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2028 Cadillac CT5.

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Cadillac will end production of the current CT5 sedan after the 2026 model year. While the smaller CT4 will definitely not make a comeback, GM is reportedly working on a next-generation CT5. That alone is encouraging, because Cadillac desperately needs a new sedan in its lineup. Something that isn’t just there to say “we still make one.”

The new sedan will be based on the Alpha 2-2 platform, an updated version of the current architecture. From my experience with the current CT5, I really hope Cadillac uses this opportunity to turn it into a real Cadillac. Something the current model ultimately is not. It’s not especially comfortable, not particularly quiet, and not all that smooth. For a car this size, it also feels surprisingly tight inside, especially in the back seat. None of these things should be true for a luxury sedan wearing a Cadillac badge.

A longer wheelbase alone would do wonders for the next generation. Better ride quality, more rear legroom, and more elegant proportions would instantly elevate the car. Cadillac should also consider offering at least one trim that isn’t tuned to be sporty. Right now, everything feels like it’s chasing BMW, when Cadillac should be doing its own thing. I’m sure the V trim with its wild V8 will return, since speed nerds will demand it, even if most of them never actually buy one. But that shouldn’t define the entire lineup.

The base 2.0-liter turbo, however, really needs to go. It’s neither quiet nor especially refined, and it undermines the luxury experience every time it has to work hard. A REV-style model, largely powered by an electric motor, could be an excellent alternative. Even if it isn’t a full EV, it would deliver smoother, quieter operation and feel far more appropriate for a modern Cadillac than a small, buzzy four-cylinder.

Visually, a new generation must establish a more modern and striking design language. Cadillac sedans should look confident and distinctive, not generic. The current SUV lineup shows both extremes: the Lyriq feels overstyled and almost try-hard, while the Vistiq borders on forgettable. Personality is critical for a Cadillac sedan. It needs to stand out without drifting into “Celestiq weird”. Something impressive and elegant, but not totally nuts.

Let’s also hope the next CT5 will be a better effort than the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt. The Cadillac sedan needs more (much more) than a new front end and revised interior. And let’s make sure this isn’t another GM car with a shelf life of just 18 months, like the “new” Bolt.

Over the past year or so, there have also been persistent rumors of two new fastback EV sedans coming from Cadillac. Hopefully, those projects are still alive. An EV powertrain, with its silent and effortless torque, is genuinely better suited to Cadillac’s traditional strengths than most gas engines. For buyers who truly cannot charge at home, or just love going to a gas station, a REV solution could bridge the gap. And still be far superior to relying on a basic turbo four, especially now that GM no longer offers a V6.

Either way, it would be genuinely refreshing to see Cadillac commit to a new sedan that prioritizes comfort, presence, and refinement.

And to see a Cadillac that isn’t just another SUV. I mean, really…

Conversation 5 comments

  1. While the rendering looks fine, it looks more like a step up in size from a “5” compared to the current one. Heck, it looks longer than the 6. Which if they hadn’t dumped it from the US market, I think had potential in the US. Of course, the image is just a rendering and not an official GM rendering.

    There’s only so much of a market for “Fast” and “Edgy”. They should try to be a bit more traditional in their outlook. As you stated “Speed nerds”. The cars don’t have to be soft, but they’ve drifted too much into hard. The brand has been into “Hard” for 20 years now. It’s worked to a large degree. But those buyers from then are starting to age out. There comes a point where even those nerds may have had enough.

  2. With this update, let’s hope Cadillac doesn’t lean on the ‘fad of the moment’ approach. Right now, thats full width bar lighting and liftbacks, while doing nothing else special with the car itself. Actually, that seems to be GM’s entire approach. The issue with that is, the Koreans are adapting their designs much faster than GM, so GM products are left looking old after 3-4 years. Also EVs are great, but that same model needs to do more – offering ICE or hybrids – if they want Americans to keep purchasing. And let’s be honest, no one else cares about GM cars outside this country.

  4. I think everybody wants Cadillac to be Cadillac again except GM and the folks running the show there. It’s nonsensical that they build five electric crossover SUVs and basically nothing else. If one wants an EV tall wagon, Cadillac has plenty to pick from and lots of inventory because they’ve built way more than the market wants. If, however, a buyer wants something akin to a traditional Cadillac, a real Cadillac, they’ve got nothing for you.

    As long as Barra is running the show, it’s likely to stay that way. They chased BMW for far too long and the remnants of that pursuit can still be found in CT5. Then they went gunning for Tesla with the five EV wagons. I’d love to see both of those endeavors ended and a refocus on being Cadillac again begin. I think the world is waiting.

  5. @zorn: Cadillac can never be the right brand for ‘hard’ speed nerds, which they haven’t done either. Like having a coach unwilling to acknowledge a flawed philosophy, GM needs a new SLT to rebuild the team.

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