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Cadillac’s V-series recently celebrated 20 years, as it spans all the way back to 2004 with the introduction of the CTS-V. At the time, Cadillac was desperate to reinvent itself and shed its “cars for old-timers” reputation that it had held for decades. Their boldest idea was to create a hot version of one of their newest models, the CTS. It was a success, and those who could afford the blisteringly quick Caddy loved it.

Since then, several Cadillac models have received the ‘V’ treatment, from sedans to SUVs, and recently, the first-ever electric V-series car. They’re all exceptionally quick, but which one holds the title of fastest Cadillac V model? Here we rank the 10 quickest V models of the past by their 0-60 times – which model will be called the quickest?

11

2025 CT4-V

4.8 Seconds (RWD)

Cadillac’s CT4-V is the smallest car in the current V lineup, and it also has the least amount of power. The CT4 is the spiritual successor to the now-discontinued CTS, as it occupies the same size segment. The CT4-V uses a modified version of GM’s LB3 turbocharged inline-four engine, which can churn out nearly 400 pound-feet of torque. It may not be entirely a 3 Series-beater, but its low price and decent power make it an attractive option for those in the market for a small, fast sedan. Like the CT5, the CT4 also offers a Blackwing variant that uses an entirely different power plant. As you may be able to guess, we’ll be covering that one later on in this list.

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10

2006 XLR-V

4.6 – 4.7 Seconds

Forgot about this one, didn’t you? We don’t blame you, as the Cadillac XLR-V may just be the most obscure Cadillac model made in the past 20 years outside the doomed ELR. It was meant to be Cadillac’s answer to the Mercedes-AMG SL55, but it never lived up to its hype due to slightly worse performance and a sub-par interior.

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However, this doesn’t mean the model was boring, as it was based on the platform of the C5 Corvette, and featured edgy styling that’s aged well, in our opinion. The supercharged Northstar V8 may have left a little to be desired, but it put down its power aggressively, allowing for an official 0-60 mph time of “under 5 seconds” according to Cadillac. Independent tests have seen it achieve times in the 4.6-4.7 second range, however, so it was certainly no slouch that has stood the test of time.

9

2008 STS-V

4.6 Seconds

The STS-V may be one of the lesser-known V-series models of its time, but it is still worth a mention for it’s massive jump in power over the base STS of the era. With a supercharged V8, it put out 149 hp more than the non-V version, enabling it to sprint to 60 mph as quickly as more modern performance sedans you’ll meet a little lower down. Cadillac gave the super sedan sports suspension components and Brembo brakes, as well as special tires. It only came in rear-wheel drive and an automatic transmission, which may be part of why it simply wasn’t as popular as it should’ve been.

8

2025 CT5-V

4.6 Seconds

The 2025 CT5-V, unlike its powerlifting Blackwing brother, uses a twin-turbocharged V6 engine that puts out less than 400 horses. It’s been historically attainable with a starting price below $50,000 in 2020, meaning a sub-five-second 0-60 mph time was within reach for the masses. The most recent version is available in both rear- and all-wheel drive, with the latter being slower to 60 mph by two-tenths. The RWD CT5-V will get there in 4.6 seconds – and the price still comes in at a good $56,995 MSRP.

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7

2025 Escalade-V

4.4 Seconds

Our first and only SUV makes an appearance on our list. The Cadillac Escalade has been a cultural and luxury icon for over two decades, ever since its introduction in 1999. Since then, it’s been one of the most commonly seen vehicles in high-income areas of Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. In short, the Escalade always seems to follow the money. Cadillac figured it best to take that mantra to heart, and decided to create a V version of the Escalade. The Escalade V has a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 that can put out almost 700 horses, making for a seriously quick 0-60 mph time for a full-size SUV.

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6

2016 ATS-V

3.9 Seconds

Next up is another discontinued model, the Cadillac ATS-V. The ATS model as a whole was discontinued in 2018 to make room for the upcoming refreshed lineup of Cadillac sedans, those being the CT4, CT5, and CT6. Considering the ATS-V’s rather small power plant, it’s capable of some serious damage on the streets. Despite only having six cylinders, the twin-turbocharged forced induction allows the LF4 engine to produce 464 hp, as well as helping the ATS-V reach a top speed just 11 miles-per-hour short of 200 MPH.

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5

2025 CT4-V Blackwing

3.8 Seconds (RWD | Automatic Transmission)

We’ve arrived at our first Blackwing entry, the CT4-V Blackwing. Basically, the intimidating moniker is there to let everyone know this Caddy means serious business. As for the CT4-V version, GM decided to use a twin-turbocharged version of their 3.6-liter V6. It’s able to produce an impressive amount of power, clocking in at over 470 horses. Using that oomph, the CT4-V Blackwing can reach 60 mph 3.9 seconds with the self-shifter equipped, or 3.8 seconds if you choose the available automatic. Considering a new CT4-V Blackwing costs around $62k at the time of writing, its speed-to-money ratio makes it quite a bargain.

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4

2020 CT6-V

3.8 Seconds

The next entry on our list is the Cadillac CT6-V, a model that’s especially significant in Cadillac’s V lineup. The 4.2-liter twin-turbo V8 that it used was specially developed by Cadillac and uses no recycled parts. The 4.2-liter motor was originally named the Blackwing. Cadillac would later adopt that name for their high-performance models.

The Blackwing engine, reportedly, cost Cadillac $20,000 each to produce. This didn’t go over well with the powers-that-be, and LTA V8 production was limited to just 1,500 examples. Of that number, 875 were destined for CT6-Vs, and 625 of them went to CT6s in Platinum trim guise – the highest possible grade you could option on a CT6. AWD provided the grip needed to rocket this car to 60 mph in under four seconds.

3

2016 Cadillac CTS-V

3.7 Seconds

We’ve reached the penultimate model in the list. 2016 marked the first year of the final-gen CTS sedan. So, because of this, the CTS-V was tasked with going out with a bang. It received a supercharged, modified version of GM’s 6.2-liter LT4 V8 which easily made 640 horses – at the time, it was the most powerful Cadillac ever produced, and the most powerful in its class. The 2016 CTS-V was also the first mass-market Cadillac to reach a top speed of 200 mph.

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2

2025 CT5-V Blackwing

3.4 Seconds

The second quickest Cadillac V model is the latest CT5-V Blackwing. This list features the regular CT5-V higher up, so it’s only fitting that its muscular brother is the most rapid mass-market Cadillac sedan available in 2025. The CT5-V Blackwing’s enormous power comes courtesy of GM’s favorite supercharged V8, the 6.2-liter LT4. As standard, buyers receive a six-speed manual transmission, with a 10-speed automatic being optional. To stop all of that supercharged V8 power, Cadillac offers a Brembo ceramic brake package, which also saves 64 pounds from the CT5-V Blackwing’s total curb weight. Is this the greatest car you can buy for less than $100,000? We think it just might be.

1

2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V

3.3 Seconds

Finally, at the very top of the Cadillac performance heap is a brand-new offering for 2026: the Lyriq-V. Yes, the brand has finally given its first electric SUV the V treatment, and it comes with all the upgrades one expects from a potent Cadillac model, like the addition of more power to the tune of 615 horses, Brembo brakes, a revised suspension, more aggressive looks, and much more.

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That extra power does take a toll, however, as the car only maxes out at 285 miles of range, but Cadillac says 77 miles can be regained in just 10 minutes at a fast charger, allowing you to pull as many 3.3 second 0-60 mph sprints as you want without being worried about having the juice to get home. With a starting price a hair under $80,000, that extra performance definitely doesn’t come cheap, but the quickest Caddy of all time deserves the premium.

Sources: Cadillac