In a dilemma… Help.

[DaddyC]

I actually think the new screens make these cars (not just Cadillac, of course) *less* future-proof. People will look back and laugh and say, oh, that's when manufacturers didn't know to integrate screens into the design very well and just gave up. The screens will "date" cars of this generation. Manufacturers will gradually re-think what a good user interface with screens should look like, and I suspect these early versions will not age well. Just my opinion.

I also don't like the looks of the new front end as much. Makes no difference to me whether my car is "more in line with what Cadillac will have in their vehicles for the next ~5-10 years." I think it's more important to have a better looking car than have something that shares design DNA with a bunch of SUVs they are pushing. Again, just my opinion.

Neither would stop me from buying a '25 based on how well the car drives, so these things are not *that* important, but I'm happy I have a '22. I think the previous dash at least looks a little more old school, and that feels consistent, in my mind, with having a gas-guzzling V8, manual transmission, RWD, etc.


So, in answer to the original question...


...I'd go with the more heavily optioned '24, as opposed to a '25, for a similar price.

I very much disagree regarding screens. I think it is very clear that the "iPad sticking from dashboard" way of putting screens in cars, like the 2024 model, is exactly the essence of "when manufacturers didn't know how to integrate screens".

About the front-end, I do think the 2024 front fascia is pretty unique vs. other Cadillacs, so it makes it more special. And it looks nice.

There is some ownership bias on this forum since nobody owns the 2025s yet, and people tend to prefer the thing they already dropped 100 grand on. As you have more 2025 and beyond owners, I am sure there will be more positive opinions on the new front fascia.

But the big issue I find with Cadillacs (and BMWs), compared to Mercedes and Lexus, is how the looks get outdated quickly. You could be driving a 2014 Mercedes or Lexus today, and they look fairly new. Now look at a 2014 Cadillac or 2014 BMW 5 series - their designs look 20-30 years old.

That is why I prefer to get the latest design language from Cadillac, which might feel fresh for longer. I also just think it is nicer.

 

[DaddyC]

My wifes XT6 has analog gauges in MPH, RPM and digital splashed around those and I absolutely love those big analog needles...but that's me?

Yeah. Old school gauges are very cool and user-friendly. All digital, large screens are also very cool (think Tesla, new BMWs).

What I don't like very much are the dashboards that mix analog and digital. I think those will look very outdated soon.

 

[rubberduck]

There is some ownership bias on this forum since nobody owns the 2025s yet, and people tend to prefer the thing they already dropped 100 grand on. As you have more 2025 and beyond owners, I am sure there will be more positive opinions on the new front fascia.

Not really, it’s all mental attitude. Shifting the focus away from being unhappy because I want something else versus being happy with what I have. I’m very satisfied with my car and have no need to look for something else.

 

[PrimeTime]

For me a driver and looks, saber tooth front and no Jumbo Tron..... Her eyes.

Separates it aesthetically in the fascia from its brother.

For track stones and some extra tech if you need it, the precision pack and a 25.

Different flavors for different tastes.

What I would share is the bones are pretty much the same 22 to 25 and its a fantastic car!

Soon, AM will source the extra bits for the performance pack including the suspension tuning, that's my guess? Build it factory or AM, and they will come.

Good luck, you cant go wrong really. Keep us posted! Happy Holidays to all!

 

[T.O.Blackwing]

That is why I prefer to get the latest design language from Cadillac, which might feel fresh for longer. I also just think it is nicer.

Newer doesn’t mean better.
Glad I have a ‘24, but I suppose in the end it’s a matter of taste.

 

[T.O.Blackwing]

… and as for the infotainment screen, I like the 25 a little more but frankly both the 24 and 25 will be considered equally archaic down the road.
Here’s “cutting edge” GM 1980s, for example.

Ultimately it’s the drivetrain and chassis that will qualify this car as a classic. Genesis does better interiors, frankly, and the new screen doesn’t improve the Caddy’s that much, if it all.
Matter of taste, again IMHO.
But in the end, so what: that’s not what the Blackwings are about.

 

[PrimeTime]

This^^^^ what's new today is old and "archaic" tomorrow. True of most all things, I suppose.

 

[PrimeTime]

Wow. This quickly degenerated into a techie-word-jumble of obscure (to me) technology acronyms. Based on the OP's original question, or OQ, I'd say that it really depends on whether or not you want those options. The CF bits look great, but me personally, I can do without all of the other stuff, and that's why I bought a stripper. OK, actually for me it was mostly price. I tend to flip cars rather quickly, and when doing that with new cars, I get hosed when it's a high option car. So I go low option now. And it also depends on whether or not you like the 25's big screen and styling updates.

And even though I'll likely keep this car a long time, I have no regrets about missing options.

I'll also add that I think the cost of maintaining a On-Star subscription is ridiculous. So the whole 4/5/6G conversation is lost on me, because I don't take advantage of the in-car connectivity. I focus on driving, not that other stuff. But I'm a luddite, so take that with a grain of salt.

OP, where are you (I'm guessing Charlotte) in the state? Around here, it's extremely difficult to find a CT5V-BW in stock, and if you do, it likely has an ADM on it. Even automatics.

Fading fast!

 

[DaddyC]

All folks making fair points. But OP’s question was about choosing 2024 vs 2025. But y’all are just answering “nothing matters as long as it is a CT5-V BW”. Old is the same as new. Tech is all going to be obsolete 50 years from now like the 1978 TransAm… not sure helpful

 

[DCV]

I’ll give you old tech….

 

[jbawden]

All folks making fair points. But OP’s question was about choosing 2024 vs 2025. But y’all are just answering “nothing matters as long as it is a CT5-V BW”. Old is the same as new. Tech is all going to be obsolete 50 years from now like the 1978 TransAm… not sure helpful

Because they are both the same car outside the mega screen and some front facia strips. The OP owes us beers for our sage advice! 4g hardware will age out before 5g, but they are both going to age out. That is what I like about the iPad on the dash, I can VHB tape a new one to it in 2032 and have current connectivity again.

 

[Roadhawk]

My wifes XT6 has analog gauges in MPH, RPM and digital splashed around those and I absolutely love those big analog needles...but that's me?

I find our 2004 BMW 330 ZHP to be absolute perfection inside and out. Sure its basic....but it does everything I need (as a driver...and thats what its mostly all about IMO). I love the analogue gauges and the simplicity....less distractions. Sure all this new fangled tech has its uses. I like all the engine and other performance info thats easily available in our BW....and car play and such is very handy and good for a lot of things. But i could easily live without all of it....for a car that drives great and makes me grin ear to ear. Like you said - thats just me....and I get it.

But I have to say I just laugh when i see car commercials selling cars to folks based on the tech. I get it....folks are focused on that stuff...but I think a lot of them are the same folks that you see on videos putting their cars into drive instead of reverse and plowing through their garage door. To each their own I guess. It only bothers me when I realize that the new cars - as good as they are - are less appealing to me and if I live long enough I won't have any (new car) options that I would care to drive at all.

Self driving? Take the bus...

 

[Roadhawk]

Not really, it’s all mental attitude. Shifting the focus away from being unhappy because I want something else versus being happy with what I have. I’m very satisfied with my car and have no need to look for something else.

I feel this way about my GTI. There is little about any of the newer ones that makes me want them over what I have. Sure they're faster stock....but mine ain't stock. And mine handles as well...if not significantly better. And its probably lighter and more nimble. Who needs new? because it comes in some fancy paint scheme?

I did have a lot of laughs back in the day when the (made in Mexico vs Germany) MK VIIs were coming out and all the MK VI folks (like me) on the forums were finding so many reasons to claim the VI was better. In hindsight it probably isn't....but really now....pretty much the same animal, And all that is ancient history now...forgotten and meaningless.

 

[5VBW Nick]

 

[T.O.Blackwing]

To get back on topic, unless there is an easily accessible volume control function available on the new touchscreen itself, the lack of a physical volume knob alone would be a dealbreaker for me if I was currently choosing between a pre- and post-refresh CT5 BW:

Order bank open date 2025 CT5V BW?

Could GM really be that dumb…. ?

 

[leres]

To get back on topic, unless there is an easily accessible volume control function available on the new touchscreen itself, the lack of a physical volume knob alone would be a dealbreaker for me if was currently choosing between a pre- and post-refresh CT5 BW:

Once I got my first car with steering wheel volume controls I pretty much stopped using the knob on the center console....

 

[T.O.Blackwing]

Once I got my first car with steering wheel volume controls I pretty much stopped using the knob on the center console....

Sure, but what about your front seat passenger?
“I’ll be fine but here, put on this hair shirt before we go on a journey in my $100k luxury sports sedan.”

 

[MookdocOE]

… and as for the infotainment screen, I like the 25 a little more but frankly both the 24 and 25 will be considered equally archaic down the road.
Here’s “cutting edge” GM 1980s, for example.
View attachment 28588
Ultimately it’s the drivetrain and chassis that will qualify this car as a classic. Genesis does better interiors, frankly, and the new screen doesn’t improve the Caddy’s that much, if it all.
Matter of taste, again IMHO.
But in the end, so what: that’s not what the Blackwings are about.

Believe that was the 1st touch screen! That car was cool back in the day and the leather that that dash and "TECH"

 

[leres]

Sure, but what about your front seat passenger?

Sounds like you should stick with the automatic (or get a BMW?)

 

[T.O.Blackwing]

Sounds like you should stick with the automatic (or get a BMW?)

I own a manual.
It’s my second one, in fact.
A ‘24, having owned a ‘22 before that.
And before that I owned an auto V Wagon.
But what the heck does what I drive have to do with this anyway?
The OP wants to know the pros and cons of ‘24s versus ‘25s.
And my point, for him, is that the dummies at GM should have figured this kind of thing out for such an expensive car when they revised the dash as I, for one, would find this fail more significant than the overall aesthetic improvement of the new interior design.
It’s a sedan, after all, meant to carry passengers and fulfill a variety of needs, including long distance travel when you might want your buddy or spouse to be in charge of the tunes, for example.
It is NOT a dedicated sports car, after all, but a luxury sports sedan.
And in most respects it’s pretty good at luxury while also being fantastic at sports.
In fact, manual or auto, I would guess that 90% of the people buying one of these cars drive theirs like a regular sedan 90% of the time, and 95% never get on a track.
But order a manual and you don’t get a volume knob?
WTF?