Overview The four-door sports sedan segment may be suffering from attrition, but the 2026 CT4-V Blackwing is keeping the spirit alive in glorious fashion. Motivated by a 472-hp twin-turbo V-6 that shuttles its output to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission (an automatic is a no-cost option), it’s clear Cadillac got the sports sedan memo unedited. Standard adaptive dampers work overtime to balance ride quality with precise handling, while a welcome amount of steering feedback telegraphs the attitude of the chassis. Interior furnishings feel a bit dated, and rear-seat legroom is tight, but it’s all grins from the driver’s seat. This special sedan is sold alongside its larger sibling, the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, and owning the CT4-V is a rare opportunity that might not be around forever. What’s New for 2026?Nothing new, but there are a few deletions. Gone are the Petit Pataud special edition, the Magnus Metal Frost exterior paint, and three interior color schemes: Sky Cool Gray with Santorini Blue accents, Jet Black with Phantom Blue accents, and Jet Black with Jet Black accents. Pricing and Which One to BuyThe price of the 2026 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing is expected to start around $64,000.CT4-V Blackwing$64,000 (est)With only one model on offer, the decision is essentially to go manual or automatic, and we’re going manual all day, every day. There are, however, a host of options to sweeten the deal. We’d spring for the Technology Package (head-up display, performance data and video recorder, advanced cabin air filtering) and the Carbon Fiber 1 package with a front splitter, front wheel-well deflectors, front dive planes, and a unique rear spoiler. Track-day types will also want to check out the upgraded high-performance front seats.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance The CT4-V Blackwing packs a twin-turbo 3.6-liter V-6 that produces 472 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. That power is routed to the rear wheels through a standard six-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is not available. Our first driving impressions revealed the Blackwing sounds better than its ATS-V predecessor, has loads of steering feedback, and possesses one of the best ride-handling balances in its class. Every model has adaptive dampers, an electronic limited-slip differential, and a powerful braking system that makes it racetrack-ready.0–60-MPH TimesIn our first test of the CT4-V Blackwing with the manual box, we hit 60 mph in 4.0 seconds, posted 1.01 g’s on our skidpad, and stopped from 70 mph in 153 feet. Subsequent tests have yielded nearly identical stats. While all three measures trail the 503-hp, automatic-only BMW M3 Competition we tested, the Caddy feels more alive and does a better job of communicating with the driver.More on the CT4-V Blackwing SedanFuel Economy and Real-World MPG The CT4-V Blackwing with the automatic transmission is rated at 16 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The manual-equipped model loses 1 mpg in both metrics. With the 10-speed automatic transmission, the CT4-V Blackwing narrowly beat its EPA estimates with 25 mpg on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen. For more information about the Blackwing’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.Interior, Comfort, and CargoThe CT4-V Blackwing’s interior has some additional frills compared with the regular CT4 lineup—think carbon-fiber trim, microsuede accents, and more supportive front seats. Otherwise, the design and layout are identical to those of its toned-down siblings’. Cadillac hasn’t exactly exceeded expectations with the quality of the Blackwing’s cabin, but there’s certainly no shortage of fancy features on the roster. The ‘Wing comes standard with a 12.0-inch digital gauge cluster and specially bolstered front seats with 18-way power adjustments and heated cushions. These front thrones can be upgraded to a snazzier set with even more aggressive bolstering as well as ventilation and lumbar massage. The Blackwing has the same interior layout and cargo space as the regular CT4, with useful cubby storage and a trunk that held five carry-on suitcases in our testing.The Car and Driver DifferenceInfotainment and ConnectivityEvery CT4-V Blackwing features an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and multiple charging ports. Mercifully, Cadillac has moved on from its old CUE interface, which relied almost entirely on unintuitive touch-sensitive controls, and introduced a handy rotary knob and physical buttons to help operate its infotainment system. The Blackwing also comes standard with a 14-speaker AKG stereo with brushed aluminum grilles and lightweight components.How to Buy and Maintain a CarSafety and Driver-Assistance FeaturesCadillac’s high-performance sedan comes standard with a plethora of driver-assistance technology. Extras such as adaptive cruise control and rear automated emergency braking are part of the optional Driver Assist package. For more information about the CT4-V’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
Warranty and Maintenance CoverageWhile Cadillac’s limited warranty aligns with most luxury competitors, its powertrain coverage stretches longer than Audi’s or BMW’s. However, those German alternatives have better complimentary maintenance, especially with BMW’s three years or 36,000 miles.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers six years or 70,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit
SpecificationsSpecifications
2023 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing
Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $61,890/$84,715
ENGINE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 218 in3, 3564 cm3
Power: 472 hp @ 5750 rpm
Torque: 445 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
TRANSMISSION
10-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 15.0-in vented disc/13.4-in vented disc
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
F: 255/35ZR-18 (94Y) TPC Spec 3164
R: 275/35ZR-18 (99Y) TPC Spec 3165
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 109.3 in
Length: 187.6 in
Width: 71.5 in
Height: 56.0 in
Passenger Volume: 90 ft3
Trunk Volume: 11 ft3
Curb Weight: 3904 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 4.0 sec
100 mph: 9.4 sec
1/4-Mile: 12.4 sec @ 114 mph
130 mph: 17.2 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 4.4 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.2 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 2.6 sec
Top Speed (mfr’s claim): 189 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 158 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 303 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 1.04 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 15 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 25 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 430 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 19/16/24 mpg
2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing
Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $59,990/$76,040
ENGINE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 218 in3, 3564 cm3
Power: 472 hp @ 5750 rpm
Torque: 445 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
TRANSMISSION
6-speed manual
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 15.0-in vented disc/13.4-in vented disc
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
F: 255/35R-18 (99Y) TPC
R: 275/35R-18 (99Y) TPC
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 109.3 in
Length: 187.6 in
Width: 71.5 in
Height: 56.0 in
Passenger Volume: 90 ft3
Trunk Volume: 11 ft3
Curb Weight: 3851 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 4.0 sec
100 mph: 9.4 sec
1/4-Mile: 12.4 sec @ 116 mph
130 mph: 16.2 sec
150 mph: 23.4 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.2 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.3 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 9.6 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 7.2 sec
Top Speed (mfr’s claim): 189 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 153 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 309 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 1.01 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 18 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 18/15/23 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINEDMore Features and Specs
Source: caranddriver.com
