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Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing vs. BMW M3: Which High-Performance Sedan Is Better?

Not long ago, Cadillac revealed the breathtaking CT4-V Blackwing a luxurious yet performance-oriented sedan set to compete directly with BMW’s new M3, so this comparison was bound to happen. There’s not much to separate them on paper, so let’s take a closer look at both and decide which one is better.
2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing vs. 2021 BMW M3 Sedan 37 photos
Photo: Cadillac Motor Car Division / BMW AG.
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The German manufacturer was the first to announce the latest iteration of its M3 model last autumn, and by now, it’s available in many dealerships around the world.

Cadillac revealed the CT4-V Blackwing in February, and deliveries are expected to commence this summer. Considering this, we can’t physically compare the two just yet, so we’ll concentrate on the spec sheets and photos we have at our disposal.

Exterior Design

2022 Cadillac CT4\-V Blackwing vs\. 2021 BMW M3 Sedan
Photo: Cadillac Motor Car Division / BMW AG.
The two cars might be performance-oriented, but the way they look will be a major influence on many who will have the luxury of deciding which one to buy.

We’ll begin with the M3, which looks amazing from every angle you look at, apart from the front. Almost a year has passed since the introduction of those controversial beaver grilles, and we still can’t get used to them.

I agree that beauty is a question of personal taste, but since BMW has been the subject of an unprecedented backlash for this design, let’s just be brave enough to admit that there’s nothing beautiful about them.

On the other hand, the CT4-V Blackwing doesn’t feature any exterior elements so passionately loathed by the vast majority of people. However, that doesn’t mean its overall design is a success.

2022 Cadillac CT4\-V Blackwing vs\. 2021 BMW M3 Sedan
Photo: Cadillac Motor Car Division / BMW AG.
While nobody will complain about its aggressive and futuristic styling, the rear end just doesn’t look right, making the car appear much taller than it actually is. Also, because of the huge gap between the wheel arches and the C-pillars, the 19-inch rear wheels look much smaller.

Another aspect of its rear end that looks a bit goofy is the optional carbon fiber spoiler mounted on top of an existing spoiler embedded in the trunk’s design. It just looks like a cheap aftermarket add-on. Fortunately, it’s an optional upgrade part of the aero package, so those who don’t like it can choose not to have it installed.

Design flaws aside, these are some nice-looking vehicles that ooze high-performance, and which one is more eye-catching is up to you to decide.

Powertrain, Suspension, and Brakes

2021 BMW M3 Sedan
Photo: BMW AG
Moving on to more important things, let’s take a look at the components that separate these two models from your run-of-the-mill luxury sedan.

The M3 is powered by the mighty S58 twin-turbo inline-six, which in stock form delivers 473 hp and 406 lb-ft (550 Nm) of torque. Those who want more can opt for the Competition package which, among other upgrades, adds 59 hp and 73 lb-ft (99 Nm) of torque.

The engine is mated to either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed M Steptronic automatic, and potential M3 customers can also choose between RWD and AWD. Only offered with the automatic, the latter features BMW’s latest M xDrive system that comes with a revised rear differential.

2022 Cadillac CT4\-V Blackwing
Photo: Cadillac Motor Car Division
Cadillac’s performance sedan hides an LF4 twin-turbocharged V6 under its hood, a powerplant capable of producing 472 hp and 445 lb-ft (603 Nm) of torque. Unlike the M3, the CT4-V Blackwing doesn’t come with additional packages that improve performance, so those who want more power will have to go for aftermarket upgrades.

The car comes with a six-speed Tremec manual as standard, while a ten-speed automatic is optional. It will only be available with RWD, so AWD sedan fans will have to "settle" for the M3.

In terms of suspension, the M3 is fitted with an adaptive system that features electronically controlled shock absorbers as standard.

2021 BMW M3 Sedan
Photo: BMW AG
Its rival uses the fourth-generation Magnetic Ride Control, another adaptive system that has been heavily upgraded for track use.

Stopping power on the M3 is supplied by standard compound brakes with six-piston fixed calipers at the front and single-piston floating calipers at the rear. An optional package adds bigger, carbon-ceramic rotors on all wheels, along with upgraded pads.

Cadillac has equipped its car with Brembo six-piston calipers at the front, while the rear wheels feature four-piston versions. Carbon ceramic upgrades will only be available for its bigger sibling, the CT5-V Blackwing.

Performance

2022 Cadillac CT4\-V Blackwing
Photo: Cadillac Motor Car Division
All the aforementioned goodies help the standard M3 accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph (96 kph) in 4.1 seconds. In Competition guise, the acceleration improves to 3.8 seconds, a figure shared with the Blackwing equipped with an automatic gearbox.

Also depending on the factory upgrades, the top speed of BMW’s super sedan is electronically limited to 155 mph (250 kph) or 180 mph (290 kph). As for the Cadillac, GM estimates that it can reach a top speed of 189 mph (304 kph).

Interior Design

2022 Cadillac CT4\-V Blackwing vs\. 2021 BMW M3 Sedan
Photo: Cadillac Motor Car Division / BMW AG.
Normally, I wouldn’t even mention the interior in a comparison between two track-oriented cars, but since these are luxury sedans, it becomes a factor worth considering.

Both come with the latest technological advancements available, including digital gauge clusters, a 10.25-inch display for the M3, and a smaller, 8.0-inch version for the Blackwing. A notable difference is the lack of a head-up display option for the latter model.

When it comes to design, both cabins seem ergonomic, and the abundance of premium materials is evident.

The CT4-V Blackwing is available in three interior trims. As standard, the it's equipped with a performance steering wheel and front leatherette seats, while the additional packages include high-performance seats and carbon fiber trims on the steering wheel, along with additional controls.

BMW has also done a great job with interior design, something that doesn’t surprise anybody. Customers can choose between four standard leather upholstery options, and a pair of gorgeous front carbon-fiber bucket seats are also available as an M Competition upgrade.

Pricing

2022 Cadillac CT4\-V Blackwing
Photo: Cadillac Motor Car Division
Another factor that differentiates the two models is the starting price. Excluding delivery fees and additional taxes, the M3 Sedan starts at $69,900 for the standard version, while the M3 Competition is available for $72,800.

The Cadillac will be sensibly cheaper, with prices starting at $59,990 (also excluding additional fees and taxes).

A fully loaded M3 Competition might have the edge over its rival, but that means paying a lot more for AWD and bump of 60 hp. So, if you don’t have an unlimited budget, the CT4-V Blackwing makes more sense.

The Conclusion

While in terms of design, neither is perfect, when buying a track-focused vehicle performance is the most important factor, and there’s not much to separate these two great cars.

The Cadillac is almost $10,000 cheaper, which is its main advantage, but on paper, an M3 with the whole suite of Competition upgrades is the better high-performance sedan.
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About the author: Vlad Radu
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Vlad's first car was custom coach built: an exotic he made out of wood, cardboard and a borrowed steering wheel at the age of five. Combining his previous experience in writing and car dealership years, his articles focus in depth on special cars of past and present times.
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