2009 BMW M5 vs 2009 Cadillac CTS-V - Results - Comparison

For fun, we ran the same road course in a new Lotus Exige S 260. It clocked a 57.0. Think about that for a moment. Two four-door sedans, loaded with leather, navigation systems, premium audio, power everything, sunroofs, trunks, etc., clock lap times barely a second and a blink off a purebred, 2032-pound, two-seat sports car with all the creature comforts of a jail cell. Also, golf clubs look silly on the rear wing of the Lotus.

Priced at $94,895 as-tested, the BMW M5 says "premium" from the bottom line on its window sticker to the velvety feel of its controls to the secure embrace of its sport seats. The CTS-V can't match the BMW for fit and finish (one example: when raising the driver-seat headrest, the anchor plugs pulled out of the seat back), and it's simply not as finely matured as its Bavarian rival. Even at $3400, the CTS-V's optional Recaro front buckets can't compare with the BMW's thrones for holding you in place when driving hard (the Caddy's $300 suede wheel is a nice touch, though). Then again, at $67,540 as-tested the Cadillac undercuts the BMW by nearly $30 grand. For its lofty admission price, the BMW had BETTER be built like a Tiffany clock.

Yet where it really matters, as a performance sedan, the CTS-V soundly spanks the M5. It's quicker in a straight line, handles better, steers better, even rides better (credit those amazing, multitalented magnetorheological shocks).

An all-new M5, rumored to develop 600-plus horsepower, is coming for 2011. Until then, though, it's the Cadillac CTS-V that best reflects the supersedan state of the art.

FIRST PLACE: Cadillac CTS-V
Glitzy exterior and cabin plus some finish issues detract from premium feel, but delivers where it counts. A Corvette ZR1 in four-door attire -- and a bargain to boot.

SECOND PLACE: BMW M5
Masterfully executed, but priced accordingly. Handling not on par with BMW's best, though, and V-10 power no match for Caddy's supercharged V-8.