The 2021 Cadillac Ct5 Premium Luxury sedan emerges as a compelling offering in the luxury car market, aiming to deliver Cadillac’s signature blend of style and comfort in a more accessible package. While it’s undeniably a handsome and well-appointed vehicle, questions arise about whether its price point allows it to truly embody the distinctiveness expected of the Cadillac brand, especially when viewed alongside its pricier stablemate, the Escalade. Having recently experienced the opulence of the Escalade, a six-figure SUV that confidently justifies its cost, the CT5 prompts a deeper examination of Cadillac’s positioning in the competitive luxury segment.
Image: Front three-quarter view of a 2021 Cadillac CT5 Premium Luxury sedan in a silver color, showcasing its sleek design and signature Cadillac grille.
With a starting MSRP of $36,995 for the base model and $40,795 for the Premium Luxury trim, the 2021 CT5 positions itself at a price point that might be considered unexpectedly accessible for a Cadillac sedan, particularly the largest one remaining in their lineup outside of the Blackwing performance models. This pricing strategy, while potentially attracting a broader customer base, shifts its competitive landscape. Instead of directly challenging the likes of Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi in the higher echelons of luxury, the CT5 finds itself contending with brands such as Acura, as a direct comparison with the 2021 Acura TLX SH-AWD A-Spec reveals.
Image: Rear three-quarter angle of the 2021 Cadillac CT5 Premium Luxury, highlighting its stylish taillights and sculpted rear design.
2021 Cadillac CT5 vs. Acura TLX: A Price and Features Comparison
The arrival of the 2021 Acura TLX SH-AWD A-Spec shortly before the CT5 Premium Luxury provided a valuable opportunity for a direct side-by-side comparison. Visually, both sedans occupy a similar size class and command attention on the road. However, the Acura TLX projects a more overtly sporty aesthetic, particularly in the A-Spec trim.
Interestingly, the Acura TLX carried a base price that was $5,455 higher than the Cadillac CT5. Despite this, the as-tested price of the Acura ended up being $4,635 lower. This price discrepancy primarily stems from the Acura’s comprehensive standard equipment list, contrasting with the Cadillac’s reliance on extra-cost options to reach a comparable level of features. Notably, the tested Cadillac CT5 lacked adaptive cruise control, a feature readily available even on more affordable mainstream vehicles, and requiring an additional $1,950 for the Driver Assist and Advanced Security Package.
Image: Front three-quarter view comparing the 2021 Cadillac CT5 Premium Luxury (left) and the 2021 Acura TLX SH-AWD A-Spec (right), showcasing their similar size but different design languages.
Image: Rear view comparison of the 2021 Acura TLX SH-AWD A-Spec (left) and 2021 Cadillac CT5 Premium Luxury (right), highlighting the rear styling differences between the two sedans.
This comparison underscores a recurring theme with Cadillac’s lower-priced models like the CT5 and XT4: achieving true competitiveness often necessitates adding options that inflate the final price. While these models are undoubtedly appealing at their base price, the need for extra features to meet luxury expectations can blur the line between value and cost.
Engine and Performance of the 2021 CT5 Premium Luxury
Under the hood, the standard engine for the 2021 Cadillac CT5 Premium Luxury is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 237 horsepower. This engine delivers a respectable 0-60 mph acceleration time of around 6.6 seconds, providing adequate performance for daily driving.
However, the test vehicle featured the optional 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, a $3,500 upgrade. This more potent engine boosts horsepower to 335 and significantly reduces the 0-60 mph sprint to a brisk 4.9 seconds. Both engine options are paired with a smooth and responsive ten-speed automatic transmission. The tested model also included the optional all-wheel-drive system, adding $2,000 to the price and enhancing all-weather capability. Fuel economy for the V6 AWD model is EPA-rated at 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.
Image: Open hood of the 2021 Cadillac CT5 Premium Luxury, partially revealing the engine bay.
Image: A closer view of the engine compartment of the 2021 Cadillac CT5 Premium Luxury, showcasing the engine and surrounding components.
Image: Detailed close-up of the engine of the 2021 Cadillac CT5 Premium Luxury, emphasizing the engine’s design and features.
Image: Extreme detail shot of engine components in the 2021 Cadillac CT5 Premium Luxury, highlighting the technical aspects of the engine.
Interior and Features: Stepping Up, But Still Some Familiarity
The interior of the 2021 Cadillac CT5 Premium Luxury represents a noticeable improvement over previous iterations, with enhanced materials and a more refined ambiance. Leather seating surfaces, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and 14-way power-adjustable front seats contribute to a comfortable and upscale environment. Standard features for the Premium Luxury trim include 18-inch alloy wheels, self-sealing tires, rain-sensing wipers, remote start, and wireless phone charging.
Image: Open trunk of the 2021 Cadillac CT5 Premium Luxury, showcasing the cargo space and trunk layout.
Image: Interior view of the trunk of the 2021 Cadillac CT5 Premium Luxury, providing a closer look at the storage area.
Image: Rear passenger seats of the 2021 Cadillac CT5 Premium Luxury, showing the legroom and seat design.
Image: Front seats of the 2021 Cadillac CT5 Premium Luxury, highlighting the leather upholstery and seat adjustability features.
However, some elements within the cabin retain a familiar GM feel. The presence of gray plastic components and switchgear shared across the broader GM portfolio might detract slightly from the bespoke luxury experience one might expect at the Cadillac level.
Image: Instrument panel of the 2021 Cadillac CT5 Premium Luxury, showcasing the dashboard layout, infotainment screen, and controls.
The tested CT5 Premium Luxury was further equipped with several optional packages, including a 15-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system with navigation ($1,350), Climate Package with heated and ventilated front seats and heated steering wheel ($1,090), Lighting Package ($600), Driver Awareness Plus Package ($500), dealer-installed rear spoiler ($455), and Shadow Metallic paint ($600). These options elevated the as-tested price to $51,910, including a $995 destination charge.
Image: Steering wheel and gauge cluster of the 2021 Cadillac CT5 Premium Luxury, focusing on driver controls and instrumentation.
Image: Close-up of the gauge cluster in the 2021 Cadillac CT5 Premium Luxury, highlighting the digital display and analog gauges.
Image: Infotainment system and HVAC controls of the 2021 Cadillac CT5 Premium Luxury, showing the center console and user interface.
A Vision for Cadillac’s Future
Considering the overall package, the 2021 Cadillac CT5 Premium Luxury presents a compelling argument for a well-equipped and stylish sedan at its price point. However, it sparks contemplation about Cadillac’s brand direction. Imagine the potential if Cadillac were to embrace an “uncompromising luxury” approach, building a $75,000 sedan with all available upgrades as standard and further investing in unique, truly Cadillac-exclusive features and materials.
Image: Front view of the 2021 Cadillac CT5 Premium Luxury, emphasizing the bold front fascia and Cadillac emblem.
Image: Side profile of the 2021 Cadillac CT5 Premium Luxury, illustrating its sedan proportions and elegant silhouette.
Image: Full car view of the 2021 Cadillac CT5 Premium Luxury in motion, showcasing its overall road presence.
Similar to how Lincoln has successfully repositioned itself in the luxury SUV market with the Navigator and Aviator, Cadillac could potentially elevate its sedan offerings by focusing on unparalleled luxury and exclusivity, even amidst the industry’s shift towards electric vehicles. With the stunning 2023 Cadillac Lyriq EV on the horizon and the continued success of the Escalade, Cadillac has a genuine opportunity to usher in a new golden age, characterized by vehicles that are not only technologically advanced but also deeply desirable and distinctly Cadillac.
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