Drive Time – 2020 Cadillac CT5 Sport

Some auto manufacturers are streamlining their product lines — mainly sedans. Sure, SUVs and Crossovers are still in high demand, but sexy sporty sedans continue to turn heads. The demand for those sleek rides is significant enough for companies to find ways to aptly fill their product lines. 

Cadillac is a good case study. Their SUV/Crossovers sell well. For the sedans, they’ve added by subtraction. The new 2020 CT5 replaces the outgoing ATS and CTS. It’s a lovely sweet spot compared to the deceased models being roomier than both with upcoming powerful engines to battle a very competitive upscale sports sedan category. 

The CT5 has the looks and luxury appointments to draw interest into the showroom. It looks cool in the driveway and the neighbors will beg to play with the delicious gadgets. Its yet another signal Cadillac is firmly targeting a younger consumer without scaring away the AARP buyers. Bravo!

Skin 

The CT5 is a bigger, longer and wider than the outgoing CTS. But the new lines and streamlined silhouette gives it a beautifully balanced sporty stance. Goodbye land yacht snickers. The Sport version’s Shadow Metallic paint is gorgeous combined with contrasting 19” Pearl Silver rims. Add some flash with either blue- or red-painted brake calipers (my new fav accessory). The front includes Cadillac’s signature vertical bladed LED headlights. It exhibits a bold attitude with black mesh grilles. A substantial but tidy rear includes dual chrome exhausts, an attractive subtle spoiler and holds a decent trunk. Chrome accents are tastefully limited with most trim blacked out. Illuminated door handles and kickplates adds to the appeal. It draws admiring smiles from any angle. And yes, the kids think it’s pretty darn cool. 

Performance

The base model includes a fairly peppy twin turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0 Liter with 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. torque (0-60 in 7.1 sec). It’s thoroughly enjoyable in Sport Mode with enhanced steering and higher-rev shifts. The 10-speed transmission shifts effortlessly, and the usually annoying Auto Stop feature thankfully can be turned off. On-demand optional All-Wheel Drive delivers good handling and cruising capability given its lighter aluminum frame. Excellent braking and Collision Warning are reassuring. 

The able suspension soaks up most asphalt irregularities, while the thick leather-wrapped (and heated) steering wheel feels just right and the paddle shifters are quite responsive. Gas mileage is decent for this category as I observed 26.5 mpg overall (rated 23/32/26). You’ll appreciate the gas plunger design requiring no gas cap too. 

Cabin

The Jet Black interior is sumptuous, surrounding you in tasteful contrasting hand-stitched leather and lovely Carbon Fiber trim (Sport). Fit and finish are outstanding. The dash instrumentation panel is well laid out and bright. Optional heated/cooled/massaging leather 15-way power Sport seats are comfortable and supportive. And for long hauls double-panoramic Ultra-View roof gives the cabin a beautiful airy feel. 

The optional parking package ($2,090) includes HD Surround Vision, Rear Camera, Rear Pedestrian Alert and heated/folding side view mirrors. Shell out for the top-of-the-line Premium Package ($9,330) that includes all the important options. 

The center console houses an improved and simpler CUE infotainment. The tester included Backup and Surround Camera, dual-zone climate control, Remote Start and adaptive high-intensity LED headlights. Safety measures include Ample Blind Spot warnings, multiple camera views and handy full-color Head-Up display complete with speed limit signs in the windshield. It’s a welcome addictive option to keep your eyes on the road. Adaptive Cruise Control will automatically keep you at a safe distance without touching the brake. Interior storage is generous. 

Visibility is excellent for a low-slung sedan. Back seat room is vast as that’s where the extra room is evident. Trunk space is an okay 11.9 cu.ft. but the rear seats do fold down for additional storage. A full golf bag with driver fits horizontally.

Tech check

There’s no shortage of stupendous technology. The updated 10-inch diagonal CUE touch screen is clear and easy to read and manage. It mimics hand motions like an iPad as you can move icons, shrink or enlarge the data and display a bunch of preset radio/XM satellite stations and phone numbers. It includes 3-D Navigation maps, Doppler radar and Natural Voice Activated prompts work instantaneously to any voice. The CUE will even read aloud your text messages. It also delivers 4G/LTE Wi-Fi service via an OnStar subscription. You’ll appreciate the terrific Apple CarPlay/Android Auto synching up your smart phone to display your home screen apps. There’s a handy slot underneath the center console lid to wirelessly charge your phone. Even the vent power noise is lowered when receiving a call. 

Thankfully, positioned under the CUE screen are the most used climate control buttons. And, I love the radio channel dial in the console to swiftly change stations without continually hitting the screen. 

The 15-speaker Bose Performance Series Sound System is excellent with four programmable distinct cabin sound settings. It’s crystal clear and delivers near perfect audio acoustics. 

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 Sport is a sumptuous package of eye-candy, comfort and abundant technology (including Cadillac’s Premium Care Maintenance 3 years/36,000 miles). The base model at $37,890 will pique interest, but the Sport with the Navigation and Bose Premium Auto package raises the price to a bargain-feeling $48,805. The six-cylinder version and high-performance CT5-V arrives later in the year. Bottom line is the CT5 is worthy of your time when contemplating a very good sports sedan without killing your budget. 

Test-drive the 2020 Cadillac CT5 Sport at Crest Cars in Frisco.