The next generation Cadillac CT4 and CT5 will be all-electric Ultium

Cadillac is preparing to close the era of internal combustion engines on its flagship CT4 and CT5 sedans. According to information posted by GM Authority and cited by insideevs, the next generation of these two models will likely switch to pure electric, using the BEV3 platform and General Motors' Ultium battery and motor system. The design is expected to be sportback-oriented, different from the traditional three-compartment sedan.

Conversion momentum: sales decline, EV sedans still have room

In a market dominated by SUVs, Cadillac's sedans, despite being highly regarded by experts, are still struggling to make a breakthrough in sales. In 2024, CT4 sales fell 32% and CT5 sales fell 20%, making these two models the slowest-selling names of the brand, except for the newly launched Escalade IQ. This makes the plan to discontinue the life cycle of the gasoline-powered CT4/CT5 no longer surprising.

Despite its push into electric SUVs (like the Optiq and Vistiq), Cadillac still needs to be present in the EV sedan segment—where aerodynamic advantages, low height, and light weight often translate to better range. That's why the CT4/CT5 successor is being targeted as an all-electric sedan.

New shape: sportback, low hip point, reminiscent of Escala/Celestiq

GM Authority says the successors will ditch the traditional three-box sedan and adopt a sportback shape, with a “low hip-point” for optimal seating position and aerodynamics. The dimensions are expected to be similar to the CT5 and CT6, while the styling will be reminiscent of the Cadillac Escala Concept or Cadillac Celestiq.

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The Celestiq is currently Cadillac's limited-production ultra-luxury sedan, priced from at least $340,000. The new electric sedans are expected to carry on the design language, but at a more accessible price point.

BEV3 platform, Ultium system: first popular on Cadillac's mass-market sedan

Cadillac has already deployed the Ultium architecture on EVs like the Lyriq, Optiq, and Vistiq. The CT4 and CT5 successors will reportedly use the BEV3 platform and Ultium batteries and motors—making them the first sedans (other than the Celestiq) to fully tap into GM's electrified hardware ecosystem.

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Range and Performance: 350 mile target, V-Series/Blackwing potential

GM’s large Ultium SUVs already have ranges of 300 miles or more. With the aerodynamic advantage of a low body, a future Cadillac EV sedan is expected to reach about 350 miles under ideal conditions.

In terms of performance, the success of the high-performance V-Series and Blackwing variants on internal combustion engine platforms has led to expectations of similarly powerful configurations on electric sedans. Cadillac is now preparing to launch the 615-horsepower Lyriq-V, which is said to be the brand's fastest car—leaving room for high-performance sedan variants in the future.

Timing: after CT4/CT5 life cycle 2026, expected end of decade

The CT4 and CT5 are still in production for the 2026 model year. So, if the pace of product development continues, the successor EV sedans will likely appear near the end of the decade. Cadillac has not confirmed a specific timeline.

Summary of key information (via GM Authority/insideevs)

Item	Information from the source
Drivetrain orientation	Pure electric, no plans for internal combustion engines in the next generation
Platform/Technology	BEV3; Ultium battery and motor system
Design	Sportback, low hip point; not a traditional three-box sedan
Estimated size	Equivalent to Cadillac CT5 and Cadillac CT6
Contact design	Evoking the Cadillac Escala Concept and Cadillac Celestiq
Expected range	Approximately 350 miles (≈563 km), based on aerodynamic advantage over the Ultium SUV (≥300 miles, ≈483 km)
Performance variants	Similar V-Series/Blackwing configurations are possible; 615-hp Lyriq-V is the current performance reference
Time	Likely near the end of the decade, after CT4/CT5 2026
Sales Background	CT4 down 32%, CT5 down 20% in 2024

Quick review

In GM’s electrification cycle, the next-generation Cadillac sedan will be a strategic test: combining the Ultium platform with a sportback body to balance aerodynamic efficiency, style, and performance. If it achieves a range of around 350 miles and maintains the performance DNA of the V-Series/Blackwing, Cadillac has the opportunity to reposition itself in a niche sedan segment that is rich in technology potential.

Information in this article is based on GM Authority and insideevs. Detailed specifications, release date and price will have to wait for Cadillac to announce.

Source: https://baonghean.vn/cadillac-ct4-ct5-the-he-ke-nhiem-se-thuan-dien-ultium-10310160.html