In recent years, Cadillac has reinvented itself with new products, a new attitude, and a new look. But to keep buyers coming in, Cadillac must go beyond the angular lines that have become their bold trademark and offer products that are constantly improving under the skin. So let’s look at Cadillac’s new 2005 STS sedan, and see if America’s top luxury brand is still moving ahead.

And moving forward is what the 2005 Cadillac STS luxury sedan is all about. But moving forward can sometimes require you to move backwards; or at least move your drive wheels backwards. The all new STS is built on GM’s rear wheel drive Sigma platform, which it shares with the CTS sport sedan and SRX luxury utility. It’s the first rear drive Seville since 1980, and is intended to give the STS more of the Euro driving dynamics that so many trendy luxury buyers demand. But if you want more than that, the STS can also be equipped with all wheel drive; a first for a Cadillac sedan. The all wheel drive system is similar to the one used on the SRX. It combines three open differentials with four wheel traction control and delivers a 40/60 front to rear nominal torque split to maximize both dry weather handling and foul weather traction.

Power for the new STS is also shared with the SRX. It begins with a 3.6 liter 24 valve V6 engine. Output is 255 horsepower and 252 pound feet of torque, thanks to variable valve timing and a dual stage variable intake manifold. But the more popular powerplant will no doubt be the latest 4.6 liter dual cam Northstar V8, with 320 horses and 315 pound feet of torque. It also includes variable valve timing, a high flow induction system, as well as an electronic throttle. Both engines feed power through new 5 speed automatic transmissions. They include manual shift capability, and Performance Algorithm Liftfoot technology, which continuously alters shift patterns to maximize acceleration. And it uses GM’s new keyless Smart Remote Start ignition. We tried both powertrains during our initial testing near Santa Barbara, California and were quite impressed. The V6 pulls surprisingly well from low rpm, and displays an impressively flat power band. Things get a little noisy at revs, however, as the V6 uses all its punch to move the STS sedan’s 3,857 pound bulk.

The Northstar V8 however, is the picture of refinement, easily hauling even the 4,230 pound all wheel drive model up to speed. The 5 speed transmissions in both cars were crisp and responsive, with the V 8 sprinting from 0 to 60 in 6 seconds without effort. The STS sedan’s Sigma chassis is carried on a short/long arm front, and multi link rear suspension, with standard StabiliTrak active handling system, Nivomat load leveling shocks, and available Magnetic Ride Control which, in turn, rides on a choice of 17 or 18 inch aluminum wheels. Those wheels take directions from a new variable ratio rack and pinion steering system. A faster ZF Servotronic system is included with the optional Sport Package.

In all forms, the new STS is a very tight, capable car, with a much more athletic feel than its predecessor. The German tuned chassis is nimble and responsive, with rear wheel drive models displaying a noticeably quicker turn in than the heavier all wheel drive versions. But given the more luxurious nature of the STS, the feel is softer than the CTS and most of its European competition.

Styling is softer as well. Cadillac designers smoothed out many of the sharp creases of Caddy’s 21st century Art & Science trademark. The oversized stacked projector beam headlights can be upgraded to Xenon HID lamps with washers. They front an STS that is more compact than its predecessor, with overall length down by almost 5 inches. Wheelbase, however, has grown to 116.4 inches, an increase of 4.2 inches.

Pushing the wheels out to the corners allowed Cadillac designers to pack in an interior that is as roomy as that of the previous STS. Interior lines are also cleaner than other recent efforts. There is a wide, elegant expanse, yet it still retains a driver oriented cockpit. There’s generous wood trim, with aluminum an option. The seats feature 8 way power, and some very refined Tuscany leather, while bolstering is also a little on the soft side. Both heat and ventilation options are available. They plant you squarely in front of a clean, if very sparse, gauge cluster and an optional 4 color head up display. The easy to reach center stack houses an available DVD navigation system with an 8 inch screen and voice recognition, as well as entertainment options that include a 300 watt Bose 15 speaker surround sound system, that is also MP3 and Bluetooth capable. After all that technology, the rear seat is a quiet, comfortable retreat. There’s plenty of head, leg and shoulder room. Seat heaters are available. And finally, there’s an easy to load 13.8 cubic foot trunk.

The new STS is a lot of car, no matter how you look at it. And one that starts at $40,995 with the V6 engine. Choose the Northstar V8 with rear wheel drive, and you’ll pay $50,340. While $52,240 is the price for a V8 with all wheel drive.

The 2005 Cadillac STS is sophisticated, stylish and very modern. Just what GM’s top luxury brand needs to move further into Euro luxury territory, and capture the more discriminating, if more conservative, buyer. Trying to break a Benz or Beemer habit with a Caddy will not be easy. But if any domestic car can entice them to do it, it’s the 2005 Cadillac STS.

Specifications

  • Engine: 4.6 Liter Dual Cam Northstar V8
  • Horsepower: 320
  • Torque: 315 Lb Feet
  • 0-60 MPH: 6 Seconds