average MSRP is about 76-80k, way more expensive then its competitors from BMW, Audi and Mercedes. Nope pass.
I’ve decided to withhold my like because you promoted automatic over a manual gearbox. If manual gearboxes weren’t an endangered option I could have looked the other way.
I need a bigger garage so I can have one.
With options this gets too expensive in relation to the RS3 it’s compared to. Also, the RS3 is quicker and gets better gas mileage. The AWD system in the RS3 allows for some crazy fun on a track.
Respectfully, not really more expensive unless one goes crazy with silly carbon fiber add ons, or needless but nice Recaro seats. For $64.0K, can get a great, nicely equipd BW 6MT.....a real STEAL.
That 5 cylinder engine is not a true Quattro since it doesnt have a mechanical central torsen diffencial. It is the same awd system as the ttrs.
I'd still choose the BMW M235ix Gran Coupe over all of these, I don't think anyone driving on public road would say that it's not fast enough or doesn't handle well enough!
The M235ix is not only much cheaper to purchase, but also gets far better fuel economy.
Like your channel however…..could you have made these comparisons anymore confusing? I don’t think so.
Yeah beat them to the shop rack
Love the detailed reviews usually, but in this case I am not sure why you spent almost 5 mins needlessly confusing the issue and talking about the previous model and bringing up competitors that are way, way more expensive and totally not in the same market segment. The CT4 is competing with other cars in the same price range. Full stop. Why do we need to confuse the issue? The fact that it has way, way more power and RWD and a manual are huge bonuses. Next time you review a competitor in the same price range, ask why it doesn't have nearly as much power as this CT4 BW, instead of bringing up a dozen cars that aren't real competitors in this review.
Beats the Germans,....like world cup soccer.
60k !!!
In Dubai 100k
Ct4 all day Alex! Stop being a wuss and drive that car boy!
It would be nice to have that engine in the Camaro and also to have that wide trunk opening and that good visibility. So make it a 2 or 3 doors cause why a 4 door when these rear seats are so cramped anyway.The choice of interior color gives the impression of having D.Trumps permanently seated by your side .
If they change nothing except make it an EV, id buy it tomorrow.
Why? So it can feel exactly like a Model 3? EV's have no soul - and I currently own a Taycan, can't wait to get a RWD manual car again.
Ok alternative to German small sedans, if you don’t want to pay more. But it’s Too small inside, American people are much larger to fit into that interior.
Cadillac can "target the Audi RS3" all day long. With all due respect, it's no RS3.
You keep comparing this to German cars and AWD cars. I’m assuming this is trying to appease the typical American slack jawed “I want a rear wheel drive car with a manual!”
This makes me think it should compete with the American muscle cars.
Let’s see if they buy the car they say they want. Or, if they just want to know it’s been made and have no intention of buying the thing they demand.
Regardless of power and performance, GM definitely wants to refresh the interior design. It looks outdated.
Most people who want a sports sedan prefer hard buttons. Everything touch is an impractical fad.
Plain, absolutely yes, but functionally the BEST....no trouble prone hepatics, rather real switches, a trend most car mfr's are now moving back to!
The 2024 models are getting the full widescreen similar to the Lyriq display (confirmed in spy photos).
Why back seat so bad lol
You are correct, the biggest neg for sure. However, great for 5'6" < passengers, pets, and seat storage.
Because with the long hood style they went with and a decent trunk that’s all you get. Remember a lot of these will be “mid life crisis” buys for people with some other family hauler.
🤔I am on a waiting list for the new Audi RS3, I really don’t feel like this car compete with RS3 or A45, it’s somewhat comparable to the m2 but tbh it’s more like a poor man’s m3
I agree with you.
No AWD?? = (
Convert to sport all seasons and combined with it's electronic diff, and near perfect 50-50 weight distribution, a sane driver will never need more under moderate ~ snow conditions (own/ed several like equipd cars in NJ, and not a problem). But surely not a AWD vehicle as needed in the Snow Belt.
Nice review. Great car. However, space in the second row and screen are deal breakers. I prefer my Stinger GT2.
The Kia handles like a numb appliance compared to this. It's not even comparable.
@@thomasferrarojr.9772 Well this appliance is more reliable and comfortable than this GM Product.
By all means Cadillac, go after the miniscule selling competition.
CT4 3rd highest '22 sales to 3rd qtr in it's class..........and #1 one, the Acura Integra, doesn't belong in this compact luxury class for a multitude of reasons.
Front grill looks like a Toyota!