The 2025 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is not just a car; it’s a statement. With its supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine pumping out 668 horsepower and a rare six-speed manual transmission, this sedan is a love letter to driving enthusiasts. But what’s it like to live with this beast daily? I’ve spent some time with the CT5-V Blackwing, and here’s an honest look at the highs, lows, and everything in between of owning this performance icon.
The Heart-Pounding Drive
Every morning, starting the CT5-V Blackwing feels like waking a sleeping dragon. The supercharged V8 roars to life with a deep, guttural rumble that never fails to raise goosebumps. On the open road, the acceleration is nothing short of exhilarating—0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds pins you to the seat, and the exhaust note is pure theater, especially when you fold down the rear seats to let the sound flood the cabin. The manual gearbox, a rarity in 2025, is crisp and engaging, making every shift a deliberate act of connection with the car.
The optional Precision Package takes things up a notch. With stiffer springs, upgraded bushings, and track-focused alignment, it transforms the Blackwing into a corner-carving machine. I took it to a local track day, and the car’s MagneRide dampers and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires made it feel like an extension of my instincts, gripping through turns with surgical precision. Yet, back on city streets, the adjustable suspension smooths out the ride enough to make daily commutes surprisingly comfortable.
Living with the Beast
Despite its track-ready credentials, the CT5-V Blackwing is a practical daily driver. The spacious cabin comfortably seats four adults, and the trunk easily swallows a week’s worth of groceries or a couple of weekend bags. The new 33-inch curved LED display, running Google’s slick infotainment system, is a standout. It’s customizable, responsive, and integrates Google Maps and Assistant seamlessly, making navigation a breeze. The Performance Data Recorder is a fun touch for track enthusiasts, letting you analyze laps with video overlays and telemetry—perfect for bragging rights at the next cars-and-coffee meet.
Super Cruise, Cadillac’s hands-free driving system, is a game-changer for long highway stretches. It handled my commute through rush-hour traffic with ease, reducing stress while I enjoyed the massaging seats. However, the cabin isn’t perfect. While the semi-aniline leather and carbon-fiber trim scream luxury, some plastics feel a bit too “GM” for a car starting at $99,095. The lack of a volume knob on manual models is a minor annoyance, and at high speeds (80+ mph), cabin noise can creep in, especially compared to German rivals.
The Emotional Connection
Owning a CT5-V Blackwing is about more than specs—it’s about the feeling. Every drive is an event, whether it’s a quick errand or a spirited backroad blast. The car’s bold new front fascia, with its wider grille and sleek LED lighting animations, turns heads everywhere. New paint options like Typhoon Metallic add a modern flair, and the omega symbol on the front camera housing—a nod to the Alpha platform’s legacy—feels like a secret handshake for car nerds.
There’s a bittersweet edge to living with this car. With Cadillac hinting at an all-electric future and the Lansing Grand River plant potentially switching to EV production, the Blackwing may be the last of its kind. Every time I row through the gears, I’m reminded to savor it while it lasts.
The Verdict
The 2025 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is a rare breed: a fire-breathing, manual-equipped sedan that doesn’t sacrifice everyday usability. It’s not flawless—the interior could use a touch more refinement, and the clutch can feel heavy in stop-and-go traffic—but these are minor quibbles in the face of its overwhelming charisma. For those who crave a car that’s as thrilling on a track as it is practical for a grocery run, the Blackwing is unmatched. If you’re considering one, don’t wait. This is a car you’ll tell stories about for years to come.
Ready to experience the Blackwing for yourself? Visit your local Cadillac dealer for a test drive and feel the roar of 668 horsepower.