Cadillac, a name synonymous with American luxury, has a history stretching back to 1902. For decades, the marque cultivated an image of sophisticated comfort. However, in the early 2000s, Cadillac decided to challenge perceptions and inject adrenaline into its lineup. The bold move? The V-Series. Born in 2004 with the CTS-V, this performance sub-brand aimed to shatter the “old-timer car” stereotype and thrust Cadillac into the modern performance arena. It worked spectacularly. The CTS-V was a revelation, blending Cadillac luxury with breathtaking speed, instantly appealing to a new generation of drivers.
Since that pivotal moment, the V-Series badge has graced a range of Cadillac models, from sleek sedans to imposing SUVs, and now, even electric vehicles. Each V-Series car promises exhilarating performance, but one question burns in the minds of enthusiasts: which Cadillac V reigns supreme in terms of pure speed? This article dives deep into the Cadillac V lineage, ranking the ten fastest models ever created based on their 0-60 mph acceleration times. Prepare for a thrilling ride through Cadillac’s high-performance history, as we count down to crown the undisputed champion of speed.
This definitive ranking includes every V-Series model to date, highlighting the quickest variant within each model line. The 0-60 mph times referenced are a combination of official figures from Cadillac’s press releases and verified data from independent road tests, ensuring accuracy and real-world relevance. Let the horsepower games begin, as we accelerate from the quickest to the quickest Cadillac.
10. 2025 Cadillac CT4-V
4.8 Seconds (RWD)
| Engine | 2.7-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 325 hp |
| Torque | 380 lb-ft |
| Top Speed | 156 mph |
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| Transmission | 10-Speed Automatic |
Kicking off our list is the 2025 Cadillac CT4-V, the entry point to the current V-Series lineup and the spiritual successor to the original CTS in terms of size. While it might be the smallest and least powerful V-Series offering today, don’t mistake “least powerful” for slow. The CT4-V packs a modified 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, a member of GM’s LB3 engine family, delivering a robust 325 horsepower and a substantial 380 lb-ft of torque. This translates to a brisk 0-60 mph sprint in just 4.8 seconds for the rear-wheel-drive model. While perhaps not a direct BMW 3 Series competitor in outright performance, the CT4-V presents a compelling package of agility, speed, and value, making it an enticing option for those seeking a sporty and accessible luxury sedan. And for those craving even more performance, the CT4 range also boasts the blistering CT4-V Blackwing, which we’ll encounter later in this ranking.
9. 2006 Cadillac XLR-V
4.6 – 4.7 Seconds
| Engine | 4.4-Liter Supercharged V8 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 443 hp |
| Torque | 414 lb-ft |
| Top Speed | 155 mph |
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Automatic |
The Cadillac XLR-V might be a forgotten gem in the V-Series history, but this sporty roadster deserves recognition for its performance credentials. Intended as Cadillac’s rival to the Mercedes-AMG SL55, the XLR-V, based on the C5 Corvette platform, offered a unique blend of American muscle and Cadillac luxury. While it didn’t quite reach the sales heights of its German competitor, the XLR-V was far from lacking in excitement. Its supercharged 4.4-liter Northstar V8 engine delivered a potent 443 horsepower and 414 lb-ft of torque. Cadillac’s official 0-60 mph time was quoted as “under 5 seconds,” but independent tests consistently clocked it in the 4.6 to 4.7-second range, proving its real-world speed. Coupled with its distinctive, angular styling that has aged gracefully, the XLR-V remains a compelling, albeit underrated, fast Cadillac.
8. 2008 Cadillac STS-V
4.6 Seconds
| Engine | 4.4-Liter Supercharged V8 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 469 hp |
| Torque | 439 lb-ft |
| Top Speed | 165 mph |
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Automatic |
Another somewhat obscure V-Series model, the Cadillac STS-V, arrived in 2006 and showcased a significant leap in performance over the standard STS sedan of its era. The STS-V boasted a supercharged 4.4-liter V8, pumping out an impressive 469 horsepower, a full 149 hp more than the base STS. This power surge allowed the STS-V to match the 0-60 mph times of many modern performance sedans, achieving it in a swift 4.6 seconds. Cadillac further enhanced the STS-V with sport-tuned suspension, high-performance Brembo brakes, and specialized tires. Despite its rear-wheel-drive only configuration and automatic transmission, which might have limited its broader appeal at the time, the STS-V remains a noteworthy entry in the lineage of fast Cadillacs.
7. 2025 Cadillac CT5-V
4.6 Seconds
| Engine | 3.0-Liter Twin-Turbo V6 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 360 hp |
| Torque | 405 lb-ft |
| Top Speed | 156 mph |
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| Transmission | 10-Speed Automatic |
The 2025 Cadillac CT5-V continues the V-Series tradition of performance sedans, offering a compelling blend of speed and accessibility. Unlike its more potent Blackwing sibling, the standard CT5-V utilizes a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that produces a respectable 360 horsepower. Historically positioned with a starting price under $50,000 (in 2020), the CT5-V made sub-five-second 0-60 mph acceleration attainable for a wider audience. The latest iteration is available in both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, with the RWD version clocking a 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds. With a current MSRP starting around $57,000, the CT5-V remains a strong value proposition in the performance luxury sedan segment.
6. 2025 Cadillac Escalade-V
4.4 Seconds
| Engine | 6.2-Liter Supercharged V8 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 682 hp |
| Torque | 653 lb-ft |
| Top Speed | 125 mph (Limited) |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Transmission | 10-Speed Automatic |
Breaking into the top half of our ranking and marking the first and only SUV on the list is the formidable 2025 Cadillac Escalade-V. The Escalade has been a symbol of luxury and status for over two decades, a fixture in affluent areas across major cities. Recognizing the Escalade’s inherent presence, Cadillac decided to unleash its V-Series magic on this iconic SUV. The result is the Escalade-V, packing a massive 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine churning out a staggering 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft of torque. This immense power propels this full-size SUV to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, a truly remarkable feat of engineering. The Escalade-V proves that even a large SUV can deliver thrilling, sports-car-like acceleration when imbued with the V-Series spirit.
5. 2016 Cadillac ATS-V
3.9 Seconds
| Engine | 3.6-Liter Twin-Turbo V6 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 464 hp |
| Torque | 445 lb-ft |
| Top Speed | 189 mph |
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual |
The Cadillac ATS-V, a now-discontinued model, secures a solid position in the middle of our Fastest Cadillacs list. The ATS-V was produced until 2018, making way for Cadillac’s refreshed sedan lineup. Despite its relatively smaller 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, the ATS-V delivered serious performance. The LF4 engine generated 464 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque, enabling the ATS-V to achieve a 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds and reach a top speed just shy of 200 mph. Available with a 6-speed manual transmission, the ATS-V catered to driving enthusiasts and proved that a V6-powered Cadillac could punch well above its weight in the performance sedan segment.
4. 2025 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing
3.8 Seconds (Automatic Transmission)
| Engine | 3.6-Liter Twin-Turbo V6 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 472 hp |
| Torque | 445 lb-ft |
| Top Speed | 189 mph |
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| Transmission | 6-Speed MT |
Entering the top tier of our ranking is the first “Blackwing” model on the list: the 2025 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing. The Blackwing designation signifies the ultimate level of Cadillac performance, and the CT4-V Blackwing lives up to the name. It utilizes a more potent version of the 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6, producing 472 horsepower. Equipped with the optional 10-speed automatic transmission, the CT4-V Blackwing rockets to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds, or 3.9 seconds with the standard 6-speed manual. Considering its price point around $62,000, the CT4-V Blackwing delivers an exceptional speed-to-dollar ratio, making it a performance bargain in the luxury sport sedan market.
3. 2020 Cadillac CT6-V
3.8 Seconds
| Engine | 4.2-Liter Twin-Turbo V8 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 550 hp |
| Torque | 640 lb-ft |
| Top Speed | 149 mph (Limited) |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Transmission | 10-Speed Automatic |
Securing a podium finish is the Cadillac CT6-V, a model of particular significance in Cadillac’s V-Series history. The CT6-V marked the debut of Cadillac’s bespoke 4.2-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, initially and famously nicknamed “Blackwing.” This engine was developed entirely in-house by Cadillac, using no shared components. Reportedly costing Cadillac $20,000 per unit to produce, the “Blackwing” V8 generated 550 horsepower and 640 lb-ft of torque. Production of this engine was limited, with only 875 units destined for the CT6-V. Thanks to its all-wheel-drive system, the CT6-V could effectively deploy its power, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 3.8 seconds, matching the lighter CT4-V Blackwing despite its larger size and luxury focus.
2. 2016 Cadillac CTS-V
3.7 Seconds
| Engine | 6.2-Liter Supercharged V8 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 640 hp |
| Torque | 630 lb-ft |
| Top Speed | 200 mph |
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| Transmission | Eight-Speed Automatic |
Just missing out on the top spot is the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V, a true performance icon. As the final generation of the CTS sedan, the 2016 CTS-V was designed to be a spectacular send-off. It received a supercharged and heavily modified version of GM’s 6.2-liter LT4 V8 engine, unleashing a massive 640 horsepower. At the time of its release, it was the most powerful Cadillac ever produced and the most potent car in its competitive class. The 2016 CTS-V was also a landmark achievement as the first mass-production Cadillac to reach a top speed of 200 mph, solidifying its place as a true performance benchmark. Its blistering 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds makes it the second-fastest Cadillac ever built with an internal combustion engine.
1. 2025 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
3.4 Seconds
| Engine | 6.2-Liter Supercharged V8 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 668 hp |
| Torque | 659 lb-ft |
| Top Speed | >200 mph |
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| Transmission | 6-Speed MT |
And now, we arrive at the king of speed, the fastest Cadillac ever produced: the 2025 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing. While the regular CT5-V offers impressive performance, the Blackwing variant elevates it to another level. Power comes from GM’s renowned supercharged 6.2-liter LT4 V8, tuned to deliver a monstrous 668 horsepower and 659 lb-ft of torque. Available with a standard 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 10-speed automatic, the CT5-V Blackwing achieves a staggering 0-60 mph time of just 3.4 seconds. To harness this immense power, Cadillac offers optional Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, which also reduce weight. Many consider the CT5-V Blackwing to be the pinnacle of American performance sedans, and its acceleration figures solidify its claim as the quickest gasoline-powered Cadillac ever. However, even the mighty CT5-V Blackwing has been surpassed in the quest for ultimate Cadillac speed…
0. 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V
3.3 Seconds
| Engine | Dual-Motor Electric |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 615 hp |
| Torque | 650 lb-ft |
| Top Speed | TBD |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Automatic |
Taking the crown as the absolute fastest Cadillac and ushering in a new era of V-Series performance is the 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V. Cadillac has finally applied the V treatment to its first electric SUV, and the result is electrifying. The Lyriq-V boasts a dual-motor electric powertrain producing a combined 615 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. This instant electric power translates to a breathtaking 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 3.3 seconds, making the Lyriq-V the quickest Cadillac ever to leave the factory. Beyond raw speed, the Lyriq-V also receives the expected V-Series upgrades, including Brembo brakes, revised suspension, and aggressive styling enhancements. While the increased performance slightly reduces the range to 285 miles, Cadillac claims that 77 miles of range can be replenished in just 10 minutes at a fast charger, ensuring you can experience its blistering acceleration without range anxiety. With a starting price under $80,000, the Lyriq-V represents a bold step into the future of Cadillac performance, proving that the fastest Cadillac is now electric.
Source: Cadillac
