Hello everyone, Christopher here. I’m excited to share my initial thoughts on my recently acquired 2022 CT4-V Blackwing Car, or as enthusiasts call it, the 4BW. Having just clocked around 250 miles, it’s still in the break-in period, but I wanted to give a quick review, especially for those considering ordering one and wondering about family practicality. As someone coming from a long history with Honda and BMW – including several S2000s and M3s – Cadillac is a new venture for me.
Stepping into the Blackwing Car Cabin: Interior and Features
Moving into the interior of the Blackwing car, the fit and finish are definitely commendable for its price point. While it might not surpass BMW in unseen material quality – areas like lower dash leather or softer door cards – it’s still a very pleasant space. The infotainment system is user-friendly, a big plus for me. I especially appreciate the physical buttons for climate control; the touchscreen is primarily for navigation, radio, and vehicle settings, which keeps things straightforward while driving.
However, the cabin does feel a touch more enclosed compared to my previous M3s. The higher window line and tighter space give it a cockpit-like feel. It’s not claustrophobic, but BMW interiors definitely offer a more open and airy ambiance.
Driving Dynamics and the Tremec Shifter in the Blackwing Car
One of the standout features of the Blackwing car is the Tremec shifter. The shifter linkage is a significant improvement over any M3 I’ve owned – it’s incredibly direct and precise. My only minor point is the shifter position feels slightly rearward for my personal preference. Being 5’7″ and sitting closer to the wheel, this might be more about my driving position than a general issue.
Practicality: Trunk Space and Seating in the Blackwing Car
The trunk space in the CT4-V Blackwing car is surprisingly generous, with a wide opening. The sill is a bit high, but overall, it’s a very usable space, though I haven’t had much opportunity to fully utilize it yet.
The front seats are exceptionally comfortable, even with their aggressive bolstering. The lumbar and thigh support adjustments allow for a truly customized and supportive driving position. Rear seat room in the Blackwing car is comparable to my E90 M3 – adequate but not overly spacious. At 5’7″, I find sufficient knee and headroom when sitting behind my own driving position. Getting in and out of the rear seats is a bit tight, but manageable.
Family Considerations: Child Seats in the Blackwing Car
Rear seat space was a consideration for child seats, and while the CT5-V Blackwing might offer more room, the CT4-V Blackwing car works well for my needs, especially considering dealer markups on larger models. I have two young children, ages 4 and 1.5, and two forward-facing child seats fit comfortably in the back. There’s enough legroom for the kids even with the front seats adjusted for my wife and me. I highly recommend seat back protectors for both the rear and front seats, a practice I’ve continued from my BMWs. It’s worth noting that a rear-facing child seat would likely compromise front seat space in the Blackwing car, similar to my E90 and F80 M3s.
Final Thoughts (So Far) on the Blackwing Car
These are just my very initial impressions of the CT4-V Blackwing car. I’m looking forward to providing more in-depth reviews as I put more miles on it, especially once the break-in period is over and I can explore its full performance capabilities. I also plan to draw more detailed comparisons to my E90 M3 along the way.
Stay tuned for more updates!
Best Regards,
Christopher
