As a recent entrant into the Cadillac ownership experience, I’m excited to share my initial thoughts on my newly acquired 2022 CT4V Blackwing, a true Blackwing Car that has quickly captured my attention. Having a history steeped in Honda and BMW performance vehicles, including multiple S2000s and M3s, venturing into the Cadillac world with this blackwing car is a significant and thrilling change. With just 250 miles clocked, still within the break-in period, this review offers a first glimpse into what makes the CT4V Blackwing a standout performance sedan. For those eagerly awaiting their orders, especially families considering this blackwing car, I hope this initial review provides valuable insights.
The size of this blackwing car feels most comparable to the E90 BMW M3, while the interior and features are closer to the F80 M3. Comparisons to the G80 M3 are common, but often those are higher-spec Competition or all-wheel-drive models, placing them in a different price bracket. With G80 M3s frequently priced between $80,000 and $90,000 before dealer markups and lengthy wait times, the CT4V Blackwing presents a compelling alternative in the realm of high-performance sedans, and my initial experiences with this blackwing car are overwhelmingly positive.
Blackwing Car Interior and Features: A Driver-Focused Cabin
Stepping inside the blackwing car, the interior fit and finish are commendable for its price point, though not excessively luxurious. BMW interiors, in my experience, tend to offer slightly more refined materials in less visible areas, such as leather-covered lower dashes and softer-touch lower door cards. However, the infotainment system in this blackwing car is user-friendly and intuitive. The inclusion of physical buttons for climate control is a welcome feature, ensuring ease of use without diverting attention, while the touchscreen is reserved for navigation, radio, and vehicle settings, striking a good balance between modern technology and practical usability in this blackwing car.
The cabin of this blackwing car does impart a somewhat intimate, “closed-in” sensation. The higher window sill and snugger space contrast with the more open and airy feel of BMW M3s I’ve owned. It’s by no means claustrophobic, but the difference in cabin spaciousness compared to BMW is noticeable. Despite this, the focus on the driver and the performance-oriented design contribute to an engaging and purposeful atmosphere within this blackwing car.
Driving Dynamics of the Blackwing Car: Shifter and Handling
One of the standout features of this blackwing car is the Tremec shifter and linkage. It surpasses the shifter feel in any of my previous M3s, offering a significantly more direct and mechanical engagement. My only minor ergonomic note is that the shifter position feels slightly rearward for my preference. However, at 5’7” and with a closer-to-the-wheel seating position, this might be specific to my driving setup and not a general concern for all drivers of this blackwing car.
Trunk space in this blackwing car is notably generous, with a wide opening. The trunk sill is a bit high, but overall, the cargo capacity is impressive for a performance sedan, adding to the practicality of this blackwing car.
The front seats of this blackwing car are exceptionally comfortable, especially considering their aggressive side bolstering. Adjustable lumbar and thigh support further enhance comfort, making them suitable for both spirited driving and longer journeys. Rear seat room in this blackwing car is comparable to my E90 M3 – adequate but not expansive. At my height of 5’7”, I find sufficient knee and headroom when seated behind my own driving position. Ingress and egress to the rear seats are a bit tight but manageable, consistent with the sporty sedan segment this blackwing car occupies.
Blackwing Car Practicality: Family and Daily Use
While I initially wished for more rear seat space in this blackwing car, particularly for child seats, the CT5V Blackwing’s higher price point, especially with dealer markups, made the CT4V Blackwing a more sensible choice. Currently, I have two forward-facing child seats installed for my children, ages 4 and 1.5 years old. The legroom is sufficient for my children even with the front seats adjusted for my wife and me. I highly recommend using seat back protectors on both the rear and front seats, a practice I’ve consistently followed in my M3s and now in this blackwing car, to protect the interior from child seats. It’s worth noting that a rear-facing child seat would likely compromise front seat space significantly in this blackwing car, similar to my E90 and F80 M3s, which is a crucial consideration for families.
Looking ahead, I plan to provide more detailed reviews of this blackwing car as I accumulate mileage and move past the break-in period, allowing me to fully explore its performance capabilities. I also intend to draw further comparisons and contrasts with my E90 M3, offering a more comprehensive perspective on the driving experience of this compelling blackwing car.
