“I owned a Cadillac CTS for 7 years prior to the purchase of my new CTS. I love the style, performance and reliability of Cadillac.”
Cadillac CTS-V: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Cadillac CTS-V is a rear-wheel-drive luxury performance sedan known for combining supercharged V8 power and track-ready handling with four-door comfort and technology. The 2016–2019 generation produced 640 horsepower.
The CTS-V follows a clear formula: American V8 muscle in a serious luxury sport sedan. It was built to feel at home on a racetrack without giving up the comfort, cabin space, and technology expected in a daily driver. The final 2016–2019 generation sharpened that identity with quicker-reacting suspension, strong brakes, and functional aerodynamic hardware.
Strengths
- Its 640-hp supercharged V8 delivers the forceful acceleration that defines the car.
- The fast-reacting suspension, powerful brakes, and track-focused hardware support serious performance driving.
- It keeps the usefulness of a five-seat, four-door sedan instead of behaving like a stripped-down track car.
- Daily-driving comfort, driver-assistance features, smartphone integration, and premium displays make it easier to live with.
- The 2016–2019 cars changed little mechanically, so the core performance formula stayed consistent through the final generation.
Who it's for
It fits someone who wants dramatic V8 performance and direct rear-wheel-drive handling but still needs a usable four-door sedan. It makes the most sense for an enthusiast who values speed and track capability more than fuel economy or generous rear-seat space.
Cadillac CTS-V lineup
In 2019, the CTS-V came in a single Base trim rather than a ladder of performance levels. That trim carried the car’s defining hardware, including the 640-hp supercharged V8, track-focused suspension, powerful brakes, and daily-use technology. Shopping one is therefore more about condition, history, and individual equipment than deciding between meaningfully different trims.
Cadillac CTS-V generations
From 2016 to 2019, the CTS-V spans 1 generation. The current 3rd Generation arrived for 2016.
3rd Generation (2016–2019)
The third-generation CTS-V was an all-new high-performance sedan with a 640-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V8, an eight-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive, and a stiffer body. It also gained upgraded suspension, brakes, and built-in driver-assistance features while retaining everyday four-door usability.
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2019
The CTS-V carried over largely unchanged for its final model year before Cadillac discontinued it.
2018
The touchscreen interface was revised, and rear-seat USB charging ports were added.
2017
Teen Driver was added to the standard technology features; the core car was unchanged.
2016New generation
The redesigned CTS-V debuted with a 640-hp supercharged V8, an eight-speed automatic, a stiffer body, and upgraded suspension and braking hardware.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Cadillac CTS-V.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Cadillac CTS-V a sedan or a coupe?
It is a four-door luxury sedan. The final-generation CTS-V seats five and combines a roomy cabin and 13.7-cubic-foot trunk with serious performance hardware.
Does the Cadillac CTS-V come as a hybrid?
No. The 2016–2019 CTS-V uses a gasoline-powered, supercharged 6.2-liter V8. There was no hybrid version in this final generation.
Does the Cadillac CTS-V have all-wheel drive?
No. The 2016–2019 CTS-V is rear-wheel drive. An electronic limited-slip differential helps send power to the rear tire with more grip.
How powerful is the Cadillac CTS-V?
The final-generation CTS-V makes 640 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque from its supercharged 6.2-liter V8. An eight-speed automatic sends that power to the rear wheels.
Is the Cadillac CTS-V practical enough for daily driving?
Yes, within reason. It has four doors, five seats, 35.4 inches of rear legroom, a 13.7-cubic-foot trunk, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance features. Its very powerful V8 and firm performance focus are still important considerations.
What is the final generation of the Cadillac CTS-V?
The third generation, built from 2016 through 2019, is the final CTS-V sedan. It introduced the 640-hp supercharged V8 and ended when Cadillac discontinued the model after 2019.
What makes the Cadillac CTS-V suitable for track driving?
Its track-focused hardware includes quick-adjusting suspension, an electronic limited-slip differential, large Brembo brakes, launch control, a vented carbon-fiber hood, and functional aerodynamic parts.
Is the Cadillac CTS-V fuel-efficient?
Not especially. The 2019 CTS-V is rated at 14 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway, reflecting its 640-hp supercharged V8 and performance focus.
Cadillac CTS-V Reviews
What owners are saying about the Cadillac CTS-V.
4.5
Cadillac CTS-V
(85 reviews)
“It is a very nice car, but it has limitations that my previous CTS did not. Overall, it is a decent car for the price and has many new and innovative features.”
“Nice style inside and out. Does not ride as smooth as what you would expect from Cadillac. The 2.0T has great power, but it noisy. More road noise than expected.”
“The best of both the performance and luxury worlds. It's a super car in a sedans form. Shockingly great acceleration, handling and braking.”
“It's supposed to be a top of the line product and don't feel the quality has been there for the price”
“The CTS-V is the most track ready daily drive-able four door luxury sedan available today. There are more powerful (hopefully not for long), quicker, more luxurious, more tech advanced cars out there, but they aren't as fun on track and I'm pretty sure they aren't capable of hitting 200mph.”