2021 Cadillac CT5 Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

Cadillac's renowned luxury sedan is back and better than ever - introducing the 2021 CT5. This luxurious powerhouse offers a refined performance boost thanks to its two powertrain options, as well as impeccable ride quality brought on by Magnetic Ride Control technology. Relax in absolute comfort with premium grade materials adorning the interior cabin while you take advantage of cutting-edge safety features like driver assist tech plus modern conveniences such as high-tech infotainment systems. Now available in four trim levels, you'll be sure to find your perfect fit no matter which configuration suits your style best at every turn.

 

Compare the CT5 Luxury vs Premium Luxury. What Is the Difference?

For drivers who value performance and luxury, the Luxury trim level of this car packs a powerful punch. Its 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with twin turbochargers propels you forward with 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque coupled to a 10 speed automatic transmission which utilizes Electronic Precision Shift for smooth shifting on any terrain - from city streets to off roading trails! This vehicle also comes equipped with Automatic Stop/Start technology that can be disabled at your discretion along with four wheelanti lock disc brakes, Independent MacPherson Struts in front as well as 5 link rear suspension – all topped off elegantly by trapezoid dual exhaust tips.

On the outside of this trim level, you will find a set of 18-inch alloy wheels with a silver-paint finish. These are joined with a set of all-season, self-sealing tires. The tires have an internal layer of sealant that will take care of punctures up to a 1/4 inch in diameter. There are LED headlights and taillights. The headlights have an automatic on/off feature that can also detect when you drive through a tunnel.

On the inside, the front seats have 2-way power lumbar control. Dual-zone automatic climate control will keep the driver and front passenger comfortable. All windows and door locks are power operated. A set of paddle shifters allows the driver to manually shift gears if they feel the need to. The gauge cluster is all digital and has a driver-information display screen.

The infotainment system has a separate touchscreen display. There's an AM/FM HD stereo that can be upgraded to a Bose Performance Series Audio System with 15 speakers. This trim level gets an HD rear-view camera that comes in handy when parking or backing out of a driveway. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is available here. There's also a 4G LTE WiFi Hotspot for all of your mobile devices.

Every version of the 2021 Cadillac CT5 comes with eight airbags. This model also gets Automatic Emergency Braking that works in tandem with the Front-Collision Detection to help avoid accidents. A flashing red alert shows in the windshield to warn drivers of a possible collision. Every model gets a Tire-Pressure Monitor to ensure those tires are inflated to a safe level.

Every Cadillac CT5 also gets General Motors' Teen Driver Technology. This lets owners customize settings and set parameters for younger drivers. The settings are attached to a key FOB to help you track and monitor the driver's habits and behaviors. Certain features can be limited or disabled. The system even provides a report card so the owner can see how their young driver is doing.

Moving up to the Premium Luxury trim gets you everything that the Luxury trim offered except where upgrades have been made. There are also a number of new features added on. Stock from the factory, it gets the same engine and transmission as before. You can opt for a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 instead if you want more power.

Mechanically, the two trims are almost identical. The Premium Luxury has an available locking fuel door. Both models get Keyless Entry and Remote Start. In addition to the Automatic Braking, the Premium Luxury can add on Reverse Automatic Braking. The wheels are the same size as before but this trim gets a new shade of silver paint.

For the exterior, the Premium Luxury model gets power-adjustable outside mirrors with a heating feature. The door handles are now illuminated for easy entry at night time. This trim has access to the Diamond Sky Package. That comes with a unique paint scheme called Diamond Sky Metallic, a set of performance brakes by Brembo and blue-painted calipers.

This trim has more options in general, including access to Driver-Assist and Advanced Security packages. On the inside, the front seats now come with 4-way power lumbar support. There is now stylish ambient lighting for the interior. Leather upholstery is available as well.

Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert is added on for the safety features. Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Parking Assist are included here as well. Wireless charging was previously an option but now comes stock for the Premium Luxury trim.

Compare the Premium Luxury vs Sport Trims. What Is the Difference?

The Sport trim interestingly does not come equipped with the V6 engine. You get the same 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine as before. There are, however, several upgraded for better performance. There are a lot of added features to give this Cadillac a more sporty appearance too. There's a rear spoiler as well as a sport grille, rockers and front fascia.

The Sport model comes with a thick-rimmed steering wheel that's wrapped in leather. There are magnesium paddle shifters like those found on race cars. The driver can manually shift through the gears even though this model has an automatic transmission. The seats have 18-way adjustments and are bolstered for extra support.

The upholstery is leatherette with real leather as an option. Another performance option is the choice for Brembo V-Performance Brakes up front. The Sport trim also offers the V Performance Package and the Platinum Package. The performance Package includes a limited-slip differential and upgraded suspension system.

For the exterior, the Sport trim gets 19-inch alloy wheels with a Pearl Nickel finish. These are paired with a set of all-season, run-flat tires. The moldings around the windows are now black. The door handles, rocker moldings and spoiler are all painted to match the body color.

A Cold Weather Package includes heated front seats and an automatic-heating steering wheel. On the inside, there are alloy sport pedals to match the paddle shifters. These are the types of pedals one would normally see on a sports coupeor track car. All of the driver-assist technology found on the Premium Luxury trim can be found on the Sport trim too.

All of the safety and security features mentioned for the Premium Luxury trim make a return here. One of the biggest differences for the Sport model, in addition to the performance upgrades, is the sheer number of options and extra packages that can be selected.

Compare the CT5 Sport vs V-Series. What Is the Difference?

The Cadillac V-Series offers the perfect blend of power and sophistication. With a standard twin turbo 3.0-liter engine, it produces an impressive 360 horsepower to take you from zero to sixty in no time flat; all paired with a 10 speed transmission for smooth operation at any speed. Enjoy high end luxury features that come equipped on this trim level plus outstanding performance upgrades which make driving truly exhilarating.

This trim has an available Super Cruise Driver Assistance feature that allows for hands-free driving under certain conditions. This model gets an upgraded suspension system and Performance Traction Management.

The V-Series offers Magnetic Ride Control for a smooth and comfortable ride. This advanced technology constantly reads the road conditions. It can then alter the damping within 5 milliseconds for the ultimate performance and precise body-motion control. This trim level also offers upgraded performance brakes.

On the outside, the solar-absorbing glass protects occupants from solar rays. A power sunroof is available as an option. There's also a 12-inch driver-info display in the instrument cluster. This can be configured to your liking to display the type of information that is most important to you.

This sedan comes with carpeted floor mats that are sporting the V-Series Cadillac logo. Every driver-assist technology and safety feature included with the previous trims can be found here too. The infotainment system and audio setup is basically the same as those found in the Sport model. You once again get the choice to upgrade to the Premium Sound System by Bose.

The V-Series comes with a Universal Remote that can be used to operate your garage door, home alarm systems and more. There's an available door-lock and latching-system shield. This covers and protects the locks to prevent would-be thieves from damaging them to get inside of your vehicle.

Another package with new features that is available to the V-Series is called the Driver Awareness Plus Package. This adds on the Lane-Departure Warning. It also has a Following-Distance Indicator. It even includes IntelliBeam Auto High Beams to make sure your pathways are always properly illuminated.

 

Final Thoughts

The Luxury model, true to its name, comes loaded with luxury appointments and convenience features. This is the base model and the least expensive choice out of all of the trim levels. Most buyers would be completely satisfied with this version of the CT5. For just a little bit more, however, the Premium Luxury trim is well worth the extra cost.

The amount of added features compared with the cost increase makes the Premium Luxury an excellent choice. It gets some cosmetic extras like LED lights for the door handles. It also gives you more driver-assist tech and safety features like the Side Blind-Zone Alert and Lane-Change Alert. Upgraded seats and wireless charging make it more comfortable and convenient too.

If performance is your top priority, go for the V-Series model. You get all of the performance upgrades that were on the Sport trim level. Best of all, it comes equipped with the more powerful V6 engine. This is the ultimate in both performance and comfort for the 2021 Cadillac CT5.