2020 Cadillac CT5 breaks cover ahead of NY debut

The CT5 replaces the CTS.

Cadillac has introduced the 2020 CT5 sedan online ahead of its official debut during the 2019 New York auto show.

Designed to replace the CTS, the CT5 falls in line with Cadillac's recent design language by adopting styling cues like a shield-shaped grille that's short and wide, angular headlights, and LED daytime running lights positioned almost vertically. Its front end reminds us of the XT6's. It's a little bit more unusual in profile. Cadillac gave the model a fastback-like roof line instead of settling for traditional three-box proportions. When viewed from the back, the thin, vertical lights make it recognizable as a member of the Cadillac portfolio.

Buyers will have two basic models to choose from: Sport, which gives the car a more muscular appearance, and Luxury, which takes it in a more elegant direction. The model's dimensions haven't been published yet.

The only interior photo released by Cadillac focuses on the CT5's shifter; at least we know it has one. The image also confirms the company retained a real volume knob, and a controller dial for the infotainment system. We'll need to wait until additional photos emerge to get a better idea of what the CT5 looks like inside. In the meantime, the company promised "the driver-centric cockpit inside the CT5 blends high tech and high touch for an exceptional blend of control tactility."

The CT5 rides on an evolution of the Alpha platform found under the ATS, the CTS, and the Chevrolet Camaro. The only technical details published by Cadillac are that power will come from either a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, or a twin-turbocharged, 3.0-liter V6. Rear-wheel drive and a 10-speed automatic transmission will come standard, and all-wheel drive will be offered at an extra cost on select models. The new, torque-based naming system will denote each model.

Production of the 2020 Cadillac CT5 will take place in Lansing, Michigan. We'll learn more details about the sedan over the coming weeks. The firm announced the launch a video series called Sensory Symphony highlighting distinct sounds associated with the CT5 to gradually reveal the model. It will release a new video every week leading up to the New York show, which opens to the public on Friday, April 19.