Nonetheless, it soldiered on, creating an all-new
Seville in the 1980s that was designed to have a European flair.
The effort was only partially successful, limited by the front-wheel-drive
chassis and manufacturing quality that was second-tier, especially
when compared to Lexus.
With the huge success of its Escalade SUV in the late
1990s, and the return of rear-wheel-drive to the sedan lineup with
the entry-level CTS, Cadillac is poised to regain some of its former
passenger-car glory.
It's going to do that with the STS, the all-new
model that replaces the Seville.
Designed from the Sigma global chassis that also
formed the basis for the smaller CTS, the STS is a smartly styled
sedan that makes no compromises in its effort to offer luxury
in a package that's fun to drive.
It's available in three configurations: A base V6
model that has a 255-horsepower 3.6-liter engine; a V8 model with
the very smooth 4.6-liter Northstar engine that delivers 320 horsepower;
and an all-wheel-drive version available only with the Northstar
V8.
The transmission for all three is a five-speed unit
that is among the best automatics GM has ever offered.
Prices start at $40,995 for the V6 model and rise
steeply for the all-wheel-drive version. Our test car was a V8
STS and carried a base sticker price of $47,495, but the optional
luxury performance package, which included everything from a heated
wood-rim steering wheel to XM satellite radio to rain-sensing
wipers to magnetic ride control to a sunroof, jumped the price
to a breathtaking $58,560.
That's a stiff price, but not out of line with similar
V8 competitors such as the Lexus LS430, the BMW 5 Series and the
E Class Mercedes-Benz.
So what do you get for that much cash? A very satisfying
luxury sport sedan that's easily the best Cadillac in decades.
The latest generation of the Cadillac styling theme
that began with the Escalade and was most prominent on the CTS,
the STS is a very handsome sedan that looks modern yet not flashy.
It is larger than a BMW 5 Series, but doesn't appear so. It successfully
captures a European panache, but looks decidedly American.
For those who crave Cadillac quiet, the STS has
triple door seals, uses a special grade of steel in the dashboard
and has made aerodynamic tweaks overall to create a car that rides
more quietly than any other GM car we've driven, and rivals the
Lexus LS430.
Interior, 2006 Cadillac STS
Click image for larger view |
Inside, with the added luxury package, there's cabin
that is plush without overdoing it -- a balance lost in previous
big Cadillac sedans. There's eucalyptus trim throughout, and the
front seats are both heated and ventilated.
Seating for five adults is very
comfortable and suitable for long trips without fear of fatigue.
Standard is a full spread of front, side and head curtain airbags.
For the driver, the Northstar V8 -- which has a
keyless system and starts and shuts off with the push of a button
-- delivers crisp, rocket like thrust, yet doesn't make the STS
feel like a hot rod. The handling with the optional magnetic ride
control is an optimum mix of sport-sedan feel -- with great steering
feedback -- and a smooth highway ride.
Fuel mileage, usually not a huge consideration in
this price range, is rated at 17 to 26 miles per gallon by the
EPA, and we saw an average of 21 mpg.
Although we weren't able to test the V6 version
of the STS, reports indicate it's a capable performer and well
worth considering, especially given the $6,000 base price differential
with the V8 model. The all-wheel-drive model, which carries a
sticker of $63,510, but is also loaded with features that are
optional on the other models, is worth considering in places where
winter lasts more than a few months.
For those who crave a powerful performance sedan,
Cadillac, taking a cue from Mercedes-Benz's AMG high-performance
models, will introduce the STS-V late this year. The V version
will have a 440-horsepower supercharged 4.4-liter Northstar V8
coupled to an all-new six-speed automatic transmission.
Altogether, it's safe to say that the STS is unlike
any big Cadillac sedan ever built. And that's good news for fans
of American-made luxury.
Specifications:
| Base list price, including delivery charge: |
$47,495 |
| Engine: |
4.6-liter V8 |
| Horsepower: |
320 @ 6,400 rpm |
| Transmission: |
5-speed automatic |
| Chassis: |
Rear-wheel-drive; Full-time all-wheel-drive
(opt.) |
| Basic warranty: |
4 years/50,000 miles |
| Fuel economy: |
17/26 mph EPA est., 21 mpg observed |
| Factory to customer rebates: |
$1,500 rebate to current GM vehicle owners |
| Factory financing/lease: |
5.9 percent financing |
-- Posted: Feb. 15, 2005
