Cadillac’s V-Series, celebrating two decades of performance excellence since the 2004 CTS-V, has redefined the brand, shaking off its old-fashioned image. These high-performance models, spanning sedans, SUVs, and now electric vehicles, are known for their blistering speed. But when it comes to sheer acceleration, which Cadillac V-Series model takes the crown as the Fastest Cadillac ever? This article ranks the quickest V-Series Cadillacs of all time by their 0-60 mph times, revealing the ultimate speed champion.
Cadillac CTS-V first generation
Cadillac: A Legacy of Luxury and Performance
Cadillac, a division of General Motors, boasts a rich history dating back to 1902. For over a century, it has stood as a symbol of American luxury. Beyond opulence, Cadillac has cultivated a performance heritage, particularly through its acclaimed V-Series. This line of vehicles represents the pinnacle of Cadillac engineering, blending luxury with exhilarating speed and handling. From powerful gasoline engines to cutting-edge electric powertrains, Cadillac continues to push the boundaries of automotive performance.
Cadillac – Key Facts
| Founded | 1902 |
| Founder | Henry Leland |
| Headquarters | Warren, Michigan |
| Owned By | General Motors |
| Current CEO | Rory Harvey |
This ranking encompasses every V-Series model produced, highlighting the quickest variant within each model line based on official manufacturer claims and independent testing. Let’s accelerate through the list, starting with the models that are quick, and building up to the absolute fastest Cadillac.
10. 2025 Cadillac CT4-V
4.8 Seconds (RWD)
The Cadillac CT4-V marks the entry point into the V-Series lineup, but don’t let its position fool you. This compact sedan delivers impressive agility and speed. As the spiritual successor to the CTS, the CT4 occupies a similar size class, offering a blend of sporty dynamics and Cadillac luxury. Powered by a potent 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, the CT4-V produces a substantial 325 horsepower and a robust 380 lb-ft of torque. While it competes in a segment dominated by European rivals, the CT4-V stands out with its attractive price point and engaging performance. For those seeking even greater thrills, the CT4 range also features the Blackwing variant, which we will explore later in this ranking of the fastest Cadillacs.
Cadillac CT4-V on a track
9. 2006 Cadillac XLR-V
4.6 – 4.7 Seconds
The Cadillac XLR-V is perhaps the most often-forgotten V-Series model. Intended as Cadillac’s competitor to the Mercedes-AMG SL55, the XLR-V, a luxury roadster, unfortunately, didn’t quite capture the market’s attention despite its Corvette-derived underpinnings and striking design. Based on the C5 Corvette platform, the XLR-V offered sharp styling that has aged gracefully. Under the hood, a supercharged 4.4-liter Northstar V8 engine delivered 443 horsepower and 414 lb-ft of torque. While the Northstar V8 may not be the most celebrated engine, it provided ample power, propelling the XLR-V from 0 to 60 mph in around 4.6 to 4.7 seconds according to independent tests, proving its place among the fastest Cadillac models of its era.
Cadillac XLR-V red convertible
8. 2008 Cadillac STS-V
4.6 Seconds
The Cadillac STS-V, a lesser-known gem in the V-Series lineage, deserves recognition for its significant performance leap over the standard STS sedan. This performance sedan packed a supercharged 4.4-liter V8, generating an impressive 469 horsepower and 439 lb-ft of torque – a substantial 149 horsepower increase over the base STS. This power surge enabled the STS-V to match the 0-60 mph acceleration of many modern performance sedans. Cadillac enhanced the STS-V with sport-tuned suspension, Brembo brakes, and performance tires. While it was only offered with rear-wheel drive and an automatic transmission, the STS-V remains a noteworthy contender in the history of fastest Cadillac cars.
7. 2025 Cadillac CT5-V
4.6 Seconds
The 2025 Cadillac CT5-V presents a compelling blend of performance and value. Unlike its more potent Blackwing sibling, the CT5-V utilizes a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 360 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. Historically, the CT5-V has been an accessible entry into the world of high-performance Cadillacs, offering sub-five-second 0-60 mph times at a relatively attainable price point. Available in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, the rear-wheel-drive CT5-V achieves the quickest acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, solidifying its position among the fastest Cadillac sedans available today.
Cadillac CT5-V silver sedan
6. 2025 Cadillac Escalade-V
4.4 Seconds
Breaking into SUV territory, the Cadillac Escalade-V is the sole SUV representative on this list, proving that size doesn’t preclude speed. The Escalade, an icon of luxury and American culture for over two decades, received the V-Series treatment, resulting in an astonishingly quick full-size SUV. The Escalade-V boasts a massive 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine that churns out a remarkable 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft of torque. This immense power catapults the large SUV to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, making it one of the fastest Cadillac models and certainly the quickest SUV in the Cadillac lineup.
Cadillac Escalade-V front view
5. 2016 Cadillac ATS-V
3.9 Seconds
Another discontinued gem, the Cadillac ATS-V, demonstrates the impressive performance capabilities of a smaller displacement engine when paired with forced induction. The ATS-V, part of the now-discontinued ATS model line, was a potent performer despite its relatively compact size. Powered by a 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged V6 LF4 engine, the ATS-V produced 464 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque. This power enabled it to achieve a blistering 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds and reach a top speed nearing 200 mph, firmly establishing its place among the fastest Cadillac sedans ever built.
Cadillac ATS-V on a racetrack
4. 2025 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing
3.8 Seconds (Automatic Transmission)
Entering the realm of Blackwing, the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing signifies a serious step up in performance. The Blackwing moniker denotes the highest echelon of Cadillac V-Series engineering, representing track-ready performance and exhilarating driving dynamics. The CT4-V Blackwing utilizes a tuned version of the 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged V6, boosting output to 472 horsepower and maintaining 445 lb-ft of torque. With this power, the automatic transmission-equipped CT4-V Blackwing sprints to 60 mph in a mere 3.8 seconds. Offering exceptional performance for its price, the CT4-V Blackwing represents a remarkable value proposition in the high-performance sedan market and is undoubtedly one of the fastest Cadillac models in production.
Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing in a comparison shot with Audi RS3
3. 2020 Cadillac CT6-V
3.8 Seconds
The Cadillac CT6-V holds a unique position in V-Series history, primarily due to its bespoke engine. This full-size luxury sedan was powered by a Cadillac-exclusive 4.2-liter twin-turbocharged V8, codenamed LTA and initially named Blackwing. This engine was a significant investment for Cadillac, with each unit reportedly costing $20,000 to produce and featuring no shared parts with other GM engines. The LTA V8 delivered 550 horsepower and a massive 640 lb-ft of torque. Limited to just 1,500 units, the CT6-V harnessed all-wheel drive to launch to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. This combination of exclusivity, powerful bespoke engine, and rapid acceleration makes the CT6-V a highly sought-after and fastest Cadillac sedan.
2. 2025 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
3.4 Seconds
Nearing the top spot, the 2025 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing emerges as the quickest mass-production gasoline-powered Cadillac. As the more muscular counterpart to the standard CT5-V, the Blackwing variant is a true performance flagship. It’s powered by GM’s legendary supercharged 6.2-liter LT4 V8 engine, producing a staggering 668 horsepower and 659 lb-ft of torque. Available with either a six-speed manual or a ten-speed automatic transmission, the CT5-V Blackwing achieves a blistering 0-60 mph time of just 3.4 seconds. With optional carbon-ceramic Brembo brakes further enhancing its performance, the CT5-V Blackwing represents the pinnacle of Cadillac’s gasoline-powered performance and is undeniably one of the fastest Cadillac vehicles ever created.
1. 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V
3.3 Seconds
Taking the ultimate crown as the fastest Cadillac of all time is the groundbreaking 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V. Cadillac’s first electric SUV to receive the V-Series treatment, the Lyriq-V, embraces the future of performance. Powered by a dual-motor electric powertrain, the Lyriq-V delivers an impressive 615 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of instant torque. This electric power propels the Lyriq-V from 0 to 60 mph in a stunning 3.3 seconds, making it the quickest accelerating Cadillac ever produced. Beyond its incredible speed, the Lyriq-V boasts enhanced braking, revised suspension, and aggressive styling, solidifying its position as not only the fastest Cadillac but also a symbol of Cadillac’s innovative performance future. While the range is slightly reduced compared to the standard Lyriq, its fast-charging capability ensures that exhilarating performance is readily available.
Cadillac Lyriq-V front quarter view
Source: Cadillac
