In a dilemma… Help.

[BimmerFan]

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.

 

[rubberduck]

I'll also add that I think the cost of maintaining a On-Star subscription is ridiculous.

Makes me laugh when people buy a $100K car with 13mpg and think $30 a month is insane. How much do you spend every month for coffee or booze? Or maybe you guys are living in your car evading the repo man and supporting a bad crack habit?

 

[BimmerFan]

Makes me laugh when people buy a $100K car with 13mpg and think $30 a month is insane. How much do you spend every month for coffee or booze? Or maybe you guys are living in your car evading the repo man and supporting a bad crack habit?

Hey, I need my coffee. And booze.

 

[ngoni]

Makes me laugh when people buy a $100K car with 13mpg and think $30 a month is insane. How much do you spend every month for coffee or booze? Or maybe you guys are living in your car evading the repo man and supporting a bad crack habit?

I don't want to speak for everyone, but I'm in a position to afford a luxury performance vehicle because I minimize other expenses I don't strictly need. That discipline allows me to have expensive toys. But that's just me.

 

[CBH]

The OnStar connectivity fee is insane because all of us already pay for unlimited 4G/5G connectivity for our phones.

When will the auto industry finally realize people want the car to use the phone's connectivity instead of the other way around ?

Trying to add a ridiculously contrived revenue stream by selling additional connectivity plans that people don't need is insane.

Hopefully it will turn around one day...........

 

[Neek]

Best answer IMO, is to find a gently used one and potentially save yourself a boatload. Unless you have your heart truly set on the aesthetics of the 2025, or the precision package.

I hunted and found a <6000 mile 2023 2 months ago, and ended up with a much better equipped car than the 2025 I was planning (CF 1&2, CF seatbacks, CCBs, etc) for over $35k less than I would have had to spend on the equivalent 2025.

 

[rubberduck]

The OnStar connectivity fee is insane because all of us already pay for unlimited 4G/5G connectivity for our phones.

When will the auto industry finally realize people want the car to use the phone's connectivity instead of the other way around ?

Trying to add a ridiculously contrived revenue stream by selling additional connectivity plans that people don't need is insane.

Hopefully it will turn around one day...........

Sure, it’s a money making scheme. Just like airlines charging for baggage and WiFi. If you don’t need it, don’t sign up (or don’t check in baggage). I prefer to use it for the native navigation most of the time. But to say the price is insane doesn’t cut it. $30 today is a meaningless amount of money.

 

[AC2024]

I love how the 24s look like a car inside— not a spaceship. Best of both worlds IMO-old school gage cluster shape with filly digital
Ans customizable config. The 25 looks like youre piloting the Enterprise and ready to engage the warp drive…. Like most other new cars

 

[Savethemanuals]

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.

From a visual perspective, I think the CF1 pkg adds a next level of sporty/aggressive look and feel like I'd regret not going for it. CF2 on the other hand - feel the opposite. Your point about getting hosed on options when you go to sell it definitely resonates when I look at some of the used prices out there... Most lower equipped cars are asking similar, if not same price as high optioned ones that are same year/mileage and no accidents reported.

I live in the Atlanta area. A couple dealers I spoke with are offering orders at MSRP. Awaiting for them to get their first unsold unit so I can go check it out in person. Should be this week - we shall see.

 

[Savethemanuals]

Anyone out there who went for the middle leather seat option and regretted not going for the semi-aniline? It's a decent investment to go from one to the other, even if you remove the CF seatbacks. Ideally I'd like to experience both firsthand but not sure how realistic that is - at least as the first batches of '25s come in. They'll likely get sold quickly.

Really excited to own one of these beasts. Bittersweet though. Last of its kind. I highly doubt anyone will come out with powertrain that'll compete with this - even Cadillac after the current gen is done. I look at the new M5 and difficult to believe this was a brand that made me a car enthusiast in the mid 90's. Same brand that made cars like the E34 and E39 M5. New one well over 5K lbs..

 

[Kevin0311]

F

Thread 'Seat Trim Questions & DIfferences'

Aug 2, 2023

Hello Everyone,

I am a prospective owner and am really considering a 5BW within the next year or two. I currently have a GT500 and love it but its definitely not a daily driver. I do have a couple questions for you owners and those who know the cars very well.

I am wondering what are the differences between the 2 upgraded seat options? Looking between the high performance Full Semi Aniline Seats for $8090 and the high performance black leather seats that appear quilted for $2890.

What is the main difference between these? i know that the highest package has carbon backs. In terms of...

• fordperfaddict
• Replies: 18
• Forum: Blackwing General Discussion

several threads but this one seemed to have the most useful info, i also was looking into if was worth the upgrade a while back.

 

[BW56M]

Anyone out there who went for the middle leather seat option and regretted not going for the semi-aniline? It's a decent investment to go from one to the other, even if you remove the CF seatbacks.

My take on the subject and it only pertains to Sky Cool Gray. I have the mid teir interior in my car. I don't regret it one bit. I personally prefer the lighter of the two interiors. I'd say it depends on the color of interior you prefer. The mid teir will be much lighter, with more gray than black. The upgraded interior will be darker, with more black than gray. I don't think you can go wrong with either.

 

[668LT4]

Anyone out there who went for the middle leather seat option and regretted not going for the semi-aniline? It's a decent investment to go from one to the other, even if you remove the CF seatbacks. Ideally I'd like to experience both firsthand but not sure how realistic that is - at least as the first batches of '25s come in. They'll likely get sold quickly.

I have owned both and find the semi-aniline seats superior in terms of comfort, leather quality, and aesthetics. It would be the last option I would part with. Carbon packs, wheels, PDR - if I could only have one option on the car, it is the SA seats for me.

 

[FLYARMY]

My ONLY regret was not optioning the Performance Data Recorder. In the scheme of things, it was only $1600 more or 2 extra payments for me.

 

[Neveready]

Anyone out there who went for the middle leather seat option and regretted not going for the semi-aniline? It's a decent investment to go from one to the other, even if you remove the CF seatbacks. Ideally I'd like to experience both firsthand but not sure how realistic that is - at least as the first batches of '25s come in. They'll likely get sold quickly.

I had both mid tier in my 22 BW and SA in my 24 BW, it’s so much more comfortable IMO. It’s not about the quality of the leather as much as the padding in the bottom seat. I have a bad back and on 2+ hour trips the mid tier seats took a toll on the overall comfort and enjoyment of the car. When I went to buy my 24 the optional SA seats were a must have.

If you have any back issues and or plan to take this car on roadtrips then I would not hesitate to get the upgraded SA seats. I choose CF delete because for me it’s a waste of money (I cover the seat backs because my tiny humans kick and scratch them). Personally, the CF seat backs look cool and are a unique touch but I would rather spend $3k on other options.

 

[rubberduck]

My ONLY regret was not optioning the Performance Data Recorder. In the scheme of things, it was only $1600 more or 2 extra payments for me.

There are several aftermarket options for track data/video logging at various price points. For street a high end dash cam is sufficient.

The SA seats on the other hand are better to be in the car as opposed to a later retrofit. I find the SA seats to be very comfortable and the CF looks incredible. There was no SA non-CF option in 22.

 

[DaddyC]

For me, it comes down to whether you prefer the new front end and dashboard. I think these two changes make the car more future-proof... the big screen trend is likely to continue into the future, and the new headlights are more in line with what Cadillac will have in their vehicles for the next ~5-10 years.

I also didn't like that the screen on the 2024 looked exactly like the screen on my wife's Yukon.

Therefore, I cancelled my order of the 2024 model way back and got in line for the 2025 model, which should be arriving in the next few days.

Either way, if you value all the optional packages, but $130K is beyond your budget, you can look for a lightly used car with the options you want. For the 2025, just need to wait a year or so. I imagine a lot of people sell these cars early and move to the next thing.

 

[bloominguez]

For me, it comes down to whether you prefer the new front end and dashboard. I think these two changes make the car more future-proof... the big screen trend is likely to continue into the future, and the new headlights are more in line with what Cadillac will have in their vehicles for the next ~5-10 years.

I also didn't like that the screen on the 2024 looked exactly like the screen on my wife's Yukon.

Therefore, I cancelled my order of the 2024 model way back and got in line for the 2025 model, which should be arriving in the next few days.

Either way, if you value all the optional packages, but $130K is beyond your budget, you can look for a lightly used car with the options you want. For the 2025, just need to wait a year or so. I imagine a lot of people sell these cars early and move to the next thing.

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...

Long time lurker. Been wanting a CT5V BW since it debuted and now I’m in a position to pull the trigger. With ‘25’s being imminent on dealer lots, there are good deals to be found on new ‘24’s. My dilemma is, do I pull the trigger on a relatively high msrp ‘24, or on a more modestly equipped ‘25 at msrp at a similar price?

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

 

[T.O.Blackwing]

… I find the SA seats to be very comfortable and the CF looks incredible…

Agree 100%.
Having owned a 22 with the base seats, though, I should add that they are nearly as comfortable.
Not quite, but nearly, and with the same heating, cooling, and massage features.
Also, while there is no comparison in the looks department, the CF backed seats in my 24 did come at a considerable extra cost, and my guess is that down the road I won’t earn the extra $$$ back on resale.
For example, I managed to sell my 22 for a tad more than what I paid for it (BWs are rarer in Canada so keep their value better here) but I don’t think I would have been able to do that if it had the SA/CF seats.