2026 Cadillac CT5 at Kunes: Luxury Sedan Buying Guide

If you’ve been watching the luxury sedan world get squeezed by SUVs and EVs, the 2026 Cadillac CT5 feels like a confident counter-punch. It’s sleek, rear-drive at heart, available with serious power, and still built for people who actually enjoy driving. At Kunes Auto Group, we meet plenty of drivers who want something more distinctive than the “everyone bought the same crossover” solution. The CT5 is exactly that kind of choice—sharp, modern, and unapologetically a sedan.

For 2026, Cadillac keeps the CT5 lineup focused: approachable luxury trims with the latest tech, plus two V-Series models that rank among the most exciting gasoline sedans still on sale. And because the current CT5 generation is nearing the end of its run, this model year carries extra weight. You’re not just buying a car—you’re buying a final, polished version of a formula Cadillac has been perfecting.

The CT5 comes in Premium Luxury and Sport trims, then expands into the performance-driven CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing. Every version shares a low, confident stance, a driver-first cockpit, and a chassis that still values balance and road feel. Rear-wheel drive is standard. All-wheel drive remains available on Premium Luxury and Sport for drivers who want extra grip when Midwest weather turns ugly.

Most CT5 drivers start with the turbocharged 2.0-liter option. It’s smooth, responsive, and pairs with a quick 10-speed automatic. Around town it feels lively without being twitchy, and on the highway it settles in like a proper luxury cruiser. For many buyers, this is the sweet spot: premium comfort, modern power, and everyday efficiency.

Move up to the CT5-V and the personality shifts. The twin-turbo V6 brings a serious jump in horsepower and torque, giving the sedan that effortless surge you feel when you roll into the throttle at speed. Cadillac’s V-Series tuning adds sharper steering, stronger brakes, and a more planted, athletic feel through corners. It’s the kind of car that makes a commute feel shorter just because it’s fun.

Then there’s the Blackwing. If you’ve heard people call it “the last of its kind,” that isn’t exaggeration. A supercharged V8, rear-drive dynamics, and a manual transmission option create a combination that’s disappearing fast in today’s market. The Blackwing doesn’t just go fast; it feels alive—like a modern muscle car that learned table manners. For 2026, Cadillac continues to add more performance hardware as standard equipment, so the car arrives track-ready without forcing you into a long list of add-ons.

The CT5 already wears Cadillac’s modern design language well: crisp angles, dramatic lighting, and proportions that look expensive even standing still. The 2026 model carries forward the recent refresh, so the front end looks cleaner and more aggressive, especially on V-Series trims. Signature vertical lighting keeps the CT5 instantly recognizable at night, while subtle grille and wheel differences let the Premium Luxury lean classy and the Sport/V models lean mean.

It’s one of those sedans that photographs well but looks even better in person, because the stance and details do a lot of the talking.

Inside, the 2026 CT5 feels like Cadillac’s best interpretation of “tech-forward luxury.” The curved display integrates key driving info and infotainment into a single, sweeping layout. It’s clear, fast, and easy to learn—no hunting through menus just to do basic tasks.

Premium Luxury trims focus on rich comfort and a quiet cabin. Sport and V-Series models add more bolstering and performance-minded seating, but they don’t lose the upscale tone. Everything is laid out to keep the driver engaged first, then pampered second—which is exactly what a sport sedan should do.

Modern Cadillac safety tech is built to be supportive. The CT5 includes a full suite of driver-assist features, with additional upgrades available depending on trim. The systems are tuned to step in when needed but stay out of your way the rest of the time. That makes the CT5 feel confident and contemporary without the annoying “always watching” vibe some luxury cars have developed.

Even in its non-V trims, the CT5 drives like a car designed by people who like to drive. The ride is composed without being floaty, and the steering still feels connected rather than overly filtered. Premium Luxury prioritizes smoothness. Sport adds an extra edge. CT5-V tightens everything up into a true sport sedan. Blackwing turns the dial to “hero mode.”

But no matter which one you choose, the CT5 doesn’t forget its mission: make driving enjoyable again.

Luxury sedans have crept upward in price, especially in performance flavors. The 2026 CT5 lands in a space that still feels attainable, while V-Series models offer serious performance value compared to many European rivals. The trim walk is logical too. You can spec a Premium Luxury CT5 into a beautifully equipped cruiser, or step into Sport for extra attitude without paying for packages you don’t want.

It’s rare today to find a car that looks this premium, drives this well, and still makes practical sense on paper.

The market is moving on. Sedans are fewer, and big-power gasoline sedans are becoming a short list. Cadillac is shifting heavily toward an EV future, so the 2026 CT5 represents a “right now” moment for drivers who want the classic sport-sedan experience—especially those eyeing a Blackwing. If you want this blend of rear-drive dynamics, high-output engines, and real luxury, this model year feels like a final encore.

The 2026 Cadillac CT5 is for drivers who still want their car to feel special every time they take the long way home. Whether you’re stepping into luxury for the first time, trading out of an SUV, or chasing a V-Series dream before the door closes, Kunes Auto Group is ready to help you find the right fit.

Come see the CT5 in person, compare trims side by side, and let’s match you with the version that suits your driving life. Some cars are just transportation. The CT5 is a statement—and 2026 might be its best one yet.