Low Angle View of a Front Tire Of a 2025 Cadillac CT5-V

Understanding the Naming of the Cadillac Models

Back in 2015, Cadillac debuted the 2016 CT6, and following that release, they began a utilizing a new alphanumeric naming system. Earlier Cadillac model names — like the Eldorado or the Seville — had an understandable significance in the English language, but elsewhere their meaning was lost. An alphanumeric naming system uses just numbers and letters, allowing Cadillac to create names for their models that were easy to follow and maintain meaning in any language.

Here is how the Cadillac naming system works.

CT

After the CT6 launch, Cadillac debuted the CT category, which stands for “Cadillac Touring.” The Cadillac Touring label is used on the vehicles that fall into sedan segments, like with the CT6 full-size luxury sedan. The Cadillac CTS sedan is consistent with the CT label, but lacks the numeric portion of the name because it was launched over a decade before Cadillac’s updated naming system.

V-Series

For some Cadillac models, consumers notice the addition of a V to the alphanumeric name. This letter sets apart those models that deliver an exceptional performance, including the Cadillac ATS-V, the CTS-V, and the CT6-V.

XT

While Cadillac indicates its sedans with a “CT,” its crossover models involve names that begin with “XT.” Here the “X” stands for “crossover,” making the Cadillac XT4 a “crossover touring 4.” The numbers indicated the size of the model relevant to the rest of the line. For example, the Cadillac XT4 is a smaller option than the Cadillac XT5.

Escalade

One big exception to Cadillac’s current alphanumeric naming system is the Cadillac Escalade. This high-end, full-size luxury SUV is at the top of the Cadillac lineup, so its name distinguishes itself like a separate brand. However, even the Escalade uses some alphabetic abbreviations, like ESV, which refers to the even larger Extended Stretch Vehicle option.