KansasCity.com's view

Cadillac’s DeVille Touring Sedan (DTS) is a full-size luxury sedan with plenty of muscle and a long list of high-tech gadgets. Even though its near-$50,000 price puts it in contention with the Lexus LS 430, Infiniti Q45, BMW 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz S-class, it has a distinctly American character.

The five-passenger, performance-oriented DTS sits atop the DeVille family tree, which is composed of three models: DeVille, DeVille DHS and DeVille DTS. The basic DeVille starts at $41,665, while the DHS and DTS begin at $47,237. It rides on GM’s 115.3-inch wheelbase G platform and is 2 inches narrower and 3 inches shorter than the 1999.

The DTS is Cadillac’s technological showcase. It is offered with state-of-the-art technical gadgets such as Night Vision infrared technology, vehicle stability control, road-sensing adjustable suspension and ultrasonic rear parking sensors.

A 300-horsepower version of Cadillac’s vaunted 4.6-liter Northstar V-8 provides more than adequate performance for a full-size sedan. This engine is smooth and robust. It accelerates strongly at the slightest prod, and it snarls its way up to speed with a muted wail that sounds like a distant Corvette. Cranking 300 horsepower through the front wheels can be a bit of a challenge, and at full throttle they paw slightly from side to side in search for traction.

The DeVille’s styling was fairly bold back in early 2000, but it now looks less radical. The vertically stacked headlights are becoming a Cadillac trademark, and the clean, angular lines, devoid of excess chrome, also point the way toward future products. The next Catera, called the CTS, will carry many of these themes even further.

Inside, DTS has analog-style instruments that rival Lexus for clarity and style. Secondary controls for radio and climate control are wide, flat buttons that are simple to decipher and easy to use. If only all GM cars could have radios that are this well designed. The sound quality of our test car’s Bose stereo was top-notch.

The sporty DTS only has front bucket seats, and they are covered in perforated leather, but the ones in the test car, from Cadillac’s press fleet, showed an uncommon amount of wear for a car that is only a few months old. Whether that reflects how the seats will wear in all cars is open to conjecture. The back seat has generous room, and rear-seat side airbags are a $295 option.

Folks who put in long hours behind the wheel will appreciate a lumbar massage feature that uses 20 rollers to gently squeeze your back for up to 10 minutes. This can be a wonderful way to reduce tiredness on daylong trips.

The DTS is aimed at drivers who want a big sedan with athletic reflexes. Considering its size, the DTS is pretty responsive. It tracks through turns with confidence and the ride, although taut, is soft enough to be comfortable. Credit the road-sensing suspension system that adjusts the ride according to conditions. The StabiliTrak vehicle st ability system helps counteract skidding by applying one brake at a time and reducing power if needed. StabiliTrak can rarely be invoked on dry pavement, but it would be most helpful in rain or snow.

Price
The base price of the DTS is $47,237. Options on the test car include Night Vision, power sunroof, chrome wheels, six-disc CD changer, wood trim package, rear side airbags and the security package. The sticker price was $53,867.

Warranty
Four years or 50,000 miles. To get in touch with Tom Strongman, send e-mail to tstrongman@kc.rr.com.

Point: The redesigned DeVille boasts technical innovations on a par with the best in the luxury segment. The V-8 is sweet, StabiliTrak is useful when things get slippery and Night Vision is spectacular, although it can be a distraction.

Counterpoint: The DTS is a pretty expensive package. The sporty ride of the DTS feels a bit edgy, and full throttle results in mild torque steer as the ont wheels fight for traction.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine: 4.6-liter, 300-hp V-8
Transmission: automatic Front-wheel drive
Wheelbase: 115.3 inches
Curb weight: 4,047 lbs.
Base price: $46,517
As driven: $53,867
Mpg rating: 17 city, 27 hwy.
> >