Overview:
This weeks Cadillac DTS (DeVille Touring Sedan) appears to be a “mans” car. Demographics show sales 85% men and 15% women with an average age of 67 and married. Cost can’t be the reason because young people make more money than this age group.
The younger set still seems to opt for BMW, Mercedes and all the “in things” in their generation. The are living with the legacy of parents who abandoned American carmakers in the 60’s and 70’s as a backlash against arrogant and too comfortable US manufacturers. The Japanese gave us an option and we took it. Now the perception is that foreign is better. And thanks to brilliant advertising today’s youthful buyers haven’t rediscovered American cars. It is surely fashionable to own a foreign car, which explains why Cadillac sells so well abroad where it is the import. Mercedes are still used as taxicabs in much of the world. You never see a Porsche on the autobahns of Germany, for example, because all the production they can manage is sold in Los Angeles. The flip side of that is that you do see Corvettes in Europe. Go figure. Is the grass really greener on the other side?
The DTS is new, sporty, high tech and it rivals most of the foreign imports. Consider the following technical features: StabiliTrak 2.0 that controls steering assist to limit wheel travel and keep the vehicle stable. Continuous road sensing independent suspension that reads the road surface and driving style once every millisecond and adjusts from “soft” to “firm”. Magnasteer is continuous speed-sensitive, variable-assist power steering. Rear parking assist radar, Night Vision and OnStar satellite emergency navigation systems round out a full compliment of indications of what’s to come in everyday driving in the future.
I am concerned, however, with future maintenance of such gadgets, albeit from the 8 Cadillac’s I’ve owned, they were all very reliable. It is a Cadillac, after all, and recognized around the world as just that – Top of the line “Standard of Quality”.
Handling & Performance:
Given its wide and tall stance, the DeVille’s steel unibody is remarkably aerodynamic, with a drag coefficient of 0.32. I am old fashioned and prefer the feel of rear wheel drive cars. I suspect I’d appreciate front wheel drive more if I were driving in the snow or other unstable surfaces. Much of the competition are rear wheel drive, like Lexus, BMW, Mercedes, and Infiniti.
Styling:
Don’t ask me, I’ve always loved this car that has only gotten better over the years. Some folks don’t like the front end and some say it is “Bland”, but I rather think it is elegant.
Fit and Finish:
By and large it is every bit as good as any of the competition that cost more than Cad.
Definitely more than you need. But there’s a lot of neat stuff here. I liked all but the Night Vision. Perhaps the most useful is the “Ultrasonic” rear-sensing device that warns you of objects in your path while backing and parking. But the most important is the OnStar. This can be life saving in many areas. Med-net stores personal and medical information, and if the air bag deploys emergency folks are instantly alerted. In addition you have someone to talk with for help with a host of questions arising during your travels.
Cost:
Luxury is expensive no matter what the brand. However, I’m convinced that in today’s world, your best buy is American. I also believe it will once again regain its prominence in the minds of Americans in the near future. That’s why dollar for dollar; you get the most for your money with American cars.
Consumer Recommendation:
Test-drive this car. Instinctively you know the most advanced technology and engineering and best design people in the world are right here in the USA. Americans are still mesmerized by the aura of European and Japanese made cars. Young buyers will be most apt to buy the DTS model because it is the most sporty and youthful design. In any case, if you agree with me that this is a “class act” don’t waste your money on the Night Vision for $2,250.
I’m really looking forward to testing the CTS model soon. Thoroughly modern in my view, Millie.
Manufacturer Recommendations:
Night vision is a good idea, but it has limited application. In town it is a distraction and I suspect urban areas is where this car will be used. It will be interested to see how it sells. On the other hand, it may just be priced too high.
The Competition:
(1) Cadillac DeVille $43-48,000, (2) Audi A8 $62-67,000, (3) BMW 7 Series $68-72,000, (4) Infiniti Q45 $50,500, (5) Jaguar XJ Series $56-78,000, Lexus LS 430 $54,405, Mercedes Benz S-Class $72-115.000.
Good News:
Many features that will appeal to many, spacious trunk, extremely comfortable on the road, uncharacteristic good gas stats for a big luxury car that weighs 2 tons and you can use 87 octane gas.
Bad News:
Gadgetry could become troublesome and costly to fix.
Standard Equipment:
4.6 liter 300 horsepower V8 NorthStar System, 4-speed auto trans, front wheel drive, Magnasteer power steering, 4-wheel road sensing suspension, StabiliTrak 2.0, 4-wheel antilock disc brakes, traction control, front and side airbags, theft deterrent, keyless entry, power and heated mirrors, OnStar communications, rain sensing wipers and headlight activation, Zebrano wood trim, leather, 10-way power seats, compass, climate control, tilt wheel, Bose sound with cassette and CD, heated seats front and rear, rear air bags, memory, ultrasonic rear parking assist, Night Vision, sunroof, chrome 17” wheels and XM Satellite radio 100 channels national coverage.
Gas Stats:
18 City and 27 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP $55,395.
