The 2022 Cadillac CT4-V

 Apologies in advance to those who already know this, but a lone V at the end of a Cadillac’s name no longer denotes the fastest, most powerful version of that particular model.

Those are now called Blackwings, and since there are no black wings – or, y’know, twin-turbocharged engines – attached to the car you see here, the four-cylinder 2022 Cadillac CT4-V is merely the mid-performance version of Caddy’s entry-level sedan.

Styling: 7.5/10

Aesthetically, the CT4-V is generally alright looking from the front and the side but admittedly quite awkward from rear angles. In any case, Cadillac has added the option of this Blaze Orange Metallic colour to the CT4 range for 2022 that helps the car visually stand out.

Interior design isn’t bad either. General Motors (GM) and Cadillac, in particular, have come a long way when it comes to cabin materials and while most of the CT4-V’s interior does consist of softer plastics, cool, glossy carbon fiber, attractive alloys, and nicely stitched leathers, some parts do still feel jarringly cheap. The most notable one being the grey plastic piece in between the centre vents and the infotainment screen that houses the infotainment system’s physical home button.

Power: 6.5/10

Under the hood of the CT4-V is a 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder making 325 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. This tester happens to be equipped with all-wheel drive, but rear-wheel drive is standard.

Purely in terms of forward thrust, this powertrain is fairly capable, able to get this sedan to highway speeds in a sufficient hurry. In terms of refinement and character, however, it would not feel out of place in a Chevrolet Malibu.

The sound it makes when you step on it would best be described as a characterless drone, managing to be unexciting by performance car standards and too harsh by luxury car measures. In another universe, I may have been willing to forgive this on account of it being a four-cylinder; but the one in which we live – where Mercedes-AMG, Hyundai’s N performance sub-brand, and even Honda have all crafted turbo-fours that aren’t a complete chore to wring out – I don’t think I should let Cadillac off so easy.

Not helping matters is a 10-speed automatic transmission that frankly feels janky. Paddle-operated manual shifts happen relatively slowly, while the paddles themselves feel and operate cheaply. Outside of full-throttle redline upshifts, meanwhile, swaps between gears feel straight-up mushy.

Driving Feel: 9/10

Much more positively, though, the CT4-V provides an excellent showing in the corners. The Alpha platform, which is also used in the bigger CT5 and the Chevrolet Camaro, is no joke when it comes to balance and poise, and this car feels properly planted and controllable through bends as a result.

Steering rises to the occasion, too, by being well weighted, precise, and exhibiting a relatively good amount of feel. It’s got that endearingly tactile feedback you get from older BMWs, as well as the Kia Stinger/Genesis G70 twins. Piloting the CT4-V through winding backroads, it felt almost unflappable but wasn’t completely stoic, either.

Brake pedal travel is remarkably short even by sport sedan standards, making it feel purposeful and your inputs that much more immediate. There’s little to no dead zone at the top in the sportiest drive mode, but it manages this without becoming jerky.

Fun, predictable, and focused, the mid-performance CT4 is one of the better handling luxury sedans out there.

The 2022 Cadillac CT4-V is a high-performance luxury sedan that's sure to thrill driving enthusiasts. It's part of Cadillac's revamped performance lineup, which replaces the V-Sport series with the V-Series ¹.

Design and Features

The CT4-V boasts a sleek and sporty design, with a bold grille, boomerang headlights and taillights, and a huge rear wing. The interior is equally impressive, with premium materials, sport bucket seats, and a range of convenience features like heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster ¹.

Performance

The CT4-V is powered by a 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that pumps out 472 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. It's available with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 10-speed automatic transmission, and features a performance suspension with Magnetic Ride Control ¹ ².

Handling and Safety

The CT4-V is a joy to drive, with exceptional handling and responsiveness. It also features a range of advanced safety features, including forward collision alert, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking ².

Trim Levels and Pricing

The 2022 Cadillac CT4-V is available in several trim levels, including the Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport, V-Series, and Blackwing. Pricing starts at around $34,500 for the base Luxury trim and tops out at around $59,990 for the high-performance Blackwing trim ².

Competitors

The CT4-V competes in the subcompact luxury sedan segment, alongside cars like the Audi A3, BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, and Mercedes-Benz A-Class ².