Tons of updates coming to the 2021 Cadillac CT4 and CT5
Photo: Cadillac
Although the Cadillac CT4 and CT5 kicked off a new generation in the 2020 model year, the latest models aren’t content to coast on those updates. Here’s a look at the new tech, styling, and special editions available for the 2021 Cadillac CT4 and CT5.
Tech updates
These sedans gained significant upgrades to their infotainment systems and entertainment options. On the infotainment front, they now boast wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. For on-the-go entertainment, you can now opt for Sirius XM with 360L, a service that provides over 200 live channels and thousands of hours of on-demand content. You can also opt for a rotary infotainment knob to make navigating the infotainment system even more intuitive.
On top of these infotainment upgrades, both luxury sedans now offer an available high-definition 12-inch diagonal instrument cluster.
Advanced Tech: Learn more about wireless smartphone compatibility
More smart safety tools
Like some of its GM cousins, the CT4 and CT5 now come standard with the Buckle to Drive feature. This new safety tech disallows you to shift out of park for 20 seconds, or until the driver buckles their seatbelt — whichever happens first. The Buckle to Drive feature is mostly intended to synergize with Teen Driver Mode, which comes standard on both sedans. And if this new safety tech sounds inconvenient to you, don’t sweat it. You can disable the feature via the infotainment touch screen.
The CT4 base trim, in particular, gained a boatload of standard safety tech for the 2021 model year. It now comes equipped with Front Pedestrian Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, as well as the Safety Alert Seat, which provides haptic feedback to notify you of hazards.
On top of these enhancements, the CT4 and CT5 V-Series and Premium Luxury models are slated to gain Enhanced Super Cruise with Lane Change on Demand functionality in early 2021.
New styling options
Both the CT4 and the CT5 dropped the Red Obsession Tintcoat and Royal Spice Metallic exterior color options. In their place, the sedans now offer Infrared Tintcoat and Rift Metallic. If you’re wondering what color a “Rift” is, Cadillac calls it an “alabaster white-based color with a fresh greige hue.” Now I’m sure it’s a very sophisticated hue, but now “greige” ranks alongside “moist” as one of those words that make me feel weird.
The V-Series models also gained a Modena leather steering wheel and V-Series-branded brake calipers. Furthermore, the CT4-V traded its aluminum center console trim for a snazzy new carbon fiber design.
A few features that were formerly exclusive to the V-Series models are now available on the Sport trim level of both vehicles. If you choose a CT5 Sport, you’ll be able to get the V Performance package. It adds Magnetic Ride Control, a mechanical limited-slip differential, and an upgraded suspension system. Plus, both the CT4 and CT5 Sport now offer your choice of red or blue Brembo V-Performance front brakes.
Want a Modern Classic? Choose a pre-owned Cadillac
The 2021 Cadillac CT4 and CT5 are expected on dealership lots this fall.
Kimiko Kidd is a native Daytonian. She graduated from Wright State University with degrees in environmental science and sociology. She loves her trusty old Honda Civic, but dreams of owning a 1974 Ford Falcon XB with a custom paint job and a vintage Kawasaki Z1000. In her free time, Kimiko can be found watercolor-painting, baking muffins, collecting rocks, playing old-school Nintendo games, writing her novel, sewing stuffed animals, and cosplaying as her favorite Mad Max characters. See more articles by Kimiko.