We’re at the end of an era for luxury sport compact sedans. The segment BMW invented with the 1986 M3 has long embraced change. The little four-cylinder homologation specials that matured the class beyond icons such as the 2002 eventually became V-8-powered cruise missiles in the early ’00s. The engines have downsized to forced-induction sixes as times changed, and with nearly every automaker promising to electrify their lineups soon, we’re witnessing yet another transition. But thanks to cars such as the new 2022 BMW M3 Competition and 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing, the internal combustion sport sedan is going out with a bang.
RIDING ON GM’S REAR-DRIVE ALPHA PLATFORM, THE CADILLAC CT4-V BLACKWING IS A STUD.
Pitting the M3 Comp (the top dog of the M3/M4 lineup) against the CT4-V Blackwing (effectively comparison test, was long one of our favorite vehicles in the segment. The new CT4-V Blackwing, simply put, makes the ATS-V better. Its 3.6-liter twin-turbo V-6 gets a small output boost, now churning out 472 hp and 445 lb-ft of torque, and it’s paired with an optional quick-shifting 10-speed automatic (a six-speed manual is standard). Crucially, it’s also fit with the latest generation of MagneRide dampers, and that’s about it in terms of non-aesthetic changes. Prices start at $59,900, but the one you see here stickers for $80,235.
