2023 Cadillac CT5 vs 2023 BMW 7 Series

The 2023 BMW 7 Series introduced a bold new design language, marking a significant departure from its predecessors. Its front-end styling featured an oversized beveled grille and split lighting elements, which initially received mixed reactions. However, the design grew on observers over time, especially with the introduction of new two-tone paint options and style themes like the M Sport and M Sport Shadowline. The profile maintained the classic 7 Series silhouette, while the rear end offered a more conventional design with distinctive horizontal taillights. Inside, the 7 Series boasted a modern and minimalistic interior with high-quality materials, a curved glass housing for the instrument panel, and a central infotainment touchscreen. The leather seat upholstery and optional cashmere wool-blend upholstery added a touch of luxury, while the rear Executive Lounge package elevated the rear seating experience with a reclining seat and theatre screen.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5, particularly in its CT5-V variant, stood out on Canadian roads with its unique styling and light grey metallic Rift paint. The CT5-V's sporty design was complemented by 19-inch aluminum wheels with a Pearl Nickel finish, and the overall proportions and details were well-executed. The CT5-V was positioned between the standard CT5 and the high-performance CT5-V Blackwing, offering a balance of performance and luxury. Inside, the CT5-V featured a mix of high-quality materials and some less impressive details. The cabin offered standard ambient lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While the interior quality had room for improvement, the CT5-V's technology was user-friendly, and the layout of controls was logical and approachable.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series in Canada was available with a single powertrain option, the AWD 760i xDrive, equipped with a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine producing 536 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. This powerful engine allowed the 7 Series to accelerate to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds. The 760i xDrive delivered a smooth and responsive driving experience, with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission that provided seamless gear changes. The handling was sportier than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, offering an engaging driving experience on winding roads. The ride quality was slightly stiffer, but not intrusive, and the Sport mode enhanced cornering and steering responsiveness.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V was powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 engine, generating 360 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. This engine offered more power than the base engines of its German rivals but fell short compared to the BMW M340i and Mercedes-AMG C 43. The CT5-V could accelerate to 100 km/h in approximately five seconds, though it felt slower than it sounded. The 10-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with an optional AWD system available. The CT5-V featured various driving modes, including Tour, Sport, Track, My Mode, and V-Mode, allowing drivers to tailor the car's performance to their preferences. The Magnetic Ride Control adaptive damping suspension and Brembo front brakes contributed to the CT5-V's impressive handling and braking performance. However, the car's loud exhaust note and lack of refinement on imperfect surfaces detracted from the overall driving experience.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with power-operated automatic doors that could be more of a hindrance than a help. The front seats were well-padded and adjustable, with standard heating and ventilation. The rear seats provided ample space for tall passengers, and the lounge seating option added a reclining seat with massage functions. The 31.3-inch rear entertainment screen was a striking addition, though its central placement could cause neck strain. The trunk offered 388 litres of cargo space, slightly larger than its competitors, with a wide and deep design for easy loading. Interior storage was adequate, with a wireless charging pad, cupholders, and small door pockets.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V, built on the same platform as the smaller CT4 and Chevrolet Camaro, offered a roomier and more comfortable interior. The front seats featured standard artificial leather and 18-way power adjustments, with genuine leather and ventilated seats as options. The rear seats provided good thigh support and knee clearance, though the plastic front seatback panels detracted from the overall quality. The CT5-V offered functional storage areas, including a wireless smartphone charging pad and a decent-sized storage bin under the centre armrest. The trunk, however, was small and narrow, with just 337 litres of cargo space. Hidden storage under the trunk floor and a deep well on the right side provided additional space for smaller items.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series featured the iDrive 8 infotainment system, with a pair of screens behind a curved display. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, operated via touchscreen, central dial, or voice commands. While basic functions were easy to use, the system's complexity increased with deeper menu navigation. Voice controls helped mitigate this, but they interrupted audio playback. The standard 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System provided excellent audio quality. The optional theatre screen had some usability challenges, with inconsistent touchscreen inputs and a missing remote control.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V's Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system was praised for its simplicity and user-friendliness. It included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and OnStar services. The CT5-V also featured wireless smartphone charging, natural voice recognition, and a Bose 15-speaker premium audio system. The controls were well-placed, with stereo volume and radio tuning controls on the centre console and steering wheel. An optional navigation system, head-up display, and high-definition surround-view camera were available, enhancing the CT5-V's technology offerings.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series came equipped with a range of standard safety features, including frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and more. The optional Advanced Driver Assistance package added lane departure warning and a hands-free automated driving system for highways. The adaptive cruise control was smooth and effective, and the highway driving assistant reduced driver fatigue on long trips. A level 3 automated driving system was in development for other markets, but not yet available in Canada.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5 featured the Cadillac Smart System, which included forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and more. The CT5-V added adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and other driver-assistance features. The optional Super Cruise 1 Package offered hands-free driving assistance on approved highways, with automated lane-change functionality. While Super Cruise was impressive, it required driver attention and occasional manual intervention. The system performed well in various driving conditions, maintaining speed and lane position effectively.