Surprise, Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Is More Fun To Drive Than BMW M5 CS, But Tesla Model S Plaid Is The Fastest

The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, BMW M5 CS, and Tesla Model S Plaid are three of the most remarkable performance sedans on the market and in a truly epic review, Jason Cammisa from Hagerty recently had the opportunity to put them against each other.

Most of the review is focused on the CT5-V Blackwing and M5 CS, which is fitting as these two are the closest of rivals whereas the Model S Plaid appeals to a slightly different kind of buyer. Nevertheless, it is brought along to show just how quick sedans can be when they ditch a gas-guzzling V8 in favor of three electric motors.

Watch Also: The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Is One Of The Last True Tire-Shredding American V8 Sedans

Powering the CT5-V Blackwing is a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with 668 hp and 659 lb-ft (893 Nm) of torque paired to an eight-speed auto. All of this grunt is sent through its rear wheels and what separates the CT5-V Blackwing from all its competitors is the fact that it can be ordered with a six-speed manual transmission which Cammisa says is excellent.

By comparison, the M5 CS has a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with 627 hp and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque. Unsurprisingly, both the BMW and the Cadillac are blown away by the Tesla in a drag race, but that’s no surprise given that it delivers an extraordinary 1,020 hp.

All three spent some time lapping the Willow Springs International Raceway during the review. First, the M5 CS set a new sedan record, lapping the circuit in 1:28.76. It was promptly beaten by the CT5-V Blackwing that posted a 1:28.07. Then, the Tesla came along and beat the Cadillac with a 1:27.78 lap.