6 Reasons to Test Drive the 2025 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing

Looking for a vehicle offering top-of-the-line performance, sheer style, and luxury features? The 2025 Cadillac CT5-V has all this and more. Let's take a look at the trim levels of the vehicle to find out what it has to offer. CT5-V The CT5-V comes with excellent standard features. Performance and modern technology promise a driving experience to remember. Performance The CT5-V offers a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 engine as standard. Offering 360 horsepower and 405 lb.-ft. of torque, it brings a taste of racing performance to your everyday drive. Brembo performance front brakes and Magnetic Ride Control provide excellent levels of control to match the power of the engine. Technology All the best modern cars are equipped with innovative technology, and Cadillac's CT5-V is no exception. A 33" diagonal, advanced LED display with Google built-in offers good options for navigation, entertainment, and more. An Enhanced Performance Data Recorder, an available feature on standard models, allows you to analyze and improve your driving, as well as monitor and optimize your fuel usage. Comfortable Interior Wherever you go, you can take the comfort of home on the road with you, thanks to the V-series. Inside, you'll find seating for five passengers, with 42.4" of legroom in the front and 37.1" in the rear. You can also adjust the atmosphere inside thanks to the 126-color LED ambient lighting. Choose your color to perfectly match your surroundings. CT5-V Blackwing The Blackwing edition of the CT5-V comes with all the features of the standard model but offers some important extras that allow you to benefit from the best of Cadillac engineering and style. Performance With 668 horsepower and 659 lb.-ft. of torque, the Blackwing is a behemoth on the road. Every Blackwing comes equipped with a 6.2L supercharged V8 engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. Fast acceleration, 0-60 in 3.4 seconds, allows you to get the best out of the engine on the freeway and Brembo performance brakes in the front and rear provide perfect control. You'll take corners extra smoothly thanks to the Performance Steering Wheel. It comes equipped with a V Button and Performance Traction Management switch, allowing you an even greater level of control on the road, even in tough conditions. Blackwing Style The Blackwing offers a subtly redesigned exterior, perfect for those who prioritize style. Illuminated outdoor sill plates with the V-series logo, a redesigned front end, and 19" alloys with Polished Dark Android finish offer an extra touch of class. Whether you're looking to try out one of the CT5-V trims or another great vehicle, we can help. We have the expertise to help you find the right car for your needs. Visit Schwan Cadillac in Mandan, ND today to find the perfect vehicle.

It's a question that comes up every fall: do AWD vehicles need winter tires, or does all-wheel drive handle everything on its own? It's an understandable assumption that AWD handles everything without winter tires - after all, AWD sounds like it should cover all conditions. But if you're driving in Mandan, ND, where temperatures drop fast and snow can come early, the answer is important. AWD and winter tires each do a very different job. Understanding both can help you stay safer and get more out of your Cadillac this season. What All-Wheel Drive Actually Does All-wheel drive is designed to improve traction by sending power to all four wheels instead of just two. This is especially helpful when accelerating from a stop or when one wheel begins to slip on a slick surface. AWD systems can redistribute torque automatically to help you get moving and maintain forward momentum. What AWD does not do is help you steer or stop faster. Once you're moving, traction control and AWD have limits. Braking and cornering still depend heavily on your tires. What Winter Tires Are Designed to Do Winter tires are engineered specifically for cold-weather performance. The rubber compound stays flexible at low temperatures, which helps maintain contact with the road. They also feature deeper tread patterns that grip snow and ice more effectively. This means a vehicle equipped with winter tires will stop shorter and corner with more control on icy roads than the same vehicle running all-season tires. That advantage applies regardless of whether the vehicle has AWD, front-wheel drive, or rear-wheel drive. Why AWD Drivers Still Benefit From Winter Tires AWD can give you a false sense of security in winter conditions. The system helps you accelerate, but it cannot compensate for tires that are not designed for cold and snow. A Cadillac LYRIQ or XT5 with AWD and all-season tires may get moving more easily than a two-wheel-drive vehicle but stopping distance and handling response will still be limited by the tires. Pairing AWD with a dedicated winter tire is the most complete approach to cold-weather driving. You get the benefits of power distribution and the grip performance that only winter-specific rubber can provide. AWD Cadillac Models to Consider Cadillac offers several AWD-equipped models well suited to North Dakota winters. The LYRIQ and VISTIQ both offer AWD configurations, while the Escalade and XT5 are popular choices for drivers who want capability and comfort through colder months. Each of these vehicles provides a strong foundation. But pairing any of them with the right winter tires will help you get the most out of that capability when roads get slippery. Visit Schwan Cadillac to Prepare for Winter If you're asking if AWD vehicles need winter tires, the short answer is yes - at least if you want the most complete winter driving performance available. AWD handles acceleration and power distribution, while winter tires handle grip, steering response, and braking. Drivers throughout Mandan, ND can explore AWD-equipped Cadillac models and learn more about winter tire options by stopping by Schwan Cadillac or visiting us online. If you're shopping for a new vehicle or preparing your current Cadillac for the season, the team at Schwan Cadillac is ready to help.

As expected, when Cadillac infused its luxury SUV lineup with electric power, the results were extraordinary. Luxury SUV drivers making the switch to an electric vehicle often land on 2 standout options: the Cadillac OPTIQ and the LYRIQ. Both of these fully electric SUVs bring Cadillac's signature luxury to the EV segment, but they're designed with different drivers in mind. For drivers in Mandan, North Dakota, and nearby Bismarck, understanding what sets these 2 models apart can help you make a confident decision. Starting Points: Size and Scope When comparing the Cadillac OPTIQ vs. LYRIQ, the first thing to consider is how much space you actually need. The OPTIQ is a more compact electric SUV, making it an ideal fit for drivers who want a nimble, refined ride without the footprint of a larger vehicle. It seats up to 5, providing 41.6” of front legroom, a generous 37.8” in the back seat, and up to 57 cu. ft. of cargo space. The OPTIQ is an approachable entrypoint into Cadillac's electric world—nimble and practical, but lacking none of the refinement the brand is known for. The midsize LYRIQ, on the other hand, is a larger SUV that steps up in presence and interior space. You’ll have 44.3” of front legroom, 39.6” of rear legroom, and nearly 61 cu. ft. of maximum cargo space. It’s well-suited for drivers who prioritize a more commanding size along with a premium feel on every drive. Style and Interior Experience Both models carry Cadillac's bold design language, but the way they express it differs. The OPTIQ makes an strong visual impression with choreographed LED lighting, an illuminated grille and emblem, up to 21” wheels, and illuminated, pop-out handles. Inside, you'll immediately be drawn to the curved 33” Horizon Display™ that combines the driver information display and infotainment touchscreen into one striking panel. Google Built-in provides endless convenience with Google Gemini assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play. Standard Super Cruise® hands-free driver assistance technology adds another layer of relaxation, while striking colorways like Autumn Canyon, available heated, ventilated, massaging seats, and a SkyGlass™ roof indulge you. The LYRIQ features a sweeping roofline and a wide, dramatic stance that makes a clear statement on the road. It brings many of the same features as the OPTIQ, including that stunning 33” Horizon Display™, lavish interior accommodations and options, and Super Cruise®. But for buyers doing a Cadillac electric SUV comparison focused on day-to-day practicality, the OPTIQ's cabin may feel just right. Performance and Drive Feel Both the OPTIQ and LYRIQ offer rear-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available for enhanced traction. The LYRIQ-V takes performance a step further as the quickest Cadillac ever produced, offering an electrified V-Series experience that propels you from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds. That version is purpose-built for drivers who want extra power paired with luxury. It earned the title of SUV of the Year from TopGear.com ® in 2026, solidifying itself as the next face of electric high-performance. The OPTIQ-V also enters the picture for shoppers seeking a sportier edge, showing off a genuine carbon fiber trim, the iconic Mondrian flag pattern on the rear quarter glass, a 3.5-second 0-to-60 time, and a 278-mile range. Most everyday drivers in the Mandan, ND, area will be thrilled by the either V-Series, with the OPTIQ providing a bit more everyday practicality alongside a quiet electric driving experience. Explore Both Models at Schwan Cadillac The Cadillac OPTIQ vs LYRIQ matchup doesn't have a single winner - it depends on your priorities. Both vehicles deliver luxury, innovation, and all-electric performance that Cadillac is known for. Ready to see these two electric SUVs side by side? Visit Schwan Cadillac to explore current inventory, build your ideal model, or schedule a test drive. Our team is here to help Mandan and Bismarck-area luxury drivers find the Cadillac to electrify their life in North Dakota.