Overview
With a souped-up engine and track-ready hardware, the 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing is the hottest version of the brand’s smallest sedan. Based on the regular Cadillac CT4, the Blackwing boasts both a standard manual transmission and rear-wheel drive, which serve as twin appetizers for driving enthusiasts. The main course is its spicy 472-hp twin-turbo V-6 and unique chassis tuning, which includes enhanced suspension components and specially developed tires. Cadillac also provides a sense of luxury with a roster of desirable features, but the interior isn’t quite as nice as other cars in this segment. Still, the 2022 CT4-V Blackwing capitalizes on the company’s penchant for producing great-driving cars.
What’s New for 2022?
The all-new 2022 CT4-V Blackwing sedan is the revamped successor to the company’s once critically acclaimed Cadillac ATS-V. Thankfully, the CT4-V Blackwing is good enough to remind the German manufacturers that America still builds badass performance sedans.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Starting just shy of $60,000, the 2022 CT4-V Blackwing is priced between cheaper alternatives such as the Mercedes-AMG CLA45 and more expensive ones such as the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. We like that the Caddy comes standard with a stick-shift transmission and track-ready hardware. The CT4-V Blackwing also offers sportier front seats with some luxury amenities that sound appealing but increase its bottom line. Likewise, Cadillac offers several expensive packages that aim to elevate its sports-sedan status.
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 either 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 is fitted with adaptive dampers, an electronic limited-slip differential, and a powerful braking system that make it racetrack-ready. At our own test track, we saw the CT4-V Blackwing with the manual ‘box hit 60 mph in 4.0 seconds, post 1.01 g on our skidpad, and stop from 70 mph in 153 feet. While all three stats 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.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The 2022 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. Once we test the CT4-V Blackwing on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, we can evaluate its real-world mpg. For more information about the Blackwing’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The 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 its toned-down siblings’. Cadillac hasn’t exactly exceeded expectations with the quality of 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 as well as a trunk that held five carry-on suitcases in our testing.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every 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 that has brushed aluminum grilles and lightweight components.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Cadillac’s little 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 Blackwing’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features should 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 Coverage
While 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
