The CT6-V is the flagship of Cadillac's V sub-brand, in terms of performance and opulence. We weren’t sure the model would continue past its 2019 introduction, but Cadillac has decided to offer it in extremely limited numbers for 2020.

The CT6-V shares its exterior design with lesser versions of the CT6. Chrome ornamentation is at a minimum, and the overall effect is subtle and dignified. It’s the same story inside, with well-cushioned seating in either black or dark brown and carbon-fiber trim, but none of the alcantara or go-fast interfaces that you’d typically associate with a performance car.

At the heart of the CT6-V is the Blackwing engine, a hand-built twin-turbocharged 4.2-liter V8 not shared with any other Cadillac. It makes an impressive 550 horsepower and 640 pound-feet of torque, which is enough to get you to 60 miles per hour in just 3.8 seconds. A 10-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels. You also get a drive-mode selector with four programs: Tour, Sport, Snow, and Track. Large Brembo brakes, a mechanical limited-slip differential, active rear steering, and magnetic ride control give the CT6-V extra edge.

Cadillac sells the CT6-V in a single well-equipped trim. Standard features include 20-inch alloy wheels, keyless access and start, a Bose Panray sound system with 34 speakers, a 10.2-inch navigation system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability, a sunroof, 16-way power driver seat, heated and cooled front seats, heated backseat, memory settings, illuminated sill plates, a heated steering wheel, a 12-inch color instrument cluster LCD, magnesium paddle shifters, and remote start. There are no options to speak of from there.

Despite all that performance, the CT6-V does not shirk its safety duties. A reversing camera with a washer, a head-up display, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, night vision, a following-distance indicator, reverse automatic braking, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, safety alert seating, and adaptive cruise control are all standard. No version of the CT6 has been crash-tested by any outside agency, but that’s par for the course with large luxury sedans.

The 2020 Cadillac CT6-V is a delightful blend of performance and luxury. Look for it starting in early 2020.