Cadillac has confirmed that production of its current-generation CT4 and CT5 sedans will cease after the 2026 model year. While the end of these models marks the close of a chapter for Cadillac’s compact & midsize sedans, the marque has assured customers that the CT5 nameplate will return in a next-generation model featuring traditional gas-powered engines. This new CT5 replacement is slated for manufacturing at the Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant in Michigan, though details on exact production timing remain under wraps.
Production Timeline & Legacy
The CT4 will conclude production by June 2026, while the CT5’s production will continue until late 2026. Cadillac’s vice president, John Roth, communicated to dealers and stakeholders that though these generations are ending, the CT5’s legacy will continue with a new internal combustion engine (ICE) sedan. The next CT5 generation will maintain Cadillac’s focus on performance & luxury, designed and assembled in Lansing, Michigan, where the current CT4 and CT5 are produced.
Powertrain Expectations & Market Positioning
The replacement CT5 will reportedly retain a variety of gasoline engines to serve different buyer needs, including a possible V-8 in performance trim that works well with the brand’s heritage and consumer expectations in markets like the Middle East. General Motors recently announced a $1.25 billion investment to upgrade the Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant to keep ICE production viable amid industry electrification trends.
While the V-8 powertrain continues to be a key part of Cadillac’s performance models, such as the CT5-V Blackwing, the brand will likely continue to offer four-cylinder and V-6 engines in other trims, ensuring a wide market appeal.
Implications For Middle East Customers
In the Middle East, where Cadillac has a strong luxury sedan market presence, the news of the CT4 and CT5 phaseout underscores shifting consumer preferences and regulatory considerations. The brand’s commitment to producing a next-generation CT5 with ICE power should resonate well with enthusiasts and buyers who favour traditional internal combustion power for its characteristic performance and sound.
While the exact launch and pricing details in AED for the new CT5 are yet to be revealed, customers can anticipate a modern, well-equipped luxury sedan that builds on the strengths of its predecessor while offering contemporary refinement and technology.
Conclusion
Cadillac’s decision to discontinue the CT4 and CT5 after 2026 marks a pivotal moment as the brand pivots its lineup and production focus. The CT5’s promised return as a gas-powered, Lansing-built sedan ensures that Cadillac’s midsize luxury sedan legacy endures, catering both to traditional luxury sedan enthusiasts and the evolving tastes of markets such as the Middle East.
