The CT4 Dies, but the CT5 Lives: Cadillac Isn't Done With Gas Yet

Two of the best sports sedans will soon ride off into the sunset

Seven months ago, a report suggested that Cadillac’s gas-powered CT4 and CT5 sedans would be phased out, with no ICE replacement in sight. Instead, they were to be replaced by fully electric models.

We now have official confirmation of Cadillac’s plans for the two spirited sedans, often praised as two of the best driver’s cars in their respective segments. Sadly, both the current CT5 and CT4 won’t live on beyond the 2026 model year. The good news? A CT5 successor will return with combustion power, instead of the electric-only successor previously rumored.

CT4 To Be Discontinued First

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Cadillac’s plan for the two sedans was shared in a letter by John Roth, Vice President, Global Cadillac. Initially posted on Cadillac V-Club, Car and Driver confirmed the legitimacy of the letter.

“The CT4 will continue through June 2026 and the CT5 until the end of 2026,” said Roth. “Over recent years, these vehicles have consistently delivered on our expectations through exceptional performance, cutting-edge technology, and superior craftsmanship earning many accolades. This success has led to an underscoring strong demand that cements the brand's legacy for generations to come.”

The CT4 is already the last small luxury sedan from an American automaker, as Buick, Chrysler, Dodge, and Chevrolet all no longer sell sedans, let alone more compact luxury ones. However, the bigger CT5 will get a gas-powered successor, and it’s to be built at GM’s Lansing Grand River Assembly plant.

As for when the new CT5 will arrive, that’s not clear, as Roth only alluded to it arriving for “a future model year”—that means there may be a gap between the old one going out of production and the new one arriving.

What About The High-Performance Models?

The discontinuation of the CT4 and CT5 means we’ll have to bid farewell to the high-performance models, too. These include the CT4-V, CT4-V Blackwing, CT5-V, and CT5-V Blackwing.

The Blackwings will be sorely missed, as rear-wheel-drive sports sedans with manuals are quickly disappearing. In the case of the CT4-V Blackwing, it has a 472-horsepower twin-turbo V6, while the CT5-V Blackwing packs a monstrous 668 hp from its supercharged V8. In fact, the CT5-V Blackwing is the last V8 sports sedan with a manual.

Neither car has the quality, refinement, or tech to match their German rivals, but they arguably delivered class-best handling and driver feedback.

Knowing that a new gas-powered CT5 is coming raises hopes of a future Blackwing, but even if that happens, it may not get a manual like today’s model.

Final Thoughts

It’s refreshing to see that despite Cadillac’s massive growth in the electric crossover segment, it’s still committed to selling gas-powered sedans, even as direct rivals have long given up on this category.

Beyond American automakers, there are few other manual sports sedans on the horizon. BMW’s M3 is still here for now, and a surprise report suggests that Infiniti’s Q50 is returning with RWD, a manual, and a twin-turbo V6. Acura’s Integra still has a manual, but that’s a big step down in performance.

The message is clear: Appreciate Cadillac’s sports sedan duo while you still can.