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August 13, 2021
Better value for money than its German rivals – Test drive of the Cadillac CT5 | Cadillac
The "Sound World" of Audio: What the CT5 Has That Its German Rivals Lack
The CT5's excellence can be summarized as its ability to provide a solid driving experience. It is the rightful successor to the aforementioned Cadillac sedans. With a maximum output of 177 kW (240 hp) and 350 Nm of torque, it offers brisk acceleration from a standstill, and for car enthusiasts, the sensation of ever-increasing power as the engine revs higher is a significant draw.
As if targeting a younger demographic, the car features a sound enhancer that produces an exhilarating intake sound inside the cabin when the engine revs up. Particularly in "Sport" mode, the driver is treated to a particularly spirited engine note.
In addition to "Sport," the drive mode selector offers "Touring" and "Snow/Ice" settings. These modes individually adjust the engine sound, steering assist level, shift timing, and brake feel, which changes its responsiveness based on the force and speed with which the brake pedal is applied.
Regardless of speed, the car's broad torque band allows for immediate acceleration whenever the accelerator pedal is pressed. As mentioned, it's aimed at a younger audience, so those who feel young at heart might prefer the "Sport" mode. However, for those who also prioritize comfort, "Touring" is recommended.
The suspension moves fluidly, ensuring a comfortable ride even over uneven or undulating road surfaces, preventing any discomfort for occupants. The steering wheel provides clear feedback about the road surface without being unsettled by imperfections. In essence, it offers a refined and sophisticated tuning befitting a sedan.
If you believe sedans are only for older drivers, you should try the CT5. While it may not possess the outright sportiness of an Alfa Romeo Giulia, it offers a comprehensive enjoyment comparable to Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi. For those seeking an even sportier option, the all-wheel-drive CT5 Sport is available, but the straightforward dynamic performance of the rear-wheel-drive CT5 Platinum is also highly appealing.
What the CT5 offers that its German rivals lack is, in fact, its audio soundscape. The sound reproduction is remarkably fresh. For instance, playing a Grammy Award-winning album from 2021 reveals deep bass frequencies, reminiscent of the sounds heard in clubs back in the day. It sounds different from music played on smartphones or home audio systems, creating a third space for enjoying music, alongside home and travel.
The price of the CT5 Platinum is 5.6 million yen (the CT5 Sport is 6.2 million yen). A key advantage of this car, in line with Cadillac's traditional philosophy, is the near absence of optional extras. In other words, almost all equipment comes as standard.
It comes equipped with most essential features, including driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and cross-traffic alert, a rear camera mirror, hands-free trunk opener, leather seats with heating and ventilation, a 10-inch LCD display, a 15-speaker BOSE Performance Series audio system, and cloud streaming navigation with DR (Dead Reckoning) map matching. Consequently, it offers significantly better value for money than its German competitors.
