BMW 7 Series vs Cadillac CT5

The 2024 BMW 7 Series presented a more conventional design compared to its predecessors, with a traditional luxury sedan shape from the windshield backward. However, the front of the car featured a massive grille, similar to other recent BMW models, flanked by narrow LED headlights and large projector beams. This bold design was an acquired taste for some. The car offered a wide array of color and trim choices, including two-tone schemes on the 760i trim, which varied its appearance significantly. The interior of the 7 Series was less controversial, featuring beautifully made metal grilles hiding the speakers and seats available in various materials and colors. The cabin also included a big curved screen infotainment display and a rear-seat theater screen, adding to its luxurious feel.

In contrast, the 2025 Cadillac CT5 maintained its appealing look and comfortable interior, though it lacked some sophistication compared to its rivals. The refreshed CT5 lineup included Premium Luxury, Sport, CT5-V, and CT5-V Blackwing variants. The test car featured Premium Luxury trim with options like a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine and all-wheel drive. The CT5's new face included vertically stacked headlights and larger running light bars. Inside, the CT5 boasted a new 33-inch display dominating the interior, with a more upscale look for the climate control icons. The cabin featured carbon fiber interior trim and semi-aniline leather upholstery, enhancing its luxury feel. However, some inexpensive plastic elements and noticeable powertrain noise detracted from the overall experience.

The 2024 BMW 7 Series offered three potent powertrains, including the 740i, 760i, and the new 750e plug-in hybrid. The 740i featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, with an optional all-wheel drive. The 760i boasted a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 with 536 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds. The 750e combined a 3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. It offered impressive fuel mileage, rated at 65 MPGe (electric) and 25 mpg (gas) combined. However, the 750e's power delivery and braking were inconsistent at lower speeds. All versions of the 7 Series handled like sports sedans, with precise steering and relatively little body roll.

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 came with a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The test car featured the optional twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, delivering 335 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. The V6 and all-wheel drive upgrades added $5,500 to the test vehicle. The CT5's fuel economy was slightly lower, with the turbo-four achieving 25-26 mpg combined and the twin-turbo six returning 21-22 mpg combined. The CT5 was louder inside than expected for a midsize luxury sedan but proved effortless to drive on highways. The Super Cruise hands-free driving system was a standout feature, providing excellent performance on approved roads. The CT5's platform ensured a lively drive, though the Premium Luxury trim felt softer and less athletic than other versions.

The 2024 BMW 7 Series, available only as a long-wheelbase sedan, offered a comfortable and opulent experience. The front seats were well-padded and supportive, with optional massaging functions. Rear passengers enjoyed 42.8 inches of legroom and door-mounted control screens for comfort and entertainment functions. The 7 Series provided ample cargo space, with the 750e offering 18.5 cubic feet and gas-only models 19.1 cubic feet. However, some features, like the automatic doors, were finicky and not always practical.

The 2025 Cadillac CT5, while comfortable for road trips, was louder on the road than preferred. The front seats lacked side bolsters but offered heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Rear-seat passengers had good legroom but limited headroom. Interior storage was adequate, with a wireless smartphone charger conveniently located. Cargo space was tight at 11.9 cubic feet, with an uneven trunk floor making it challenging to load full-size suitcases flat. However, the enclosed trunk hinges allowed for efficient use of space.

The 2024 BMW 7 Series featured a massive curved-screen display, combining a 12.3-inch driver's screen with a 14.9-inch infotainment display. The interface was primarily touchscreen-driven, with the updated iDrive 8.5 software offering more customization options. However, the system was complex and required navigating through numerous menus. The voice assistant was helpful but occasionally inaccurate. The 7 Series included an 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins stereo, with an optional 40-speaker surround-sound system. The 31.3-inch theater screen was a dramatic interior feature but blocked the rearview mirror when in use.

The 2025 Cadillac CT5's standout feature was its new 33-inch panoramic display, housing three screens. The infotainment system included Google Built-in technology, offering Google Assistant, Google Maps, and access to apps via Google Play. The CT5 also supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The user interface was intuitive, with multiple interaction methods available. The CT5 offered an optional head-up display and a digital rearview mirror, enhancing its technological appeal.

The 2024 BMW 7 Series had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it shared its platform with the BMW 5 Series, which earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation. The 7 Series offered standard active safety features, including forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. However, advanced systems like adaptive cruise control and automated parking assist were part of optional packages. BMW's systems operated smoothly, though GM's Super Cruise was considered superior.

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 came equipped with a comprehensive set of driving assistance systems, including a surround-view camera system and semi-automated parking assist. The highlight was Super Cruise, offering hands-free driving capability on approved roads. The CT5 performed well in crash tests, receiving top five-star ratings from the NHTSA in all evaluations, including rollover resistance.