Ride differences 24 vs 25

[MB1]

Hey all - I test drove a 24 5BW manual with the diamond pattern seats and a 25 BW auto with base seats. I first took out the 25 auto with base seats and when I drove the 24 manual with diamond seats I found the ride itself to be vastly different. The 24 was much more firm and rode more like a sportscar (which I liked) and the 25 was much more subdued. I had them both in sport mode. I'm thinking going with an auto but like a sporty ride that the 24 seemed to deliver much more so.

Without the precision package, does anyone know if there were changes made to the suspension that would be overly apparent on the 25? Maybe a different calibration due to it being an auto? Doubt it but thought I'd ask. It was immediately obvious taking it off the lot.

Second if I go with an automatic on the new car, I noticed that it has a different steering wheel now. Any way to change the wheel to the same alcantara one that comes with the manual? Not sure if anyone has done that or not.

 

[1Evil55]

Were the suspension settings both set the same? There is a very noticeable difference when set differently. No changes in suspension.

 

[jbawden]

Alcantara wheel (and other bits) is an option, not connected to the transmission choice...there is no choice, give me manual or give me death!

No changes to suspension between model years or options outside of the precision package, but then that wasn't an option in 2024. If you're 100% sure the settings were identical, the only thing I can think is the base seats are more "old Cadillac" and may not transfer the road feel as much as the proper seats in the '24.

 

[DCV]

You should go to V mode on each one. Use the same exact settings on both cars, and test drive them. Set each of the adjustable control sliders on the screen to the same setting on each car. It’s got a huge amount of adjustments and many many possible settings. Each slider control in V mode has three or four possible settings, for steering, suspension, throttle, brakes, exhaust. And you can feel the change in each one with a single step.

 

[MB1]

Yes, I used the sport setting on both so they were set the same for the comparison. I thought it was odd. Even the salesguy noticed how different they were. So confused...

The seats could make some of the difference but I wouldn't imagine that much. I can say for sure I like the diamond pattern optional seats by a long shot. Much, much better.

When you build a new on on Cadillac.com, if you select the Alcantara wheel, its deselects the auto transmission and gives you (IMO) the uglier wheel. I thought the auto was well suited to this car but the manual was nice, just maybe not what I'm looking for in this car purchase but that wheel was not to my liking.

 

[Finally-a-V]

FWIW....my 4 had the quilted seats. I found them a bit firm. My 5 has the top trim seats with carbon backs and I think they are very comfortable. So, it could be the seats. Many folks say the standard seats are very comfy too.

 

[MB1]

FWIW....my 4 had the quilted seats. I found them a bit firm. My 5 has the top trim seats with carbon backs and I think they are very comfortable. So, it could be the seats. Many folks say the standard seats are very comfy too.

Interesting that the the semi-aniline seats more comfortable than the quilted. It makes sense given the additional 6K but I've never sat in those. I'd be interested in hearing from others that have also tried both. Thanks for the feedback on that.

 

[blkout]

No changes in suspension in any of the Blackwing years. I own a 2024 CT5 BW and my wife has a 2025 CT5 BW, they both ride the same.

 

[Champale]

Any difference in tires? Or psi? Either of those could account for a difference in ride quality.

But I'm not sure anyone actually has confirmed that the suspension tuning is exactly the same between the years. That would probably require someone hacking into the mag ride computer. Has DSC or someone like that done it yet? It is not uncommon at all for manufacturers to subtly change suspension tuning from one model year to the next.

 

[blkout]

Its a moot point to compare unless you can verify the same tire pressure, same suspension mode, and same driving conditions. Even a car that has sat for a week or two without being driven will ride different than a car that gets driven every day. My 2024 and my wife's 2025 is as close of a comparison as you will likely see, we both run the same tire pressure, same suspension mode, both get driven almost every day and can be driven back to back for comparison. Literally the only difference between mine and her car are the seats, I have sport diamond pattern seats and hers as the base comfort seats. The seats do feel different, the sport diamond pattern are more firm but the ride quality in mine and hers are both the same.

 

[MB1]

Thanks everyone. Both cars were cold but perhaps there was a setting difference. I'll have to double-check the next time I drive one unless I just end up ordering one. The sales guy put them both in sport but he wasn't super knowledgeable about these cars so I'll just have to spend more time in each mode. These test drives are so short, I never can spend enough time to evaluate a car. If anyone has one that wouldn't mind giving me a ride (not asking to drive it) for a few minutes, that would be great near East Atlanta. LOL.

I can say this for sure, this car is a beast for the short drive I had. Such a crazy 4 door.

 

[Hi Ho Silver]

Hey all - I test drove a 24 5BW manual with the diamond pattern seats and a 25 BW auto with base seats. I first took out the 25 auto with base seats and when I drove the 24 manual with diamond seats I found the ride itself to be vastly different. The 24 was much more firm and rode more like a sportscar (which I liked) and the 25 was much more subdued. I had them both in sport mode. I'm thinking going with an auto but like a sporty ride that the 24 seemed to deliver much more so.

Without the precision package, does anyone know if there were changes made to the suspension that would be overly apparent on the 25? Maybe a different calibration due to it being an auto? Doubt it but thought I'd ask. It was immediately obvious taking it off the lot.

Second if I go with an automatic on the new car, I noticed that it has a different steering wheel now. Any way to change the wheel to the same alcantara one that comes with the manual? Not sure if anyone has done that or not.

I noticed no difference on my 26' vs 23'...both manual. FYI the automatic , though not my choice, has more safety options , like auto braking, that don't apply to the manual.

 

[wfdeacon88]

Its a moot point to compare unless you can verify the same tire pressure, same suspension mode, and same driving conditions. Even a car that has sat for a week or two without being driven will ride different than a car that gets driven every day. My 2024 and my wife's 2025 is as close of a comparison as you will likely see, we both run the same tire pressure, same suspension mode, both get driven almost every day and can be driven back to back for comparison. Literally the only difference between mine and her car are the seats, I have sport diamond pattern seats and hers as the base comfort seats. The seats do feel different, the sport diamond pattern are more firm but the ride quality in mine and hers are both the same.

The ultimate scientific test here!

 

[MiCaddy]

I'm still trying to figure out what the best seats would be for my needs after 3 test rides lasting 10-20 minutes, 2 with base seats, the other with the 'quilted'.

Butt in seat intervals, long distance or weekend drives, track days, etc. all factor in making the best choice.

So far, my compromise leans toward the sportier 'quilteds'.

Maybe someone on this site has had a BW5 or 4 long-term and can say whether the seats softened up over time.

miC

 

[blkout]

I'm still trying to figure out what the best seats would be for my needs after 3 test rides lasting 10-20 minutes, 2 with base seats, the other with the 'quilted'.

Butt in seat intervals, long distance or weekend drives, track days, etc. all factor in making the best choice.

So far, my compromise leans toward the sportier 'quilteds'.

Maybe someone on this site has had a BW5 or 4 long-term and can say whether the seats softened up over time.

miC

Real simple, the base comfort seats are softer and feel better for longer drives but don't hold you in place as well if you're driving aggressively though turns due to smaller bolsters in the hips and torso, The sport diamond pattern (quilted) seats are more firm but have better side bolstering if you drive the car more aggressively through turns. For me, it had to be the sport seats since I wanted more bolstering. My wife and I have had ours cars almost a year now and neither seat has really softened.

 

[dribs15]

Bottom line: there is no difference in ride firmness between years...but noticeable variations can be based on options chosen (when selecting your factory build*) and/or settings (that can be changed every time you drive).

*Seats and precision package are likely the 2 big difference makers regarding firmness of ride.

 

[BigShark]

I'd bet it was the different seat settings or maybe the tire pressures weren't the same - those diamond seats are way firmer and might make the whole ride feel different even if the suspension is identical.

 

[1Evil55]

Any difference in tires? Or psi? Either of those could account for a difference in ride quality.

But I'm not sure anyone actually has confirmed that the suspension tuning is exactly the same between the years. That would probably require someone hacking into the mag ride computer. Has DSC or someone like that done it yet? It is not uncommon at all for manufacturers to subtly change suspension tuning from one model year to the next.

I would think Cadillac would advertise changes if they were made in more support of the price increase every year.

 

[Z28]

It’s probably tire pressure differences. Makes a big difference in ride quality.

If the car is new it’s possible they didn’t take the transport blocks out of the front springs.

 

[1Evil55]

Did they even have the same tire? Run flats are hard and noisy.