Compare the2023 BMW M5VS 2023 Cadillac CT5-V

The M5 has a standard PostCrash iBrake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The CT5-V doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the M5. But it costs extra on the CT5-V.

The M5’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The CT5-V doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the M5 and the CT5-V have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available around view monitors.

The M5’s corrosion warranty is 6 years longer than the CT5-V’s (12 vs. 6 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the M5 for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Cadillac only pays for the first scheduled maintenance visit on the CT5-V.

For smoother operation, better efficiency and fewer moving parts, the engines in the M5 have an overhead cam design, rather than the old pushrod design of the 6.2 supercharged V8 in the CT5-V.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Cadillac vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 9 places higher in reliability than Cadillac.

The M5’s standard 4.4 turbo V8 produces 240 more horsepower (600 vs. 360) and 148 lbs.-ft. more torque (553 vs. 405) than the CT5-V’s standard 3.0 turbo V6.

As tested in Car and Driver the BMW M5 is faster than the Cadillac CT5-V (automatics tested):

Regenerative brakes improve the M5’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The CT5-V doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

Regardless of its engine, the M5’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The CT5-V Blackwing doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The M5 has 2.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the CT5-V (20.1 vs. 17.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

To facilitate fast shifting and allow the driver to focus on the road, the M5 has a standard up-shift light to indicate when the engine is approaching redline. The CT5-V doesn’t offer an up-shift light.

For better stopping power the M5’s brake rotors are larger than those on the CT5-V:

The M5 offers optional heat-treated ceramic brake rotors, which last ten to twenty times as long as conventional cast iron rotors, don’t rust, don’t fade during repeated high speed braking, and their lighter weight contribute to better braking, handling and acceleration. The CT5-V doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

The M5 stops shorter than the CT5-V:

For better traction, the M5 has larger tires than the CT5-V (F:275/40R19 & R:285/40R19 vs. 245/40R19).

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the M5’s wheelbase is 1.4 inches longer than on the CT5-V (117.4 inches vs. 116 inches).

The M5 CS handles at 1.02 G’s, while the CT5-V pulls only .99 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The M5 executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.6 seconds quicker than the CT5-V (23.3 seconds @ .91 average G’s vs. 24.9 seconds @ .76 average G’s).

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the M5 is quieter than the CT5-V Blackwing:

The M5 has 4 cubic feet more passenger volume than the CT5-V (103 vs. 99).

The M5 has 1.7 inches more front headroom, 2 inches more front shoulder room, 1.9 inches more rear headroom and .2 inches more rear shoulder room than the CT5-V.

The M5 has a much larger trunk than the CT5-V (14 vs. 11.9 cubic feet).

With its sedan body style, valet key, locking rear seatbacks and remote trunk release lockout, the M5 offers cargo security. The CT5-V’s non-lockable folding seat defeats cargo security.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the M5 has a standard power trunk, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button or just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, completely leaving your hands free. The CT5-V doesn’t offer a power trunk, so its trunk has to be closed manually.

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the CT5-V, the M5 has standard driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position, suspension setting, power steering assist, outside mirror angle, climate settings and radio stations and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

If the windows are left open on the M5 the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the CT5-V can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The M5 has a standard locking fuel door with a remote release located convenient to the driver. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank. A locking fuel door is only offered on the CT5-V Blackwing.

The CT5-V’s optional cornering lamps activate a lamp on the front corner when the turn signal is activated. The M5’s standard adaptive cornering lights turn the actual headlight unit up to several degrees, depending on steering wheel angle and vehicle speed. This lights a significant distance into corners at any speed.

A power rear sunshade and manual rear side window sunshades are optional in the M5 to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The CT5-V doesn’t offer a rear or rear side window sunshades.

The M5 has standard heated front seats. Heated front seats cost extra on the CT5-V. The M5 also offers optional heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the CT5-V.

The M5 has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the car heater warms up. A heated steering wheel costs extra on the CT5-V.

The M5 will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the M5 will retain 45.21% to 46.37% of its original price after five years, while the CT5-V only retains 41.11% to 41.72%.

The BMW 5 Series outsold the Cadillac CT5 by over two to one during the 2021 model year.