BMW 2 Series vs Cadillac CT5

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 retained its appealing design and comfortable interior, characteristics that had been present since its introduction in 2020. Over the years, it gained power and advanced technology, although it still lacked the sophistication of some competitors. The 2025 model featured a refreshed look with vertically stacked headlights and a bold front fascia. Inside, a new 33-inch display dominated the cabin, offering a modern and upscale feel. Despite some inexpensive materials and noticeable powertrain noise, the CT5's luxurious touches, like carbon fibre trim and semi-aniline leather, elevated its interior experience.

In contrast, the 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was an anomaly in BMW's lineup, built on a different platform than its two-door counterpart. Sharing underpinnings with the Mini Cooper, it was the most affordable BMW, though its appearance was less traditional. The Gran Coupe maintained a classic BMW grille, but its taller hood and profile resembled more mainstream sedans. Inside, the design aligned with BMW's current language, featuring a glossy panel for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen. The cabin offered sturdy materials and metallic accents, with little trace of its Mini Cooper origins, maintaining BMW's sporty seriousness.

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 offered a standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. However, the optional twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6, producing 335 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque, provided a more exhilarating experience. The V6, coupled with AWD, added over $6,000 to the price and impacted fuel economy, averaging 12.6 L/100 km during testing. Despite being louder than expected on highways, the CT5 was effortless to drive, with features like Super Cruise enhancing the experience. The Premium Luxury trim, while not the most athletic, offered a rewarding drive with precise steering and a lively platform.

The 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, specifically the 228 xDrive model available in Canada, was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 241 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard AWD, achieving 0-100 km/h in six seconds. The xDrive system improved cornering performance, though the FWD-derived platform still showed some nose-heaviness. Adaptive dampers allowed for ride customization, and while comfortable for long drives, road seams could cause noticeable thumps. The cabin remained calm, with wind and road noise well managed, and the engine only audible under aggressive acceleration.

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 offered reasonable comfort for road trips, though it was louder than ideal, and the front seats lacked side bolsters. Rear-seat passengers had good legroom but limited headroom, and the fast roofline required ducking for taller individuals. Interior storage was adequate, with a wireless smartphone charger conveniently located. However, cargo space was tight at 337 litres, with an uneven trunk floor complicating suitcase storage. Despite these limitations, the enclosed trunk hinges allowed for efficient use of space.

In the 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, the gear selector lever was intuitive, surrounded by capacitive-touch buttons that could be accidentally activated. The instrument panel was well-placed, with a head-up display reducing distractions. The minimalist air vent slots added to the modern look, though the remote toggle for airflow direction seemed over-engineered. Interior storage was adequate, with a small tray, wireless charging pad, and modest cup holders. Rear legroom was sufficient, but headroom was limited, and the narrow door opening required caution. The trunk, though listed at 340 litres, appeared more accommodating, with seatback release levers for expanded space.

The 2025 Cadillac CT5's standout feature was its new 33-inch panoramic display, housing three screens with Google Built-in technology. This included Google Assistant, Google Maps, and access to apps via Google Play, alongside wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM 360L. The user interface was intuitive, with multiple interaction methods, including physical controls, voice recognition, and touchscreen. Additional tech features included a head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and Teen Driver technology, offering comprehensive connectivity and convenience.

The 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe came standard with a 10.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and a Harman Kardon sound system. While basic functions were intuitive, some secondary features required navigating complex menus. Physical climate controls were moved to the touchscreen, anchored for consistent access. Voice-activated controls helped alleviate some frustration, though they lacked user settings. The Gran Coupe featured remote monitoring via a smartphone app, with the BMW Digital Key allowing phone-as-key functionality. Over-the-air updates ensured system and map currency, with streaming services available through the display.

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 was equipped with a comprehensive set of driving assistance systems, including a surround-view camera system and active blind-spot monitoring with steering intervention. Super Cruise, a standout feature, offered hands-free driving on approved roads, with a driver monitoring system ensuring attention. The CT5 performed well in crash tests, receiving top five-star ratings from the NHTSA in all evaluations, including rollover resistance.

The 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe included standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. The optional Driving Assistant Professional package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and traffic jam assist. All safety features performed reliably, though the adaptive cruise control's automatic setting allowed too much space, inviting other drivers to cut in. Crash test results were pending, but expectations were for similar ratings to the first-generation model, which earned top scores from the IIHS.