Cadillac has made steady progress in transforming itself from a premium domestic brand to a global luxury car player. The sporty CTS and the SRX crossover can hold their own against all comers. But, now it’s time for Caddy to play with the big boys - the large luxury sedans that define truly great brands. In Cadillac’s corner, it’s the all new XTS. So, let the games begin.

The 2013 Cadillac XTS has a lot on its plate. It will carry the torch against leading-edge large luxury sedans like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Lexus GS, and Audi A6. But, it must also appeal to customers of the two cars it will replace, the full-size DTS and mid-size STS. That’s also probably why the XTS’s overall length of 202 inches is shorter than the DTS and longer than the STS. But, even as an in-betweener, it’s still longer than global rivals. Targeting V6 competitors, the XTS comes amply equipped with the CTS’s direct injection, 3.6-liter V6, though it puts out slightly less power here at 304-horsepower and 264 pound feet of torque. Like the GS the XTS connects with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The E-Class has 7-speeds and the A6 sports 8. But despite fewer gears, Government Fuel Economy Ratings are very respectable at 17-City and 28-Highway. And, unlike competitors, the XTS gets by fine on Regular gas.

Although oriented as a pure luxury car, that doesn’t mean the XTS rides like a floaty luxo-boat. Magnetic Ride Control with rear air springs is standard. Combined with the dual-path HiPer Strut front suspension, ride can be as firm or as soft as you want it to be. Plus, the optional Haldex all-wheel drive system with limited slip differential varies torque at each rear wheel for a further handling boost. However, the front or all-wheel-drive XTS is not a car that you can really push through the corners, but it is one that does feel smooth, comfortable, and very solid when driven at a spirited pace. 

To us, the high point of the XTS is the interior with a level of comfort and high-tech features that will surprise even the most ardent skeptics. Looking both elegant and futuristic, the multi-dimensional layout features attractive wood trim and plenty of tightly wrapped cowhide with exposed stitching.  The XTS is also the launch vehicle for Cadillac’s new CUE interface. The Cadillac User Experience consists of an 8-inch center screen with the same captive touch technology used on tablets and smart phones, with the most natural voice recognition system we’ve yet tried. And speaking of tablets, all XTS’s will come with an iPad preloaded with a CUE app to help owners learn how to use it with minimum distraction.

The gauge cluster appears on a 12-inch screen of its own. There are multiple configurations, but if you find it distracting, the available Head-Up Display gives you plenty of info while letting you keep your eyes totally on the road. An 8-speaker Bose system with HD radio is standard, but you can upgrade to a full Studio Surround sound system with 14-speakers. Keeping up on the technology front, a whole raft of safety features are available, including the usual blind spot and lane departure warnings, but also automatic front and rear braking and a Safety Alert Seat that will vibrate to alert the driver of potential problems. When not vibrating, the front seats are incredibly comfortable, as you would expect in a Cadillac, and are covered in varying grades of leather, depending upon which trim level you choose. And not only can you fit 3 full-size adults in the back, all their luggage as well as the XTS’s trunk will swallow an enormous 18-cubic-feet of belongings with ease. And, in order to ease fueling, Cadillac has also added a capless fuel filler.

Though there are some remaining art and science sharp lines, the XTS has a much softer overall look than the CTS. The latest evolution is more polished, more mature, less intent on making a statement, and more focused on just being confidently luxurious. A large multi-dimensional grille is the centerpiece of a wide front end that includes standard HID headlights with adaptive lighting available.19-inch wheels are standard as well, 20’s optional and they underline a profile that is very smooth looking, if a bit chunky. There’s less departure from tradition in back, as tail fin tail lights and a large wreath and crest are proudly displayed. Dual exhaust cutouts are trimmed in chrome. 

When it comes time to visit your local Cadillac dealership, you’ll need to bring at least $44,995 for a Standard front-wheel-drive XTS, of which we doubt many will be sold. Most buyers will opt for either the Luxury or Premium Collection, while some will go all out and pony up $59,080 for the Platinum Collection XTS. So, how do we think the XTS will fair on the world stage? If you are a died-in-wool Mercedes-Benz or Audi leasee, we doubt that the 2013 Cadillac XTS will draw you stateside. But, if brand loyalty is less your style, and you’re seeking a distinctive large luxury ride with able performance and a knock-out interior, not to mention tech-savy electronics, then the XTS should exceed your needs. Like the CTS, SRX, and upcoming ATS, the XTS is another layer in building a world class foundation for Cadillac.

It’s a fun, enjoyable ride that lets you know what you’re in for right away with a nice raspy exhaust note at start up.