2024 BMW 7 Series vs 2025 Cadillac CT5

The 2024 BMW 7 Series presented a more conventional design compared to its predecessors, with a traditional luxury sedan shape from the windshield backward. However, the front of the vehicle featured a massive grille, similar to other recent BMW models, flanked by narrow LED headlights and large projector beams. This bold design was an acquired taste for many. The car offered a wide array of colour and trim choices, including two-tone schemes on the 760i trim, which varied its appearance significantly. The M Sport Shadowline Package turned the grille black, making the styling indistinct, while chrome options were more appealing. Inside, the cabin was less controversial, with beautifully made metal grilles hiding the speakers and seats available in various materials and colours. The big curved-screen infotainment display was complemented by a crystalline-looking strip with customizable ambient lighting, and the rear-seat theatre screen and panoramic sunroof added to the luxury feel.

The 2025 Cadillac CT5, introduced in 2020, replaced the CTS and shared its platform with the CT4 and Chevrolet Camaro. It was appealing to look at, comfortable, and rewarding to drive, though it lacked the sophistication of its rivals. By 2025, the CT5 had gained power, performance, and technology, with the lineup offering Premium Luxury, Sport, CT5-V, and CT5-V Blackwing variants. The refreshed model featured vertically stacked headlights and larger running light bars. Inside, the new 33-inch display dominated the interior, with a strip of climate control icons beneath it. The system retained traditional switchgear for ease of use. The test vehicle featured carbon fibre interior trim and semi-aniline leather upholstery, enhancing the luxury feel. Despite some inexpensive plastic elements, the CT5 offered a competitive price compared to similarly equipped European rivals.

The 2024 BMW 7 Series offered two potent powertrains in Canada. The 760i featured a twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 with 536 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, achieving 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds. The 750e plug-in hybrid combined a 3.0-litre twin-turbo six-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in approximately 4.7 seconds. The 750e excelled in fuel efficiency, rated at 3.6 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres (electric) and 9.4 L/100 km (gas) combined, though real-world figures were closer to 8.4 L/100 km. The electric range was estimated at 42 kilometres, with a battery charging time of over three hours on a Level 2 AC charger. The 760i delivered 11.5 L/100 km combined. All versions handled like sports sedans, with precise steering and minimal body roll, aided by standard air suspension and optional rear-wheel steering.

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 offered a standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 237 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. The optional twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 produced 335 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque, with AWD available for an additional cost. The V6 and AWD upgrades increased the test vehicle's price by over $6,000. Fuel economy for the turbo-four was 9.0 L/100 km combined with RWD and 9.6 with AWD, while the twin-turbo six returned 10.6 L/100 km combined with RWD and 11.2 with AWD. The test vehicle averaged 12.6 L/100 km. On the highway, the CT5 was louder than expected but effortless to drive, with the Super Cruise hands-free driving system performing excellently. In town, the twin-turbo V6 provided ample power, and the high-definition surround-view camera system made parking easy. The CT5's platform ensured a lively drive, though the Premium Luxury trim felt softer than desired.

The 2024 BMW 7 Series, available only as a long-wheelbase sedan, offered a comfortable and opulent experience. The front seats were well-padded and supportive, with optional massaging functions. However, accessing these settings through the infotainment system was not intuitive. Rear legroom was generous at 1,087 millimetres, and rear passengers enjoyed door-mounted control screens and optional ventilated and massaging seats. The rear executive lounge package added a centre rear console and a lie-flat reclining seat. The optional automatic doors were finicky and sometimes problematic in crowded parking situations. The 750e offered 523 litres of cargo volume, while gas-only models had 540 litres, with a pass-through for skis and a low load height. Interior storage was unremarkable.

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 Premium Luxury was reasonably comfortable for road trips, though it was louder on the road than preferred. The front seats were flat but featured heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Rear-seat passengers had good legroom and thigh support, though headroom was limited. Interior storage was adequate, with space for smaller items and four cupholders. The cargo space was tight at 337 litres, with an uneven trunk floor making it difficult to load full-size suitcases flat. However, the enclosed trunk hinges allowed for efficient use of space without worrying about crushing items.

The 2024 BMW 7 Series featured a massive curved-screen display, combining a 12.3-inch driver's screen with a 14.9-inch infotainment display. The interface was primarily touchscreen-driven, with few hard controls. BMW updated the software to iDrive 8.5, offering a more smartphone-like interface, though it wasn't an improvement over iDrive 8.0. The home screen featured customizable tabs, but navigating the system required time and effort. A voice assistant was available, though it occasionally misunderstood commands. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included but couldn't control most vehicle functions. An 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins stereo was standard, with an optional 40-speaker system. A head-up display and a 31.3-inch theatre screen were also available.

The 2025 Cadillac CT5's standout feature was its new 33-inch panoramic display, housing three screens. The infotainment system featured Google Built-in technology, including Google Assistant, Google Maps, and access to apps via Google Play. Wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and connected services were also available. The user interface was intuitive, with multiple interaction methods, including physical controls, voice recognition, and the touchscreen. Additional features included an available head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, and standard Teen Driver technology.

The 2024 BMW 7 Series had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it shared its platform with the BMW 5 Series, which earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. The 7 Series offered standard active safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, adaptive headlamps, parking sensors, safe exit warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keep assist. The Advanced Driver Assistance Package added partially automated active driving assistant and highway assistant for an additional cost. BMW's systems operated smoothly and reliably, though GM's Super Cruise was superior.

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 came equipped with a comprehensive set of driving assistance systems, including a surround-view camera system and active blind-spot monitoring with steering intervention. Semi-automated parking assist was optional on Premium Luxury and standard on Sport. The highlight was Super Cruise, offering hands-free driving capability on approved roads. The system was impressive and easy to trust, with a driver monitoring system ensuring attention. The CT5 performed well in crash tests, earning top five-star ratings from the NHTSA in every evaluation, including rollover resistance.