2023 BMW 7 Series vs 2024 Cadillac CT5

The 2023 BMW 7 Series introduced a bold new design language for the brand's luxury sedan lineup, featuring a distinctive front-end styling with an oversized grille and split lighting elements. The LED accent lights, positioned where headlights typically go, gave the car a focused squint, while the actual headlights were recessed to improve aerodynamics. Although initially polarizing, the design grew on observers over time. The 7 Series offered two style themes: the M Sport with chrome accents and the M Sport Shadowline with a more aggressive blacked-out look. The profile maintained the classic 7 Series silhouette, while the rear end featured horizontal taillights and a cohesive design. Inside, the 7 Series boasted a modern, minimalistic interior with high-quality materials, a curved glass housing for the instrument panel, and a striking theatre screen for rear passengers.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5, a successor to the CTS, toned down the bold styling of its predecessor while maintaining a distinctive front fascia. The stretched wheelbase gave it a stately appearance, and the roof's arch hinted at a fastback silhouette. Despite being older than some competitors, the CT5's design remained contemporary and clean. Cadillac offered various trim levels, including performance-oriented CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing models. The interior, however, felt like a mix of different car elements, lacking a cohesive luxury feel. Despite optional high-end materials, the cabin appeared somewhat cheap. The CT5's driving position was commendable, and it offered good legroom, but rear headroom was limited. The trunk space was the smallest among its rivals.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series in Canada featured a single powertrain option: the AWD 760i xDrive with a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine producing 536 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds. The V8-powered 760i xDrive delivered quick and fluid performance, with smooth gear changes from the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. The brake pedal was soft yet confident, and the handling was sportier than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, offering an engaging driving experience. The ride quality was slightly stiffer, but not intrusive, and Sport mode enhanced cornering and steering responsiveness.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 offered multiple powertrain options, starting with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. A 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 was also available, delivering 335 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. The CT5-V variant had a tuned V6 with 360 hp, while the CT5-V Blackwing featured a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 with 668 hp and 659 lb-ft. The CT5 Premium Luxury test car, equipped with the twin-turbo V6, provided a balanced mix of luxury and sportiness. It accelerated to 96 km/h in 5.1 seconds with AWD and 4.9 seconds with RWD. The CT5's handling was neutral, with impressive cornering capabilities and a sporty ride quality. Interior noise was well-managed, allowing for a pleasant driving experience.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series offered power-operated automatic doors, though they could be cumbersome to use. Inside, the front seats were comfortable with ample adjustments, while the rear seats provided generous space and a lounge seating option. The 31.3-inch rear entertainment screen added a wow factor, but its central placement could cause neck strain. The trunk offered 388 litres of cargo space, larger than some competitors. Interior storage was adequate, with wireless charging, cupholders, and small door pockets.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 provided comparable passenger space to its rivals, with more front headroom than the Audi A6 and outgoing Mercedes E-Class. It offered the most legroom in both rows but had the least trunk space at 337 litres. The driving position was well-designed, with good visibility and seat adjustments. The centre console made efficient use of space, with decent-sized cupholders and a wireless phone charger. Storage space in the doors was also well-utilized.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series featured iDrive 8, with a curved display housing two screens. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the menu structure was complex. Voice controls helped navigate the system, though they interrupted audio playback. The standard 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System provided excellent audio quality. The optional theatre screen had inconsistent touchscreen inputs, making it less user-friendly.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 came with a 10-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Technology Package added a 12-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display. Cadillac's infotainment system had improved, with smooth operation and large icons. However, the touchscreen was prone to glare, and the voice-recognition feature lagged behind competitors. The CT5 lacked the flashy tech of some rivals but excelled in everyday usability.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The optional Advanced Driver Assistance package added lane departure warning and a hands-free driving system. The adaptive cruise control was smooth, and the highway driving assistant reduced driver fatigue.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 received a five-star safety rating from NHTSA. Standard driver-assist features included forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and Super Cruise, GM's hands-free driver-assist system. Super Cruise was praised for its intuitive controls and confidence-inspiring performance.