Cadillac is on the verge of a significant transformation, and if recent reports hold true, the iconic luxury automaker is preparing to bid farewell to its last two gasoline-powered sedans—the CT4 and CT5. Instead, the future of these models appears to be fully electric, with replacements expected to embrace sportback designs and cutting-edge EV technology. For fans of Cadillac’s powerful, internal combustion engines—especially the performance-focused Blackwing variants—this news might come as a disappointment, but for those looking ahead to the brand’s electrified future, it marks a bold step toward innovation.
General Motors (GM) has been gradually shifting Cadillac toward an all-electric future, with the CT4 and CT5 reportedly not included in the company’s long-term internal combustion plans. According to GM Authority, Cadillac will not be producing next-generation versions of these models with gas engines. Instead, fully electric replacements are expected to arrive after 2026, aligning with the luxury brand’s broader electrification strategy.
Despite being praised for their driving dynamics and value, sales of the CT4 and CT5 saw a notable decline in 2024. The CT4, Cadillac’s compact luxury sedan, moved just 1,398 units, reflecting a 27% year-over-year drop. The CT5 fared slightly better but still saw a decline of 6%, with total sales reaching 4,128 units. While a refreshed 2025 model lineup is on the way, these numbers suggest that Cadillac’s sedans are losing traction in an SUV-dominated market.
Cadillac, however, is coming off its best sales year since 2016, largely fueled by surging demand for its electric SUV, the Lyriq. Sales of the Lyriq skyrocketed by over 200% in 2024, with GM selling more than 28,400 units. The company is also gearing up for the launch of several new electric SUVs, including the Escalade IQ, Optiq, and Vistiq. With these new models set to fill key luxury SUV segments, Cadillac’s EV momentum is only expected to grow.
Reports suggest that the upcoming electric sedans will be built on GM’s “BEV Prime” platform, a premium iteration of the architecture currently underpinning the Lyriq, Optiq, and Vistiq. This new platform is expected to offer superior range, performance, and luxury features, positioning Cadillac as a formidable player in the high-end EV sedan market.
There is still uncertainty about whether the CT4 and CT5 nameplates will carry over to the EV era. Cadillac’s recent electric models have abandoned alphanumeric naming conventions in favor of more traditional branding. Given this trend, it wouldn’t be surprising if the upcoming sedans adopt entirely new names. Additionally, their design language is expected to shift, with sources hinting at a fastback-style silhouette similar to the ultra-luxurious Celestiq.
One of the biggest questions surrounding Cadillac’s EV transition is whether the new models can deliver the same level of driving engagement that the CT4 and CT5—especially their high-performance Blackwing versions—are known for. The CT5-V Blackwing, with its supercharged V8, and the CT4-V Blackwing, with its twin-turbo V6, have garnered critical acclaim for their thrilling performance and rare manual transmission options. While EVs can undoubtedly match or even surpass their gasoline counterparts in raw speed, the absence of a traditional gearbox and engine sound may be a tough sell for purists.
Despite Cadillac’s commitment to electrification, the brand has slightly adjusted its original plans for an all-EV lineup by 2030. While the company is still heavily investing in electric models, it acknowledges that consumer adoption will take time. Brad Franz, Cadillac’s marketing director, recently stated that the company aims for EVs to account for 30% to 35% of total U.S. sales by 2025—nearly double the 18% share achieved last year.
The real question is how Cadillac’s upcoming electric sedans will stack up against established EV rivals like the Tesla Model S and Lucid Air. Both models offer cutting-edge technology, blistering acceleration, and impressive driving ranges. To compete, Cadillac will need to deliver not only high performance but also a compelling mix of luxury, innovation, and value.
For now, the future of Cadillac’s sedan lineup is shrouded in anticipation. The transition to electric-only replacements for the CT4 and CT5 signals a dramatic shift in the brand’s philosophy—one that may alienate some longtime enthusiasts but could also secure Cadillac’s place as a leader in luxury EVs. Whether the upcoming models can capture the same spirit as their predecessors remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Cadillac is not looking back.
