American luxury at its finest

Cadillac is in the midst of a winning streak, debuting models Escalade sport utility vehicle in 2002, the CTS for 2003, and both the XLR two-door two-seat roadster and the SRX sport utility (based on the CTS architecture) in 2004. This fall Cadillac will retire the full-size DeVille, replacing it with the DTS.

For 2005, Cadillac has introduced a new model, the STS, replacing the Seville in the luxury division lineup. Actually the STS moniker has been around a for few years as the trim level on the Seville.

The STS is built on the same platform as the best selling Cadillac CTS, only stretched, making it an overall larger sedan. Both models are rear-wheel drive and are built in Lansing, Mich., alongside the CTS and SRX.

The STS borrows styling cues from the CTS up front and the DeVille in back. The overall exterior appearance is plain, un-dramatic and outclassed alongside a 5-Series BMW or E Class Mercedes-Benz. Added standard features push the price well past the CTS and into Mercedes-Benz, Lexus and BMW territory.

STS is a four-door five-passenger sedan with GM's newest 255-horsepower V-6 or 320 horsepower V-8 engines. For the first time ever, Cadillac offers all-wheel drive (AWD) - but there's a catch. The $1,900 AWD option is only available on the more expensive V-8, with the required 1SG option package that adds a multitude of features at a whopping $13,115. That pushes the MSRP to well over $60,000, a price that just seems too high.

Inside, genuine eucalyptus wood trim enhancements are found on the doors, center stack, console, shift knob and thick steering wheel with redundant audio controls. At the top of the center stack is an eight-inch touch screen, home to the overly complicated DVD navigation system, audio and other functional controls. However, it is less complicated than the massive array of buttons and knobs on Mercedes-Benz products and by far easier to use than BMW's maddening iDrive system.

Replacing the traditional ignition key is a proximity key - to be carried in your pocket or purse - that allows you to start the STS by pushing a button. Just don't leave the fob in your pocket if your spouse is dropping you off at the airport. The key fob also allows the car to be started remotely, a nice feature for our friends in colder climes.

Once behind the wheel, my nostrils filled with the scent of thickly bolstered Nuance leather seats. Interior room seems tight and the driver's seat wouldn't adjust down enough to keep my head from brushing the headliner. A too-wide center console chewed up desirable hip room.

Cadillac boasts a generous 38.8 inches of legroom, but adults six feet and taller will feel cramped. STS claims room for five but given the hump in the rear floor to accommodate rear wheel drive, two riders seems optimum.

The glove box is tiny but the cabin is filled with ample alternative storage spaces, door pockets and cup holders. Trunk space is listed as 13.8 cubic feet.

My V-6 tester with 255 horsepower was surprisingly quick and never felt underpowered. I was easily able to reach expressway speeds and pass with ease. Cornering is flat, the suspension firm but not jarring, and the brakes felt excellent. STS is pleasant overall to drive but not the same as a true sports sedan. However, I expect most buyers will enjoy the experience.

Cadillac engineers went to extreme lengths to quiet the cabin and eliminate sources of vibration and noise. Foam was injected into every exposed and available chassis space and acoustic noise deadening material was applied to floor barriers, body pillars and the trunk. It is quiet. Not Lexus quiet, but quiet and when not on rubberized asphalt I noticed excessive and annoying tire noise in the cabin.

Standard features abound. Every STS comes with standard leather seats, eight-way power seats, dual zone climate control, power tilt/telescope steering wheel, 8-speaker Bose? audio system with CD, self-leveling rear suspension and rear park assist that signals the driver to the nearness of objects behind.

Safety features include front, side and head airbags, stability control, four-wheel disc brakes with panic brake assist and premium V-rated tires. STS earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's highest score "good" and along with a "Best Pick" for overall frontal crash test results.

Overall there's much to like about the new STS. Domestic loyalists will find the STS a classy choice that provides outstanding comfort, luxurious appointments and a responsive powertrain. Those who favor European and Asian luxury sedans will remain unconvinced and tepid toward the STS at best.

The new STS is much refined over the old Seville but is still playing catch-up with leading imports. It seems bland when compared to new offerings like Infiniti M45, Lexus GS 430, Audi A6, Acura RL and BMW 5-Series.

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