CT4-V Blackwing vs IS 500 — Hands-On Comparison
Cadillac vs Lexus. CT4-V Blackwing vs IS 500. With sub-$60,000 MSRPs, which sports sedan would you put in your garage and why?
What a time to be an enthusiast. Modern autos are faster and safer than ever (also more expensive). It’s not hard to find something as simple as a Camry offering more performance than classic muscle and supercars. However, despite these halycon days of speed and handling, we are nearing a time of great change. An industry-wide pivot to zero-emissions technologies. And while we hope folks like Lexus figure out how to keep our V8 engines, the days of internal combustion performance are most likely limited. Which is exactly what makes vehicles like the Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance and Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing so special.
They are the last of their kind.
Living, breathing, gas-guzzling cars for drivers who demand exhilaration.
And they both have overly complex, awkward names.
Still, having reviewed the Lexus and Caddy over the last few months, I thought it would be fun to sit down and debate which makes for a better $60,000 to $70,000 sports sedan. Yes, the IS 500 isn’t a true F whereas the Blackwing is one of Cadillac’s two new flagships. But the IS 500 and CT4-V Blackwing share peak horsepower numbers, sub-$60,000 base-model pricing, and, having enjoyed them both, I thought it was worth the comparison.
Please note, however, that I wasn’t able to conduct any back-to-back testing, so consider my feedback more anecdotal than rigorous science.
Have you driven either or both?
Which one would you pick?
Let us know HERE in the ClubLexus forums!
Engine – Lexus
- IS 500: 5.0L V8 making 472 HP
- CT4-V Blackwing: 3.6L Twin-Turbo V6 making 472 HP
Ah, a modern debate for modern performance. Would you rather have a high-revving V8 engine that snarls and growls or a twin-turbo V6 that trades revs for low-end grunt? Objectively speaking, the Caddy’s engine is superior. The turbos spool quickly and it reaches peak power earlier in the rev range. The Cadillac is noticeably quicker to 60 miles an hour. Cadillac also offers a multi-mode adjustable exhaust to let enthusiasts enjoy their howling V6 a lot more than the (too quiet) Lexus.
But still… when you’re in the mountains, windows down and the revs above three grand, very few experiences on Earth replace the sound of a 2UR-GSE V8. It’s nothing short of glorious. Full stop. End of story.
There’s more to driving and owning a car than spec sheets and stats. Experience and engagement are paramount for certain types of enthusiasts and cars. So, if the Cadillac was sporting GM’s LT1 V8, I think it would have come out on top here, but in my (very subjective) opinion, Lexus wins.
Transmission – Cadillac
- IS 500: 8-Speed Automatic
- CT4-V Blackwing: 6-Speed Manual or 10-Speed Automatic
Ah, the flipside of the coin. While the Lexus 8-Speed transmission — used in the IS and the RC — is generally okay, I wish Lexus had used the LC 500’s 10-Speed. That would have at least made the IS 500 shift as well as GM’s 10 speed auto, which is excellent. But Cadillac offers something Lexus doesn’t. An honest to god manual transmission. In this case, it’s a TREMEC TR-6060 and it’s absolutely perfect. Smooth shifts at redline. No-lift shifting. Auto rev-matching if you need such things.
Honestly, the Lexus trans ain’t bad, but Cadillac wins this category twice.
Styling – Tie
- IS 500: Blacked-out Lexus grilles, a taller hood, and sleek modern design
- CT4-V Blackwing: Blacked-out Caddillac grilles, carbon fiber a go-go, and vented fenders
Honestly, I love both of these sedans. Both are more aggressive than their base model siblings. Both offer sleek, angular modern styling. And I simply don’t understand why they’re virtually invisible to most people who aren’t auto enthusiasts. It’s a shame really. For this category, it a toss-up in my opinion.
Which one do you think is more stylish?
Let us know HERE in our forums!
Interior Ergonomics – Tie
- IS 500: Higher quality materials and slightly more rear legroom
- CT4-V Blackwing: Better seats, customization, and infotainment
Both Lexus and Cadillac offer terrific driver-focused interiors with excellent overall ergonomics. Both sports sedans are (relatively) practical and would be great daily drivers. Lexus, in my opinion, delivers a higher quality interior, minimizing plastics. And I think there’s maybe an inch or so more legroom for rear passengers. Not a lot more, mind you, but a welcomed amount. The IS 500 is also quieter inside, which might be important to you on long distances.
Cadillac, by contrast, feels more race car and American. F Sport Performance seats are terrific, but Cadillac’s heated and ventilated performance seats are a little better. The CT4-V Blackwing also offers more vehicle customization all built into a superior infotainment system. That being said, there are some cheap plastics to be found.
Depending on various needs and tastes, it’s easy to go either way on this one.
Handling & Braking – Cadillac
- IS 500: Very capable, but a little too much body sway
- CT4-V Blackwing: More balanced, better suspension, tires, and brakes
Let me be perfectly clear, the Lexus IS 500 is an absolute joy to drive. But, as one approaches the edge, it suffers from a little too much body roll and not enough tire. In short, it’s very, very good, but falls short of greatness. The Cadillac boasts a better magnetic ride control suspension and wider Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires (basically the best street tire currently on the market). In short, it feels glued to the road and remains flat in most corners without any sacrifice in comfort. It’s remarkable and definitely the better pick for canyon carver or track toy.
Speaking of which, if you’re going to beat on a performance vehicle, you need stopping power. And, wow, Cadillac delivers 15.67″ front and 14.7″ rear Brembos that feel almost as good as carbon ceramics. Pedal feeling is excellent and also adjustable. The IS 500 is no slouch, mind you, but offers only 14″ front and 12.7″ rear. Again, it’s (very) good not great.
Pricing – Lexus
- IS 500: $57, 575 Base; $62,575 As Tested
- CT4-V Blackwing: $58,995 Base; $76,035 As Tested
While both vehicles start under $60,000, selecting most options on the Cadillac requires additional package costs. In short, it’s very hard to keep the price low. Optional carbon fiber doesn’t help ye olde wallet, either. But man it looks cool and elevates the Cadillac. Still, with its mono-pricing, you basically only pick one of two IS 500 trim levels and spend a few bucks if you want a fancy color. As such, the IS is a bargain and generally cheaper than the Caddy, giving the IS a little more value per dollar spent.
CT4-V Blackwing vs IS 500 Final Thoughts
Is anyone actually cross-shopping the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance? Probably not, but they should.
They’re both killer sports sedans that represent the swan song of internal combustion performance for both companies (#FutureCollectorCars). And they’re both practical, luxury sleepers that blend styling and handling with comfort and modern amenities in ways that would have felt like a supercar twenty years ago. And they both have awkwardly long names.
Objectively speaking, the Cadillac is a more surgical and capable sports sedan. Faster, more nimble, better tires, and an honest-to-God manual transmission. But it will never sound as good as the IS 500. And lest we mention Lexus interior quality and drivetrain reliability.
At the end of the day, picking one over the other will be a personal choice. Having spent a week with each, I’ve come away impressed. In a world of truck-ish SUVs and forgettable crossovers, Cadillac and Lexus dared to give us two excellent sports sedans. Buy either before it’s too late.
