Cadillac has always been known as a luxury brand, and it doesn’t look like it’s going to change anytime soon. While the advent of all-electric vehicles has done its part in shaking up the market, Cadillac has embraced the challenge head-on and used it as an excuse to roll out one of its fanciest models to date. Debuting in 2024, the full-size CELESTIQ luxury EV replaced the CT6 as the brand’s new flagship model. Flaunting 600 hp and a low-volume bespoke production method ripped straight from the playbook of storied European luxury brands like Rolls-Royce, the CELESTIQ checks all the boxes with a 55-inch digital dashboard, Eames-inspired seats, and a zero to 60 mph time of 3.8 seconds.
That said, the CELESTIQ’s most luxurious attribute might be the price. With an MSRP in the neighborhood of $340,000, the EV is a significant investment for even the most well-heeled drivers. Cadillac will limit the CELESTIQ to just 500 units per year, making the sedan an instant status symbol for fans of homegrown luxury. The debut of the CELESTIQ has us waxing nostalgic about some of our favorite models from Cadillac’s recent history. While every car, truck, and SUV bearing the Cadillac coat of arms undoubtedly qualifies as a luxury vehicle, some earn the title a little more than others. In honor of the brand’s new fancy flagship, we’ve compiled a short list covering three of our favorite Cadillac models from the past decade. From two performance-minded V-Series models to Cadillac’s take on a crossover, these three models could help us forecast where the brand is headed by taking a look at its recent past. If you’re considering a used Cadillac for sale, this guide could serve as a helpful wishlist that’ll land you in the right model, so read on as we take a leisurely drive through Cadillac’s luxurious history.
#1 – Cadillac CT6-V Blackwing (2019 – 2020)
Introduced in 2016, the Cadillac CT6 earned a strong following right out of the gate. The sedan represented the first full-size, rear-wheel drive model to grace the Cadillac lineup since the Fleetwood was discontinued in 1996. The sports sedan took direct aim at the established European luxury brands, fusing luxury and performance into one intimidating package. The CT6 boasted a well-rounded resume that made it the perfect flagship model, providing a roomy interior outfitted with all the creature comforts and a comfortable, refined ride that wasn’t short on thrills. The full-size sedan could be optioned with a variety of engines, including a turbocharged six-cylinder engine producing a brutish 404 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque.
But we’re not here to talk about the garden-variety CT6. While it’s definitely worth its own retrospective, it’s the performance-focused CT6-V––commonly known as the Blackwing––that will go down in history as one of the brand’s most exciting luxury models. Cadillac swapped out the V6 for a turbocharged V8 that not only pumped out 550 hp and 640 lb-ft of torque but also used a unique “hot vee” design aimed at reducing turbo lag while supplying 20 psi of boost. In addition to employing the hot vee approach, the Blackwing––named after the black ducks found on the original Cadillac family crest––leveraged some clever technology to maximize performance and efficiency. An intercooler mounted above the cylinder heads kept the incoming air nice and cool, and a cylinder deactivation feature gave the model impressive fuel economy for its size.
Of course, performance and comfort don’t always go hand in hand. In order to ensure riders actually enjoyed longer rides behind the wheel of the CT6-V, Cadillac loaded the sedan with a specially tuned Magnetic Ride Control system and reconfigured the suspension to address body roll. A sport exhaust system allows the CT6-V to produce a throaty growl, while a Track driving mode adjusts the torque split of the AWD system to allow the Cadillac to excel on closed courses. On the tech front, the CT6 served as a testing ground for some of the brand’s most cutting-edge technology, like the Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving system, an expansive 34-speaker Bose Panaray sound system, and an Enhanced Night Vision feature that uses an infrared camera to spot possible obstacles in the dead of night. The CT6-V might be remembered for its performance, but there’s no discounting the sedan’s luxury credentials.
#2 – Cadillac CTS-V (2016 – 2019)
The CT6-V Blackwing wasn’t the first Cadillac to wear the coveted “V” badge. That honor would go to the CTS-V, a high-performance version of the midsize luxury sedan that would first hit the market in 2004. The V-Series variant would become a mainstay of the CTS lineup throughout the sedan’s next two generations, including a coveted Sport Wagon version produced between 2010 and 2014. Offering the spaciousness and practicality of a reliable family vehicle with the performance resume that only a V-Series model could offer (including a 556 hp V8 and an optional six-speed manual transmission), the CTS-V wagon was a fun, if odd, chapter in the model’s history.
The third-generation CTS-V built on the reputation of its predecessors, packing a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that churned out 640 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque. If that setup sounds familiar, you must be a Corvette fan. The potent engine is the same supercharged LT4 you’d find under the hood of the C7 Corvette Z06, which is a pretty impressive lineage for any luxury model. This motor allowed the 2016 CTS-V to post a top speed of 200 mph and a zero to 60 mph time of 3.5 seconds, but it’s the addition of some optional tech that really allowed Cadillac to make the most of its powertrain.
The 2016 CTS-V not only borrowed the Corvette’s engine but also helped itself to the Performance Data Recorder to allow drivers to relive some of their greatest on-track antics. Recaro sport seats keep you nice and snug as you’re carving through the corners, but if you really want to look the part, there’s always the Carbon Fiber package. This add-on saw the CTS-V graced with a carbon-fiber splitter, hood vent, rear spoiler, and rear diffuser that complemented the carbon-fiber hood, but the sedan wasn’t some one-trick pony focused solely on performance.
The CTS-V was also packed with a full suite of modern tech aimed at improving both ride comfort and convenience. From IntelliBeam automatic high-beam headlights and an Automatic Park Assist function to wireless device charging, an available built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, and a premium Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound 13-speaker system with Active Noise Cancelation, the sedan wasn’t lacking in luxury. Speaking of luxury, the optional packages included a rear camera mirror, a microfiber suede steering wheel and shift knob, 19-inch forged aluminum wheels, and, in one of the more conspicuous displays of self-indulgence, gold brake calipers.
#3 – Cadillac XT5 (2017 – Present)
Cadillac brought its legacy of luxury to the emerging crossover segment with the debut of the midsize SRX in 2004. While that model would be retired in 2016, it was quickly replaced by a worthy successor in the Cadillac XT5. Short for Crossover Touring 5, the midsize crossover SUV might not be able to achieve some of the high-speed heights of the CTS-V and CT6-V, but it does provide ample pep with a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 310 hp. More importantly, the XT5 brought a whole lot of utility into the equation and emphasized those luxury features that are the mainstay of the Cadillac brand.
Take the crossover’s Electronic Precision Shift, for example. This new electronic controller made its debut on the 2017 model and replaced the standard hydraulic shifter found on most other vehicles. The digital shifter offers a number of advantages over the standard design, reducing noise and vibration, enabling crisp, responsive shifts, and eliminating the weight associated with a traditional shift gate and linkage. The Electronic Precision Shift feature also offers one notable benefit from a design perspective: the lack of a physical connection between the shifter and transmission allowed Cadillac engineers to better utilize the XT5’s cabin space to create a “floating” center console that boasts a handy storage cubby in the area that would otherwise be occupied by the linkage. The digital shifter is only one element that contributes to the XT5’s spacious, airy feel. While still technically a midsize model, the crossover offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo alike, with comfortable seating for five and up to 63 cu.ft. of storage space.
Premium cabin materials, semi-aniline full-leather seats, metal accents, and piano black trim peg the XT5 as a luxury model the moment you step inside the cabin, as does the heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and panoramic UltraView power sunroof that stretches across both the first and second row. Rearview mirrors boasting live video feeds have become an increasingly popular feature in higher-end vehicles over the last few years, but the XT5 was there first. The novel feature can go a long way towards improving safety when the rear cargo area is loaded with gear or when all three second-row seats are occupied. A 15-speaker Bose premium audio system provides a high-fidelity listening experience no matter where the road might take you, while the tri-zone automatic climate controls will keep every passenger comfortable throughout the journey. Throw in AWD and an active damping suspension that smooths out all the bumps in the road, and it’s easy to see why the XT5 has become such a popular option for drivers looking to embrace the crossover trend without losing that luxurious Cadillac touch.
You Don’t Have to Buy New to Enjoy Cadillac Luxury
While we’ve focused on some of our favorite used Cadillac models, the automaker certainly hasn’t slowed down when it comes to integrating the latest-and-greatest in performance, convenience, and comfort technology. Cadillac has long been known for its focus on comfort, producing some of the industry’s smoothest-riding models to provide a rarefied experience that drivers won’t soon forget. The ability to deliver consistent comfort is no small feat, especially when you start throwing Corvette engines under the hood. The V-Series has been a revelation for Cadillac, injecting some excitement into the century-old brand and keeping it relevant in an ever-changing market. The automaker has also stayed ahead of emerging trends, leaning into the crossover craze with luxurious models like the XT5. There’s no telling what the future holds for Cadillac, but as long as it sticks to the time-tested formula that balances luxury, innovation, and performance in equal measure, it’s hard to see the brand tarnishing its legacy.
